Different Types of Boilers

Combination Boilers

Conventional Boilers

Back Boilers

Combination Boiler (Combi)

Being economical to run, combination boilers are the most popular boiler for central heating in the UK. A combination boiler provides heat & endless hot water on demand . No cylinder or water tank is needed. Modern "A" rated combination boilers produce on average 98% efficiency. The combi boiler delivers hot water at the same speed as your cold taps.

Conventional Boiler

Conventional boilers are also known as an open vent or regular boilers. There are either one or two tanks (one large cold water tank, the other a small expanson tank) typically found in the loft and a cylinder which is usually situated in an airing cupboard. Water is fed from the mains to the cold water tank, then feeds the cylinder. The conventional gas boiler will heat the cylinder and release the hot water to taps throughout the house. Hot water is also circulated via pipes to the radiators. Both the hot water and central heating is set via a timer to suit the household.

	Hot water from multiple taps at same time			Have to wait for water to be heated up
	Faster flow rate than a combination boiler			Can run out of hot water & wait to reheat
	An airing cupboard is very useful			Need space for cylinder & tank
	Back up hot water can be heated via an immersion heater
	Compatable with solar energy
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Back Boilers

Back boilers became popular in the late 1960’s. The boiler is situated in the recess behind the fireplace, typically in the lounge. Back boilers work in the same way as a normal conventional boiler heating and supply hot water and a central heating system through the home without the need for a wall-hung boiler taking up valuable space.

A new A rated back boiler is now available. The Baxi Bermuda BBU HE is the only high efficiency back boiler to act a s a direct replacement for the old styles back boilers. The Baxi Bermuda BBU HE is an Energy Saving Trust recommended product.

Alternatively, back boilers can be replaced by the highly efficient combination boilers. This requires finding a suitable location for the new combination boiler, access to the gas supply and a drain for the condensate pipe. The boiler flu needs to be taken outside, i.e. via the roof or an outside wall. The change also requires potentially complicated changes to pipework and redecoration required after installation.