What Boiler Do I Have?
Most people don’t give much thought to their boiler system. They don’t always know what type of boiler they have. Until it breaks down, that is.
Knowing what type of boiler you have is extremely helpful. It can make it easier to book a repair, source a replacement, or find the source of a problem.
If you don’t know what kind of boiler you have, don’t worry. You’ve come to the right place! All it takes is a quick inspection of your boiler system to discover what type of boiler is in your property. Read on to find out more about the different boiler types and how to tell them apart.
What Type of Boiler Do I Have?
Boilers come in all shapes and sizes. And the type of boiler you have will depend on numerous factors, from the size of your property and the number of occupants to your heating and hot water needs.
There are three main types of boilers available today, all of which we are proud to install. They are:
- Combi boilers
- System boilers
- Regular boilers
If you’re not familiar with the world of boilers, the above probably means nothing to you. So, let us explain in a little more detail.
Combi Boilers
Combi boilers, otherwise known as Combination Boilers, are gas boilers that do not have separate central and water heating systems. Instead, both are combined in the same boiler - hence the name, combination boiler.
As a result, combi boilers tend to be more space efficient. What’s more, they are built to provide on-demand heating and hot water. This means they waste less energy and are more efficient than their predecessors.
Do I Have a Combi Boiler?
So, you live in a property with limited space and you think your boiler looks smaller than other systems you’ve seen before. But how do you know for sure that your boiler is a combi boiler?
Well, a few easy ways to spot a Combi boiler from a system or regular boiler are:
- If your boiler has no external pump
- If there is no hot water cylinder in your property
- If there is no cold water storage tank in your property
- If there are copper wires coming out of your boiler
- If your property only has one bathroom (as combi boilers work best when providing hot water to one tap at a time).
These are all pretty good indicators that your boiler system is a combi boiler. It’s also helpful to note that your boiler might be a combi if your property only has one bathroom. This is because combi boilers work best when providing hot water to one tap at a time and are not powerful enough to meet the heating and hot water demands of larger households with multiple bathrooms and occupants.
Regular Boilers
Regular boilers are often referred to as heat-only boilers. They are the most traditional out of the boiler systems and are commonly found in older homes.
Regular boilers tend to take up a lot of space. This is because they require separate hot and cold water storage tanks, as well as an expansion cistern. As a result, most regular boilers are found in larger properties where there is more space.
One of the biggest advantages of regular boilers is their ability to supply hot water to multiple taps simultaneously. With a regular boiler, the shower can be on in one bathroom, the bath filling up in another, and the central heating can be circulating all at the same time.
Do I Have a Regular Boiler?
If your boiler has two storage tanks, one for cold water and one for hot, as well as an external pump, then you have a regular boiler. Another way to confirm this is by checking that the boiler system has two copper wires coming out of it; one from the top and one from the bottom.
The larger your property is, the more likely you are to have a regular boiler. As we have already mentioned, these systems are not ideal for small spaces such as flats and one bedroom apartments.
System Boilers
System boilers are commonly installed in larger properties where hot water is in high demand. Properties with high hot water and heating demands tend to have a larger number of occupants and multiple bathrooms, so a boiler that can keep up is important.
System boilers use a separate storage tank to heat and store water before supplying it throughout your home. As a result, system boilers tend to take up more space as they require space for the boiler as well as a water storage tank (which can often be found in the loft).
Do I Have a System Boiler?
If you live in a property with multiple bathrooms and more people, you may have a system boiler.
As we mentioned above, system boilers require space for the boiler and a tank for heating and storing water. You can also decipher a system boiler from other types by the three copper pipes coming out of the base.
Choosing the Right Boiler for Your Home
Understanding what type of boiler is in your home is important. It makes organising repairs and replacements easier, and it gives you control of your energy usage.
If the type of boiler in your home isn’t what’s right for your home or needs, we’d be happy to help.
Give Our Team a Call
We hope our tips help you uncover what type of boiler you have. If you’re still unsure, our team would be happy to help. Give us a call today and we can organise a video chat with one of our specialist boiler experts who can identify your boiler and answer any questions you may have.
Final Words
Having a boiler in your home that works well is important. It provides hot water, heating, and keeps your home comfortable all year round.
If you’re unhappy with your boiler, you’re considering a replacement, or you just want some advice, contact our friendly team today - we’d be happy to help!
And for more information about boilers, how they work, and so much more, check out the City Warmth blog.
