Not all boilers are the same. In fact, they work in surprisingly different ways, depending on the nature of the application.
The Three Main Types of Boilers
There are three main types of boilers: regular, combi and system.
Combi boilers are single compact water heaters that operate without a separate cold-water tank. Water from the mains supply passes over heating elements within the boiler unit, producing hot water on demand for both central heating and use from taps.
These boilers are more compact than other varieties. They do not require extra space for water storage. The disadvantage is that they can struggle to provide sufficient hot water for larger homes.
Regular boilers, also called “conventional “or “heat-only” boilers, rely on a cold-water storage tank. Typically, you find these in older properties with traditional heating systems. Cold water from the storage tank feeds the hot water tank, both of which are usually found in the loft. The advantage of regular boilers is that they can supply more hot water than combi boilers. However, they also take up more space.
System boilers use a hot water cylinder for storing hot water, but they do not rely on a cold-water storage tank. You typically find them in homes with space or that don’t have lofts. Because they have a large hot water storage tank, they tend to be better suited for bigger homes. Owners benefit from a constant supply of hot water from multiple taps at the same time.
