There are 3 different types of high-efficiency condensing boiler:
| Combi |
| Regular (a regular boiler is often also referred to as a “traditional” or “conventional” boiler.) |
| System |
Each type delivers all the benefits of high-efficiency technology, but which one you choose will depend on several factors, including your property, your lifestyle and the professional advice of a Gas Safe Register (Great Britain) or CORGI (N. Ireland and Channel Islands) installer for gas boilers, or, an OFTEC registered installer for oil-fired boilers.
An example of a central heating and hot water system layout using a regular boiler
If you are replacing an older model of boiler, the chances are that you will have a regular (conventional) boiler. A typical conventional system incorporates a boiler and extended controls, a feed and expansion cistern, and a hot water cylinder (usually in the airing cupboard) which is often fed by a cold water storage cistern located in the loft.
*a thermostatically-controlled shower safeguards against sudden changes in water temperature.
| Consideration | Most suitable boiler |
|---|---|
| You want to use your loft space for a room conversion or other purpose | COMBI |
| You live in a flat or bungalow (i.e. have very little or no roof space) | COMBI |
| Your home has more than 2 bathrooms | REGULAR OR SYSTEM |
| Your main water pressure is low | REGULAR OR SYSTEM |
| You want to replace an old boiler to improve an existing conventional central heating system | REGULAR, SYSTEM or COMBI |
| There is a need to have hot water available on tap without waiting for it to heat up. | COMBI |
