Conventional boilers

Standard boilers are also known as Regular, or Conventional Boilers. They store hot water in a storage cylinder, like System boilers, but they're fed by a separate cold water tank – usually in the loft. There's another separate tank, called a ‘feed and expansion cistern', usually in the loft too. Standard boilers are the largest type of boiler.

Because combi boilers aren’t as complex as a standard boiler, the installation of them tends to be much cheaper. Because combi boilers are more modern, it’s also generally easier to get hold of replacement parts if anything goes wrong with your system.

If you have a traditional/standard boiler or you decide to opt for one, you need to be prepared for a slightly higher cost for installation and maintenance. Also make sure that you have the necessary space in your home to keep one.

Combi, or combination boilers don’t have any water tanks as they only heat up water when it is needed, such as when you turn on a tap or the shower.

Conventional, or standard boilers heat water inside a tank and store it. There are no tanks required with a combi boiler.

The way these two types of boilers heat water will be different. Here’s how they both work:

Combi boilers don’t have any water tanks. As the water comes directly from the mains, it runs through the boiler which is quickly heated and runs directly from the taps or to the radiators when turned on.

Standard boilers heat water with different tanks; hot, cold and expansion tanks. The cold water tank collects water from the mains. When hot water is needed, the cold water tank feeds water into the hot water tank which is then heated up. The expansion tank is only needed if too much water is heated at one time.

System boilers and conventional / regular boilers have a few differences.

Standard boilers were the initial systems built for central heating and operate on a low system pressure. They’re fed water from a tank usually situated in the roof space. A  is similar in the fact that they have an expansion vessel and circulating pump - but their design eliminates the need for a tank in the loft space. Not only does this save you plenty of space but money, too. System boilers don't require as many additional parts in comparison to a standard boiler - which means they're generally cheaper and simpler to look after. 

The system boiler will save more space in the home because it doesn’t need any roof space. Moreover,  would be much quicker than a standard boiler. This is due to the fact that a lot of the components are already built into the boiler itself which means a little bit less hassle on the day of your installation. Although, if you have a bigger space to work with - a standard boiler may be better suited to your home.

System boilers also provide you and your home with excellent water pressure. By taking water supply directly from the mains, you'll notice stronger water pressure in your taps.