Why Choose a Combi Boiler?
Combination, or “combi” boiler, is far and away the most popular type of heating boiler here in the UK.
Combination boilers are so called because they do a combination of two different things – they both provide heat into your home through your radiators and give you hot water on demand when you turn on the tap.
There must be some reason why these types of boilers have eclipsed the competition, so just what are the main benefits of a combi boiler?
Combi boilers are efficient
The main advantage of combi boilers over some of the alternatives is that they are more energy efficient and will cost less to run.
Combi boilers can be set on a timer to come on and switch off as you need them, and you are never paying to heat hot water which just sits in the tank.
Boiler technology has moved on considerably in recent years, and modern boilers are more efficient than ever, converting more fuel into heat.
If you are thinking of buying a new combi boiler check out the grading system which rates boilers in terms of efficiency.
All new combi boilers sold have to be at least 88% efficient, but some score more highly.
Combi boilers run on a range of fuels
Most combi boilers work on mains gas, but for people who live in rural areas where there is no mains gas supply, oil-fired combi boilers are another option.
Combi boilers can also sometimes run alongside wood stoves or solid fuel burners, which gives you additional flexibility in the way you use your heating.
Combi boilers are convenient and flexible
Most modern combi boilers come with a very easy to use control panel which allows you to set the timings for your heating.
If you have thermostats fitted to the radiators in each room you can also vary the temperature around the house – perhaps having a lower temperature in bedrooms and bathrooms and a warmer temperature in the lounge.
Using a combi boiler to heat your water also means you have the flexibility of being able to run a bath or jump into the shower whenever you want to, rather than having to wait until the boiler has heated the tank.
A combi boiler will also save space as there is no longer any need for a separate hot water tank.
Combi boilers are reliable
Modern combi boilers have been developed to be as reliable and robust as possible, and most new ones come with a manufacturer’s guarantee for at least three years.
If your boiler does break down, as combi boilers are so popular, you will have no difficulty in finding a Gas Safe registered engineer to come in and repair it for you.
Parts are readily available, and repair costs can be kept down.
If you haven’t signed up for a boiler insurance package to cover repairs to your boiler, remember to shop around for the best repair prices by comparing prices from different local heating engineers, remembering to factor in both their hourly rate and any call-out charge.
