Combi or Coventional Gas Boiler?

PMUTTILLO

Hi,

I'm looking to replace my 15yr old boiler.It is of the conventional type with immersion heater and water tank in the loft.I have a 3 bedroom end of terrace.All rooms are generally quite small, exception for the kitchen which has been extended.

I don't know wether to purchase a combi or another conventional system.
I would like my new system to be able to run hot water downstairs, whilst simultaneuosly be able to run hot water if someone needs to use the shower.
Also good reliability and low maintainance costs are important.



What are the advantages of the combi over a conventional system? Can you recommend a model for each type?

Any help would be appreciated.

espresso

Use the forum search facility to find what has been said before i.e. here

Froglet

We replaced our old boiler with a combi just over two years ago.It is great having hot water whenever you want it,the radiators heat up quicker(we did have 3 replaced,but not all) and best of all our gas bills are at least a third cheaper.So i would definitely recommend a combi.

However it is important to take advice from what ever source you can,in our case we asked others of their experience and didn't just go along with what the installer suggested.Everyone's circumstances are different.

Our model is a Baxi Combi 105e.After what Watchdog reported on last week i would stay away from Potterton!!

Snow_Dog

We replaced a conventional boiler with a combi a few years back in a 3 bed semi and it cut gas usage by about 25% as well as heating the home better.

The advantages for us was did away with cold storage tank and hot water tank which were both in a cupboard in a bedroom. Mains pressure hot water around the house, especially nice in the shower.

However make sure the amount of hot water the boiler can deliver is high, this is one of the most common problems/criticisms people have of combis.