You desire a heating system that will warm up your house, provide you with sufficient amounts of hot water besides not being too expensive to operate. The decision of either having a system boiler or a regular boiler may be daunting.
In this guide, you will learn the main difference between system and regular boiler types, how each works, and which is best for your home in the UK. Costs, space requirements, maintenance hints and the impact of government grants and schemes such as the Free Boiler Scheme UK on your decision will also be visible.
What You will Learn
- The main difference between system and regular boiler systems.
- Which boiler is compatible with various houses and families.
- In the UK, there are the issues of cost and installation.
- How to use grants like the ECO4 and BUS.
- Tips one can give in deciding the best boiler to use in the UK homes are practical.
What is a System Boiler and Regular Boiler?
Both types will be common in the UK homes. The following is a basic definition of each.
Sealed System (Alternatively known as System Boiler)
A system boiler is a boiler that contains hot water in a cylinder. The cylinder stores ready-to-use water which is heated by the boiler. Most parts are fitted within the boiler casing in the system boiler and therefore, are easier to fit. You will have a constant supply of hot water to bathe and a number of taps at the same time.
Regular Boiler (Alternatively known as Conventional, Heat-only or Open-vent)
A normal boiler will have a loft cold water tank and a hot water cylinder. The system involves an open vent and this depends on gravity to transport water. These boilers were prevalent in older houses and they are still applicable to large houses with several bathrooms.
How System Functions
System Boiler
- The boiler heats the water and directs the water to the hot water cylinder.
- Hot water under pressure is stored in the cylinder provided by the mains.
- Upon opening a tap or taking a bath, the cylinder releases hot mains pressure water.
- The central heating loop operates autonomously on radiators.
Regular Boiler
- The boiler heats water and directs the same to a hot water cylinder.
- The system vent and the hot water cylinder are fed by an ice tank in the loft.
- The system is based on the level and gravity of water; the pressure is normally less than the main pressure.
- The boiler loop of radiators and hot water have the same paths.
The Main Difference Between System and Regular Boiler
The major distinction that you will discover is in the way water is supplied and stored. System boilers feed the hot water cylinder using the mains and do not require any loft tank. Ordinary boilers must have a loft tank and free vent. This variation has an influence on installation, space requirement and water pressure in taps.
The Pros and Cons
System Boiler (Advantages)
- There is no cold water tank up in the loft, and thus no loss of space upstairs.
- Improved taps and shower water pressure versus an ordinary boiler in most instances.
- Less expensive and installed faster than conventional regular boilers.
- Better in houses where there is more than one bath.
Demerits
- A hot water cylinder, which is bulky, is required.
- In case the cylinder is small, then there is the possibility that hot water may run out when there is heavy usage.
- The issue of cylinder insulation and maintenance is important to maintain heat loss.
Regular Boiler (Advantages)
- Ventures into houses that already have a loft space and a tank in place.
- Applicable to very large properties where there is prevalence of gravity systems.
- The disaggregated parts provide easy fixes in certain instances.
Demerits
- Installing a loft tank and additional pipework is more complicated.
- Main pressure is often higher than the pressure of water in taps.
- There is a need to maintain more space, tanks and open vents.
Which Type of the Boiler is Ideal in Various Types of Homes?
- Small homes and flats
A combi boiler is frequently used in flats, but a system boiler with a small cylinder can be used when a reserved source of hot water is required. Small flats do not have many occasions where regular boilers are required. Check out our full guide: What Is a Combi Boiler? Pros, Cons & Costs.
- Houses with one bathroom
A system boiler or a combi boiler will normally do well. A boiler with a system provides high pressure and hot water in store in case you want to take a bath without the problem of the shower.
- Two or more bathroom houses
You will most probably like a system boiler or ordinary boiler having a large cylinder. System boilers are widely favoured due to the fact that they do not consume a lot of loft space yet they can still provide multiple bathrooms. Don’t miss our expert guide: Boiler Upgrade Tips for First-Time Homeowners
- Big houses featuring more than one shower and bathtub
Perhaps you will do well with a conventional boiler when you already possess loft tanks and a large cylinder. System boilers with large cylinders are however now in use in large homes to serve the demand.
The Important Considerations in Selecting the Most Appropriate Boiler in the UK homes
1. Hot water demand
You have to tell the number of bathrooms and the usage you are using. When you shower and bath at the same time make sure you have a boiler that has a good amount of hot water stored.
2. Space and loft access
You might see whether you will fit a cylinder. The system boiler requires a cylinder with no loft tank. Conventional boilers require loft space for tanks and maintenance.
3. Water supply and main pressure
Test your main pressure of water. In most of the houses, system boilers provide superior pressure compared to ordinary boilers. When your main pressure is low then you may require a pump or otherwise.
4. Existing plumbing and costs
You take into account the extent of pipework and disturbance that will be caused by installation. Like-for-like replacement is often less expensive than type replacement (such as regular to system may require the removal of loft tanks). Discover how to heat your home for free with boiler grants.
5. Future plans for the home
You have to consider home modifications. Should you intend to have bathrooms, then why not a bigger system or ordinary boiler with a larger cylinder. In case you are going to relocate, consider what people in your locality like.
Installation Procedures
- Site exercise
An engineer inspects your house, current pipe work and loft space / cylinder position (where there is one).
- Select the appropriate size of boiler and cylinder
The heating demand is equated to the output (kW).
- Installation
The installer fixes the boiler, cylinder and any additional new pipework. In case of regular boilers, the loft tank and vent pipes are installed or recycled.
