Conventional Boilers

A conventional boiler—also known as a regular, heat-only, or open-vent boiler—is a traditional type of heating system found in many older homes. Unlike a combi boiler, it requires a hot water cylinder (usually in an airing cupboard) and a cold water storage tank (usually in the loft) to function.

How It Works:

1. Cold water is fed into the system from a tank in the loft.

2. The boiler heats the water and stores it in a hot water cylinder.

3. When you need hot water, it is drawn from the cylinder.

4. Central heating is also supplied from the boiler, typically via radiators.
   
   

Best For:

• Larger homes with multiple bathrooms: Conventional boilers are great for homes where several hot water outlets may be in use at the same time. Because hot water is stored in a tank, it can supply multiple taps or showers simultaneously without a drop in pressure.

• Homes with existing pipework for a conventional system: If your house already has a hot water cylinder and cold water tank, it's often simpler and more cost-effective to replace the system with a similar one.

• Areas with low mains water pressure: Since cold water is stored in a loft tank and delivered via gravity, a conventional system can function well even with low mains pressure.

Things to Consider:

• Takes up more space: You’ll need room for both the hot water cylinder and the cold water tank.

• Limited hot water: Once the hot water tank is empty, you have to wait for it to reheat.

• Installation is more complex and expensive: More pipework and storage components mean a more involved setup and potentially higher maintenance.