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How to Choose the Right Boiler for Your Home 

ByAbbey Plumbing & Heating

Choosing a new boiler is a big decision. The right system will keep your home warm, provide reliable hot water and help keep your energy bills under control. The wrong choice can mean poor water pressure, higher running costs and unnecessary stress. 

In this guide, we will walk you through the three main types of boilers, how to size a boiler correctly and what to look for in terms of energy efficiency. 

If you are unsure, the team at Abbey Plumbing and Heating are always happy to offer honest advice based on your property and usage. 

Combi vs System vs Regular Boilers 

Understanding the differences between boiler types is the first step in making the right choice. 

Combi Boilers 

A combi, short for combination boiler, provides heating and hot water directly from the mains. There is no need for a separate hot water cylinder or cold water tank. 

Best for: 

  • Small to medium sized homes 
  • Properties with one bathroom 
  • Homes with limited storage space 

Pros: 

  • Compact and space saving 
  • Hot water on demand 
  • Generally lower installation costs 

Things to consider: 

  • Water pressure can drop if multiple taps or showers are used at the same time 
  • Not always ideal for larger households 

Combi boilers are one of the most popular choices in UK homes because of their simplicity and efficiency. 

System Boilers 

A system boiler works with a separate hot water cylinder but does not require a cold water tank in the loft. 

Best for: 

  • Medium to large homes 
  • Properties with more than one bathroom 
  • Households with higher hot water demand 

Pros: 

  • Better suited for multiple bathrooms 
  • Strong and consistent hot water supply 
  • No loft tank required 

Things to consider: 

  • Requires space for a cylinder 
  • Hot water is stored and can run out if heavily used 

System boilers are a great middle ground for families who need more hot water without the complexity of older style systems. 

Regular (Conventional) Boilers 

Regular boilers, also known as conventional or heat only boilers, use both a hot water cylinder and a cold water storage tank, usually in the loft. 

Best for: 

  • Larger homes 
  • Older properties with traditional heating systems 
  • Homes where the existing pipework suits this setup 

Pros: 

  • Can handle high hot water demand 
  • Suitable for homes with older radiators and pipework 

Things to consider: 

  • Takes up more space 
  • More components to maintain 

In many cases, homeowners upgrading from an older system may choose to convert to a combi or system boiler, but this depends on the property layout and water pressure. 

Boiler Sizing Guidance 

Choosing the right type of boiler is important, but so is choosing the correct size. 

Boiler size is measured in kilowatts (kW). This does not refer to the physical size of the unit but the heat output. 

As a general guide: 

  • 1 to 2 bedroom home with 1 bathroom: 24 to 30 kW combi 
  • 3 to 4 bedroom home with 1 to 2 bathrooms: 28 to 35 kW 
  • Larger homes with multiple bathrooms: 35 kW and above, often system or regular boiler 

Other factors that affect sizing include: 

  • Number of radiators 
  • Insulation levels 
  • Window type and property age 
  • Hot water usage habits 

An undersized boiler will struggle to meet demand. An oversized boiler can waste energy and increase wear and tear from constant cycling. 

A proper heat loss calculation is always recommended before installation to ensure the system is correctly specified. 

Energy Efficiency Matters 

Modern boilers in the UK are high efficiency condensing models. Many are rated A for efficiency and can be over 90 percent efficient. 

What does this mean for you? 

  • Lower energy bills 
  • Reduced carbon footprint 
  • Improved heating performance 

You may also want to consider: 

  • Smart thermostats for better control 
  • Weather compensation controls 
  • Upgrading old radiators or pipework 
  • Power flushing to improve system efficiency 

Replacing an old, inefficient boiler can make a significant difference to both comfort and running costs, especially if your current system is over 10 to 15 years old. 

So, Which Boiler Is Right for You? 

There is no one size fits all answer. The right boiler depends on: 

  • The size and layout of your home 
  • Your water usage 
  • Available space 
  • Your budget 
  • Your long term plans for the property 

At Abbey Plumbing and Heating, we take the time to assess your home properly and explain your options clearly, so you can make an informed decision with confidence. 

If you are considering a new boiler installation, or simply want advice on upgrading your current system, get in touch with our friendly team today.