3 Main Types Of Boilers
Boilers are a common type of central heating system which make use of heated water to provide heating and hot water to the rest of your home. There are several different variants of boilers, all of which operate in different ways to perform the same function. These differences in operation methods provide a distinct set of advantages and drawbacks to each type of boiler. Understanding the differences between what each variant has to offer can help you choose the right boiler for your home's needs.
Combination Boilers
Combination boilers, sometimes called combi boilers, are one of the most common types of boilers available. They do not have a tank, and instead heat the water as it is pumped in through the water supply line. This helps save a great deal of space within your home, which is ideal for apartments and condos. However, since they heat water up as it is used, combination boilers can have trouble maintaining water pressure when hot water is being run from multiple taps at the same time. Furthermore, combination boilers can be difficult to install, especially when being retrofitted into older buildings, which can drive up the installation cost and time.
Sealed System Boilers
Sealed system boilers use a water cylinder instead of a water tank, and makes use of water pressure to move hot water throughout your home. Like combination boilers, sealed system boilers also provide hot water to your home, and the absence of a hot water tank can help save space. However, sealed system boilers still take up some space with their water cylinder (which is necessary to maintain water pressure within the system). Furthermore, they can run out of hot water, which can take some time to refill, unlike combination units which provide hot water near instantly.
Conventional Boilers
Conventional boilers are boilers that have a water tank attached to them, and are most commonly found in older or larger buildings. The water tank means that water pressure can be easily maintained across multiple water fixtures when hot water is being used. However, conventional boilers have a number of downsides: they take up much more space than the above types of boilers, and can also cause higher energy bills as the water within the water tank has to be reheated constantly over time as it cools. Additionally, conventional boilers can run out of hot water just like sealed system boilers, which can be a major inconvenience. Talk to a heating contractor for more help.