You may have trouble buying a new boiler or, worse yet, be ripped off if you don’t understand what type of boiler you own. You may not be aware of the type of boiler in your home if you’ve never needed to replace it or repair it.
The type of boiler you choose depends largely on your home’s size, water pressure and hot water requirements. When you are looking to upgrade or repair your boiler, it is important to know the type installed at your house. You can easily determine the type of boiler that you have by performing a quick visual inspection.
Types of Boilers
The boiler that you choose will be largely determined by the size of your home and your existing heating system.
Three main types of boilers are available:
- Combi boilers.
- System boilers.
- Regular boilers.
It is easy to tell the difference between these three systems. With our guide, you will be able to identify which system is in your home.
Combi Boilers
Combination or Combi boiler refers to a gas-fired boiler without a separate water heater and central heating unit.
Both are combined in a single tank, so there is no need for separate tanks. You can get instant hot water.
Combi boilers are compact but highly efficient.
The system doesn’t waste energy heating water constantly stored.
Your fuel bill will reflect this energy savings.
How do you know if you have a combi boiler?
A combi boiler is one that does not have an external pump and has a cold-water storage tank as well as both a hot-water cylinder and a cylinder of hot water in the airing cupboard.
It’s possible, however, that these components were still left over from a previous installation.
To avoid confusion, check all parts to see if they’re in use.
Checking the copper pipes that come out of the bottom is another quick way to determine if you have a combination boiler.
A combi boiler has five copper wires that come out of it and is one unit without hot or cold water tanks.
You can identify boiler types by looking at the property type.
The boiler can only heat water for one tap. This is why combi boilers are installed in properties that have a small bathroom.
System Boilers
System boilers are typically found in homes that use hot water more frequently.
System boilers heat the water in a separate tank. The heated water is then stored, and if necessary, supplied to several bathrooms.
It does not require an expansion tank, or feed like regular boilers.
Once the hot water has been used, you’ll have to wait until the water is refilled.
The system boilers are also large and not suitable for smaller homes or apartments.
How do you know if you have a system boiler?
A system boiler is one that has a hot-water cylinder, but not an external pump or cold-water storage tank.
Make sure the hot water cylinder you are using is not part of an old boiler.
Check the number of pipes that come out of the base of the boiler to confirm if you have a system boiler.
Three copper pipes indicate a system boiler.
You can also confirm if a system boiler has been installed by assessing the size of your property.
Large properties with several bathrooms are usually equipped with system boilers.
Regular Boilers
Regular boilers can also be called traditional, conventional open-vent or heat-only boilers.
These boilers are large and take up a great deal of space. They can also be difficult to install.
A regular boiler has a hot and cold water storage tanks, as well as an expansion cistern.
The boiler can heat large homes and provide hot water for multiple bathrooms.
If the hot water runs out, it will be necessary to wait until the tank is refilled and the water has heated up, just like with system boilers.
How do you know if your boiler is a regular one?
You have a boiler if you have a system that has a hot-water cylinder, a pump external, and a storage tank for cold water.
You will still have to make sure that all parts work and aren’t just leftovers.
Check how many pipes are coming out of the furnace. Two copper wires are usually visible on a regular boiler, one at the top and another at the bottom.
Regular boilers are only available in large homes, as they take up a lot more space. They’re not suitable for small spaces.
Other Boilers to Consider
It is possible that, in addition to the three types of boilers listed above, your home has also been fitted with one of the following boilers.
Biomass boiler
The boilers use wood pellets or chips as biomass fuel.
These boilers are an excellent renewable alternative to the common gas boilers .
These boilers are more efficient and cost less. They are also a renewable fuel source. The biomass boilers, however, are big and take up lots of space.
Electric boiler
Electric boilers can be used when a gas supply cannot or is not desired.
Electric Boilers in UK are a good alternative to gas boilers. They are also efficient and lose very little heat. They do, however, generate high electric costs.
Back boiler
Back boilers is a type of boiler that has a heating-only system. They also have incorporated storage.
You can store hot water in a cylinder externally.
The boilers installed in the 1960s to 1980s were typically fitted behind fireplaces.
Instantaneous hot water
They are often found in older bathrooms. The water is heated at the point of exit, or it can be used like an electric shower.
Combination heat and Power boiler
These boilers also have a heating-only system. These boilers can also be used to generate electricity for use around the house.
Boiler LPG/Oil
The boilers work in the same manner as gas boilers. The only difference between them and gas boilers is that they store the fuel on site, not off-grid.
Oil boilers, although efficient, are expensive and harmful to the environment.
Not Sure Which Boiler You Have?
You can use the internet to find out what type of boiler you own if you are still unsure after considering all these factors.
Compare images and videos to your boiler online.
You can find out the type of boiler that you have by searching online for its name and model.
You can contact us via the live chat, or call us and we will be happy to help you.
What Type Of Boiler Do I Have? What Type Of Boiler Do I Have?
In the winter months, a boiler is essential for your home. It is vital to have your boiler serviced regularly to prevent future damage.
To do this, you will need to identify the type of boiler that you own. You can also take immediate steps to fix any damage you may have by knowing the type of boiler.
Consult an expert if you are unsure of the type of boiler that you own.