Modern technology has done a lot of things for the world of appliances and home systems. When it comes to heating, and water heating, there’s a new product that’s taking the market by storm: the combi boiler. These units offer high-efficiency condensing with a capacity large enough to provide hot water and hydronic heat for the entire house when properly measured to fit the home and installed.
Combi-boilers come in multiple sizes to fit different home sizes and heating needs, as well as for those homes that have a larger consumption of hot water than the average family. If you’re looking to upgrade and considering this option, here are some pros and cons.
Advantages of Combi-Boilers
These systems have several different features and perks to consider. For starters, they can save massive amounts of space compared to a conventional boiler and hot water tank system. Other pros include:
Instant hot water
Quick, straightforward installation
Replacing a combi-boiler with another combi is the cheapest upgrade option
Get heat and hot water from one unit
Energy-efficient
Of course, for all the good features, there are some instances where this might not be the ideal choice. Be sure to consider the cons below, as well.
Disadvantages of Combi-Boiler Systems
These systems are ideal for small to mid-size homes, apartments and condos, and other spaces that don’t have a huge demand for hot water. A home that has three or four or more bathrooms, on the other hand, will likely do better to stick with a conventional boiler system.
Limited capacity to meet hot water demands
Not suited for weak pressure in the water mains
If you don’t have a conventional boiler already, the upfront costs will be higher
The good news is that if you find out conventional boilers are the best option for your home, you’ll be able to find newer models that still get great energy efficiency ratings and ensure that you have plenty of hot water at all times.
How to Choose
Ultimately, the best thing that you can do is talk to your installer. They will have the expert knowledge to help you get the most out of your investment in a new heating and hot water system, no matter what your specific needs might be. There’s a lot to love about these combination systems, but remember that they won’t be the ideal choice for all homes.
For those who want something better than the conventional boiler system and who have the means to upgrade, the combi-boiler can be a great investment for future energy savings, money savings, and instant access to hot water when and where you need it. For those whose homes are larger or who have more than four or five taps, a conventional system might be the ideal choice. It’s going to be up to you to decide, but with the help of your installer, you should get the perfect fit for your home, no matter what you choose.