Different Types of Gas Boilers

Condensing Oil Boilers

2018 boiler prices guideBoth standard and combi boilers are available as condensing boilers. Condensing oil boilers are designed to recycle the heat with an extra heat exchanger so that the hot exhaust gases are used to pre-heat the water in the boiler system, therefore reducing energy consumption and costs. Condensing boilers cost a little more but the energy savings will repay that extra initial investment in 2 to 4 years of normal use.

For more information on condensing boilers, please see Condensing Boilers and Condensing Boilers FAQ or visit SEDBUK (Seasonal Efficiency of Domestic Boilers in the UK) for some useful facts and figures.

see some of the latest prices

Every Safe Gas Boiler Installation is designed to meet only the highest standards of quality and performance. Our Gas Safe registered installers have over 30 years experience installing domestic central heating boilers and full systems and go to great lengths to ensure that our customer’s expectations are met on every job. We pride ourselves on delivering top quality workmanship combined with a dedicated after care service that will keep you and your family safe and warm for years to come.

Types of Boilers

Combination Boiler Combination Boiler
Also known as a combi boiler combines in one single appliance the functions of an ordinary boiler, the hot water cylinder and cold tanks from the loft. It heats the house via radiators in the normal way but also provides hot water to the taps by passing fresh water through the boiler and heating it directly on its way to the tap. This removes the need for both the hot water cylinder and the cold water tanks, so combi’s let you get rid of the tanks in the loft and airing cupboard and regain the space.

Open Vent Open Vent Boiler

Also known as a heat only boiler, providing both central heating and hot water through a hot water storage cylinder (usually located in an airing cupboard) and cold water top up tanks (usually located in the loft area). For this reason, heat only boilers need more room, but it does mean more than one tap can operate at the same time. A float valve in the tank (more correctly called a ‘feed and expansion tank’, F&E tank) and connected to mains water keeps the water level in the tank and the heating system correct.

The primary advantage of an open-vented system is that no user intervention is required to keep the system topped up with water. Heat only boilers are most suited to larger homes with an existing heat only boiler.

System Boiler

System boilers also know as sealed system boilers eliminate the need for a cold water feed and expansion tank in your loft by heating water straight from the mains, like a combi boiler. However, system boilers retain the hot water storage tank and usually found in your airing cupboard. System boilers have most of their components built into the boiler, offering a compact and attractive installation.

They also allow you remove with the Feed & Expansion loft tank, freeing up more space in your home and leaving you with less external components to maintain. But by keeping the hot water storage tank, it will take up more space than a combi boiler.

System boiler installations are often the most expensive of the 3 system types, which makes them the least common. This type of system is usually suited to larger properties with multiple bathrooms.