What Are the Different Types of Water Boilers That Exist Today?

Did you know that water heating accounts for 20% of your home’s energy use? That’s what makes choosing the right water boiler essential in reducing your energy consumption and costs. However, there are a few different types of water boilers out there.

To help you make the right choice, we’ll take a closer look at the different types of water boilers available today, from combi and system varieties to conventional ones that still use tanks. We’ll also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Ready to get started? Let’s dive into all things hot-water-boiler-related!

What Is a Water Boiler?

This handy appliance provides hot, clean water on demand. This includes water boilers that power a whole home heating system and a basic countertop boiler. Regardless of the type, all boilers are designed to seamlessly integrate with your existing plumbing and electrical setup to create hot water.

This makes water boilers great for any use, from supplying hot showers and baths to washing dishes in the kitchen sink. This is especially true if you’re using it to power a home heating system. You can place it anywhere and effectively heat the entire system all at once.

What makes these boilers so special, though, is that they’re usually affordable and easy to install and maintain, making them perfect for anyone looking to add an extra layer of convenience to their homeownership life.

Different Types of Water Boilers

Whether you’re considering a boiler replacement or installing a new one altogether, it’s important to know the differences between the main types of boilers.

After all, choosing the right type of boiler is essential to ensure you can easily enjoy hot, running water for your daily shower (so, it’s a pretty big deal!). Know that you’ve got three main types to choose from: combi, heat-only, and system water boilers. Let’s explore each type more in-depth.

Combi

A combi boiler is one of the most efficient and convenient ways to heat homes. The single unit combines a water heater and a central heating boiler into one appliance. This means that you won’t need additional tanks or cylinders. This is a great option for those without space in their home for something like a cold water tank.

Moreover, you can enjoy better energy efficiency and economy because it only heats the water when necessary rather than storing it in a tank. Furthermore, combi boilers also take up less space than their traditional counterparts. Similar to the comment above, this makes them an ideal option for those living in a compact home environment.

Heat-Only

You might have heard of these referred to as “regular” or “traditional” boilers. Regardless of their name, they’re all the same. Heat-only boilers work with a hot water cylinder that feeds cold water through a traditional gravity-fed system or a pump to boost the pressure. Yes, this means you’ll need a hot water cylinder. And, unfortunately, you’ll also need a cold water storage tank.

If you have the space, it’s not a bad setup. However, there is one massive drawback. Both parts must work together for the boiler to function. If either fails, you won’t have any way to heat your water.

All this means is that it’s important to ensure you’re regularly maintaining this type of water boiler. It’s a hassle, sure. However, when it works, it is a pretty effective heating system.

System

Finally, you have system boilers. They’re a great, efficient way to heat your home, saving energy and money. They are unique because they don’t require a separate hot water storage tank. They also work with solar water heating systems.

Not only do system boilers offer a constant supply of hot water to multiple taps simultaneously, but they also lack the need for a loft tank. This frees up storage space in your home. On top of this, system boiler designs are sleek and compact, meaning installation is generally easier than older boiler designs.

What Are the Best Boilers?

With the three types of water boilers above in mind, what are the best boilers? It depends, really. It all comes down to size and type, as boilers are available in many sizes and models. Combi-condensing boilers provide more heat output than traditional systems if you have a larger home or business.

Combi-condensing boilers offer hot water-on-demand convenience while reducing energy costs with high-efficiency ratings. For small homes, a system or regular boilers are suitable.

System boilers preheat the water before it is used, offering consistent temperatures throughout your routine tasks while saving energy by preserving heat longer. Though they require a tank to store cold water and may take up more space than a combi boiler, they provide reliable service at a lower cost upfront.

It’s not just about the type of boiler, though. You’ve got so many brands and sizes to choose from. To help guide you through the selection process, we suggest comparing prices extensively before purchasing a water boiler. It’s also a good idea to work with an experienced contractor who can help you make an informed decision about the best boilers for your home or business.

Learn How to Be a Smart Homeowner

Owning a home can be one of life’s most rewarding experiences. However, as a new homeowner, there’s a steep learning curve. From figuring out how often to service your furnace to choosing the best types of water boilers for your home heating needs, there’s a lot to know about homeownership.

And sure, you could turn to books or even classes to acquire the information needed to make the best decisions for your home and family. Or, you could sit tight and keep browsing HeckHome. We’ve got several how-to guides and articles to help you stay up-to-date and informed.

Go ahead and keep learning. Click here to view all of our home improvement articles.