Before you are able to get a quote on a replacement boiler, firstly you need to establish what type of system you have in at the moment. There are three different variants of boiler type all of which will be demonstrated below along with handy tips of how you are able to identify what boiler type heats your home!
Combi boiler (Combination Boiler)
A combi boiler is the most common boiler type in UK homes today. With a combi boiler, you get instantaneous hot water straight from the boiler whenever you turn on a tap.
How to identify a combi boiler:
- Usually, no water tanks in your property – just the boiler itself on the wall.
- Provides both heating and hot water directly.
- Typically has 6 pipes coming out of the bottom.
- If manufactured within the last 15 years, it may also have a 7th white condensate pipe.
If you only have a single wall-mounted unit and no hot water cylinder or loft tanks, you almost certainly have a combi boiler.
Heat Only Boiler (Regular Boiler)
A heat only boiler is the more traditional style, sometimes called a “conventional” boiler. It works with a hot water cylinder and cold-water tanks.
How to identify a heat only boiler:
- Usually requires 3 tanks: a hot water cylinder plus two cold water storage tanks (one for the heating circuit, one feeding the hot water cylinder).
- You’ll often see a separate central heating pump near the boiler or hot water cylinder.
- These systems are most common in older properties.
If you have tanks in the loft and a hot water cylinder, you probably have a heat only boiler.
System boiler
A system boiler is like a heat only boiler but more modern in design. It works with a hot water cylinder but has built-in components that make it more compact.
How to identify a system boiler:
- Operates on a sealed, pressurised system.
- Has an internal pump and expansion vessel.
- No need for a cold-water storage tank for the heating system (though you may still need one for your hot water cylinder, depending on whether it’s vented or unvented).
- Usually paired with an unvented hot water cylinder in newer homes.
If you have a hot water cylinder but no loft tanks, you likely have a system boiler.
Still Unsure?
Boiler systems can vary depending on their design and configuration, and sometimes it’s not obvious which type you have.
At Rix Gas Services, our expert heating engineers can quickly identify your current system and recommend the best replacement options.
Get in touch today for advice or to arrange a free, no-obligation quote for your new boiler.
