What type of boiler

DevilsAdvocate1

I'm having an extension built and think it is probably a good time to change my old boiler. The plumber is coming out tomorrow to talk to me about it. The builder reckons he will suggest getting a combi boiler. However, my dad has told me to avoid combis at all costs as they are complicated, more likely to have things to go wrong and expensive to fix.

Does anyone have an opinion on combi boilers to help me make a decision please?

Thanks, D.

Canucklehead

Hi

Points to consider.
How many bathrooms /showers do you intend to have ? A combi is limited in the amount of hot water it can provide .
An unvented cylinder with a heat only or system boiler might serve you better.
You will need a good mains pressure.
All boilers are complicated now. A combi contains all the parts that are fitted externally of a heat only boiler. If a pump fails in a combi people blame the boiler, if it fails in an airing cupboard they don't.
Research your subject.;)

Much more information will follow I'm sure.

GSR.

keith1966

I have had a combi boiler for the past 15 years in flats and houses. Only ever a few minor faults in all this time. I usually make sure i have a valid monthly service contract costing £13/month which gives me a yearly boiler service plus all repairs. I would recommend getting one, they are slightly more expensive to buy but running costs are cheaper as you only heat the water you use and you do not need a hot water tank.

dannyxx25

Combi boilers have a life span of around 15yrs if you treat them immaculately, there normally installed in flats or small houses or loft conversions. Regular or system boilers will go in larger houses if you have say 2 or more bathrooms or low water mains pressure. Therefore I would have to ask, how large is your house? All boilers nowadays are condensing boilers therefore they all work similar, the difference between combi's and system boilers are with a combi you don't need a cold water storage cistern with a system boiler you will still need a hot water cylinder. Combi's should be the cheapest and quickest to fit, about 3 days to fit and about £1,000 to install (including boiler), System boilers will take longer to install and cost more depending on hot water cylinder. Please don't take the price I said as a means to compare with the quotes you will receive.

iamcornholio

DevilsAdvocate1 wrote: »

However, my dad has told me to avoid combis at all costs as they are complicated, more likely to have things to go wrong and expensive to fix.

I expect my kids to take my advice :rotfl:, but sometimes dads can be wrong. This is what many plumbers used to say when these new fangled combi's burst onto the scene in the 70's

A combi boiler essentially has only a few parts - pump, valve, circuit/controller board, heat exchanger/burner, a fan. A bit like any other boiler really!

Not really much to go wrong, relatively easy to diagnose if they do, and certain models do have typical faults.

A combi has certain positives (less space, no hot water tank required) and possible negatives (low pressure/flow from hot taps). Its horses for courses - decide what you want from the boiler. Don't have a 500 litre tank if all you do is run the hot tap for a wash in the morning. Don't have a combi if there are 10 of you all wanting a bath every day

Pick a boiler with a standard 5 year guarantee, google for reliable models or have a cheap one and treat it as disposable. Or after a few years sort yourself out one of the maintenance contracts for a small monthly fee

The important thing is to have the correct capacity boiler for your property - what ever type you choose. But otherwise it is largely pot-luck as to what will last, and what will break down

DevilsAdvocate1

We have a 4 bedroomed house with 1 bathroom, 1 shower room and 1 downstairs toilet. Five of us live in the house. Sounds like a combi isn't the one for us.

Thanks for the replies.

D.

dannyxx25

You may be OK with a combi, if there's 5 of you in the house will you be using the bath and the shower room at the same time? If yes then you may experience lower water flow rates with a combi. The reliability of any condensing boiler will depend on how good the installation is. Make sure they flush the system, add corrosion inhibitor and fit an in line scale inhibitor to the boiler.