Combi boilers

A combi boiler (short for combination boiler) is a type of heating system that combines two functions into one unit: it provides both central heating (heating water to warm the house) and hot water on demand (providing hot water directly to taps and showers). This is done without needing a separate water tank or hot water cylinder, which makes combi boilers a popular choice for homes with limited space.

How It Works:

• The combi boiler heats water directly from the mains when you turn on a tap or shower.

• It eliminates the need for a cold water storage tank or a hot water cylinder, which are typically used in other heating systems.

• It heats water "on demand," meaning there's no stored hot water, so you only get hot water when you need it, which can save energy.

Best For:

• Small to medium-sized homes with one or two bathrooms are ideal for combi boilers. If you have more bathrooms or need a lot of hot water usage simultaneously (e.g., multiple showers running at once), a combi boiler might struggle to keep up with the demand.

• Homes with limited space are also well-suited for combi boilers because they don’t require extra space for water tanks or cylinders. It’s a compact system that works well in apartments or homes where maximising space is important.

Things to Consider:

• Water pressure: Combi boilers rely on mains water pressure. If your home has low water pressure, it might not work as efficiently.

• Hot water demand: If you have a large family or use a lot of hot water at the same time, a combi might not be the best choice, as it can struggle to supply enough hot water to multiple outlets simultaneously.