Combi or regular boiler - how to decide?

scotgirl

I need to accept quote for a new boiler in order to apply for my voucher for the scrappage scheme (still in Scotland till end if year).

How do I decide between a combi or replacing my boiler? Is there anything on the net that allows me to calculate if the extra cost will be recouped in my bills?

We (2 adults 1 baby) live in a 3 bed semi detached, obviously using lots of heating and hot water for our new baby.

Thanks for any advice

david29dpo

Your decision needs to based on your hot water usage. Combis are quite limited if hot water is needed in more than one place at a time. Can take a long time to fill a bath as well.
If a combo goes bang you have lost the lot, no heating or hot water, you can bet your life this will happen when its cold outside. They are also complicated and can cost a lot to fix.
Many people prefer "normal" boilers, having a tank full of hot water and an immersion heater has a backup could be good to have!

garethgas

I'd go with a regular boiler wherever its possible.

macman

First thing to check is whether your property is even suitable for a combi in terms of pressure and flow rate, which is for your installer to find out.
If it isn't, you don't have a choice to make.

Omar_Little

I've been looking into this myself recently as my own boiler is 16 years old and tends to break down at least once a year.

My current set up has tanks in the loft and a hot water tank, and works well normally. Having an immersion heater is certainly a godsend when the boiler breaks down, so I think I will stay with this set up and just replace with a more modern condenser boiler - regular type.

If you go the other way, and opt for a combi boiler, bear in mind that that there will be extra (chargeable) work involved when re-routing the plumbing and removing the feeder and hot water tanks.

I have British Gas coming round to give 'advice' and a quote on Monday. I already know that they will be overpriced and there is not a chance in hell that I will use them, but I will see what size of boiler they recommend and then buy it myself.