- Test and commission
This is where the system is flushed, filled and pressurised and leak tested.
- Paperwork
You will be provided with a certificate of compliance and information on the warranty of the boiler.
Pricing
Wide ranges will be found depending on boiler type, brand and installation. The common values ( approximation ranges) are:
- Just the system boiler: £600-1,500 depending upon size and brand.
- Hot water cylinder: £200 -1800 depending on size and type.
- Whole system boiler replacement: £1,500-3,000 approximate of a like-to-like replacement.
- Installation of boilers after a regular basis: £1,700-3,500, usually more where new loft tanks are installed or the pipework is complicated.
Note: These are only the guide cost. A survey will be done to give you a final price.
Operation and Cost Effectiveness
The amount of heating and hot water will make you pay a certain amount of fuel costs. New boilers are quite superior to old ones. On the ErP rating, efficiency is demonstrated. Running cost will be reduced by selecting a good choice of boiler and effective controls (e.g., thermostatic radiator valves, room thermostats). In case of an old boiler you have at the moment, upgrading would save you a lot of cash. Check your eligibility for a free boiler grant today!
Maintenance and Safety
1. Annual service
Engage with a qualified engineer (Gas safe registered in the event of gas boilers) to service it annually. Routine servicing of the boiler is safe and does not compromise warranty.
2. Cylinder and tank checks
Check the insulation of the hot-water cylinder, provided you have a loft tank, you should make sure that it has a proper lid and that it does not leak. Frequent inspections overcome heat and water injuries.
3. Painful radiators
To eliminate trapped air, check system pressure and bleed radiators. This assists in heating to all rooms.
General Issues
- No hot water
You shall be checking on cylinder thermostat, timer, and electric immersion heaters when they are installed. In the case of system or regular boilers, an engineer might also have to examine the controls of the valves.
- Low hot water pressure
Do a test whether the loft tank is in proper feeding (in a normal boiler) or the main supply is low (in case of the system boilers). A pump or a bigger cylinder will help sometimes.
- Cold radiators at the top
Make radiators bleed to get air out or find out whether the system has to be balanced or not. The problem can be assisted by an engineer in case it persists.
Combi, System and Regular Boilers - Which is the Most Common Now?
Observe that the UK has popularity with combi boilers in terms of saving space and convenience. The next widely used type is system boilers where there is a requirement of a cylinder. The common boilers continue to be utilised particularly in older houses which already have loft tanks. They both are in their place according to the needs of hot water and existing plumbing.
What is the Impact of Grants and Schemes on Your Decision
You are interested to know whether you could seek assistance to replace an aged boiler. Free Boiler Scheme (ECO4) and other schemes are targeting households which fulfil specified benefit or income requirements. These plans will enhance energy efficiency and minimise fuel poverty. A boiler replacement and installation may be partly or fully covered by a grant provided that you are eligible. This will allow flexibility in the type of one you install, as installers under the scheme will guide you to the most appropriate compliant one to use at home.
Apply Now to Check Your Grant Eligibility
Indications of Replacement Instead of Repairs
To replace your boiler, you will consider it to be necessary in case:
- It is also aged over 10-15 years and requires frequent repairs.
- It is inefficient and increases your gas rates.
- Components are in short supply or the engineer advises them.
- You need more control of the hot water, reduced bills or a smaller system.
The Selection of the Appropriate Installer
You have to choose an installer who:
- Is also Gas safe and qualified to do gas work.
- Provides written quotes, itemised.
- Describes why the suggested type and size of boiler have been suggested.
- Demonstrates previous experience and review of clients.
Myths You can Ignore
Myth: There is no boiler that is more economical to operate.
Fact: The old regular type boilers are inefficient compared to the system boilers that are modern. The cost of running does not only rely on the type of boiler, but also on the efficiency, maintenance and controls.
Myth: System boilers deliver superior water pressure
Fact: The system boilers tend to provide better pressure due to the fact that they utilise mains feed, which is not always constant. Local mains pressure and cylinder size count.
The Contribution that Home Energy Guide can Make
Home Energy Guide helps individuals access government grants and schemes that support replacing outdated heating systems with energy-efficient alternatives. You will also receive clear guidance on the necessary documentation and regulations.
Home Energy Guide can direct you to the information regarding how grants can be used to cover replacement of systems or normal boilers in your region. We will make you know the possible chances you might save some money with a grant and the type of boiler that the scheme will cover for your home. This advice will enable you to make a sensible and low cost decision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The primary distinction will be in the system of water storage and distribution. A system boiler is supplied with a hot water cylinder, main pressure and a regular boiler requires a loft cold water tank and an open vent. This alternates installation, pressure and space requirements.
You will normally select a system boiler in case you wish to have good pressure and no loft tank. A more ordinary boiler will also be possible in the event that you already have loft tanks and wish to have a big cylinder. The correct option would be based on your existing set up and demand of the hot water.
You will save on fuel in case you change an old inefficient boiler to a modern high-efficiency boiler. The savings will be associated with the age of your existing boiler, the amount you heat your house and the control that you apply.
Yes, you may be eligible for assistance through schemes such as ECO4 if you meet the income or benefits criteria. These grants are designed to improve energy efficiency, and checking your eligibility will help you determine what type of replacement or support the scheme provides.
A site survey will be required to align the output of boilers (kW) and cylinder size to your heating requirement. To determine the right size, an installer will use the size of the house, the number of bathrooms and the use pattern to calculate the needs.
