Combi boiler, heat only boiler or system boiler?

Gas Boilers come in all sizes, both physically and in terms of output. From a combi boiler to normal types, We will guide you safely through the process of picking the right Gas boiler.
There are three types of domestic Gas boilers and they all range in outputs between 7kw – 40kw. However it’s important to note that combi boilers only start from 24 kw output.
Most 3/4 bed homes only require a 15 kw gas boiler. It’s important not to oversize a condensing boiler for your home.
This is because it’s harder for the boiler to condense if it’s too large for the number of rads it’s supplying resulting in a less efficient system. As a result your boiler burns more gas then is required.

HEAT ONLY GAS BOILERS

Are physically the smallest types of Gas boiler. They’re perfect for tight units and are also the best option for heating systems with old pipe work and radiators.
Although some system boilers can also operate low pressures.
HOWEVER, unlike modern Gas system boilers they don’t incorporate the safety valve, pump and expansion vessel resulting in longer installation times.
SYSTEM GAS BOILERS


Are slightly larger in physical size than heat only Gas boilers but incorporate the pump,vessel and safety valve resulting in a neater more uniform finish and quicker install.
This is the most common Gas boiler to be used in most Irish homes.
COMBI GAS BOILERS



Look identical to system Gas boilers but incorporate a separate plate heat exchanger for hot water demands,eliminating the need for a hot water cylinder in your hot press.
HOWEVER, you will lose the backup of an immersion and with most combi Gas boilers needing a steady non fluctuating high pressure mains water supply,you will most likely need to add an expensive booster pump (depending on your hot water demands).
Also, when installing combi boilers careful consideration has to be given to the gas supply. If it’s undersized ( and more than likely will be) a new gas line will have to be ran to it to satisfy the load that combi boilers demand.
This is because when hot water is drawn the boiler goes to “high fire”. Basically the boiler gives it everything it’s got and if it’s not getting enough gas it simply won’t operate.
In some circumstances retrofitting a combi boiler can be in practical and extremely expensive. However when planned and installed properly, a combi boiler is the most practical and efficient hot water solution.
