BOILERS

We install a range of boilers to fulfil your requirements that offer optimum performance and efficiency.

A new boiler is an obvious choice where your old boiler has failed, however there are benefits to upgrading your existing boiler if it's of a certain age.

Modern boilers are more efficient and use less energy to heat more effectively than older boilers, making them cheaper to run and better for the environment.

You may also be looking to minimise the space used or otherwise adjust your heating and hot water system to better suit changing circumstances.

Consideration needs to be made when replacing an older boiler as modern boilers require access to a drain to dispose of condensate produced.

If it is likely that the house may be extended and therefore require extra heat, you will need to consider the specification.

Use the information below to gain a better understanding of the different types of boiler systems available. Eminent plumbing supports all of these systems and more and are happy to provide more information, please contact us.

COMBINATION BOILERS

Combination boilers, often referred to as combi boilers, are modern, efficient, small footprint popular boilers for heating smaller homes. Along with suppling a heating system, they instantaneously heat hot water as it is needed, with the hot water being driven by the pressure of the available mains supply.

When would a combi boiler be best for me?

Provides unlimited supply of hot water
No waiting for a cylinder to heat up
All in one unit, perfect for smaller properties
No need for a hot water cylinder or storage tanks, allowing increased living space
Higher hot water pressure without the need for boosting
Less pipework in the home makes installation typically cheaper and easier to maintain

When would a combi boiler be less suitable for me?

The lack of a hot water cylinder means only one or two taps can be sufficiently supplied with hot water at the same time
The hot water pressure is driven by the incoming mains supply, so in curtain areas if this is low, it may effect the function of the boiler
No hot water cylinder with immersion for back-up, if boiler breaks down

SYSTEM BOILER

System boilers are an upgraded version of the modern boiler, they are designed to supply heating systems and hot water cylinders. It comprises a pump, pressure relief valve and expansion vessel. This makes the system pressurised, eliminating the need for a Feed and Expansion (F&E) tank and external pump. Removing the F&E tank reduces potential contaminants in the system. This helps prevent air being drawn into the system via the open expansion pipe, which reduces premature corrosion.

When would a system boiler be best for me?

Economical to run
Positive pressure heating system - When combined with a filtration system this helps remove sediment in the system that could impair circulation
Built-in components makes installation quicker and neater
When connected to a cylinder the system can supply multiple hot water outlets
As a cylinder is required, it is trivial to include an immersion heater as a backup hot water supply, should the boiler fail

When would a system boiler be less suitable for me?

Older heating systems may need upgrading to support the higher system pressure
A cylinder is required, so unsuitable for smaller homes where cylinder space is not available or limited
Extra complexity of cylinder and water tank adds to the installation costs relative to a combi boiler
Hot water isn't instant as a cylinder will need to be pre heated

Traditional Boiler, Cylinder and Pipework

TRADITIONAL BOILERS

Traditional boilers, also known as regular, or heat only boilers were the standard approach for heating and hot water for many years. The boiler is simply designed to provide heat. It will require a cylinder for hot water, along with external controls, plus devices for topping and filling the system water and coping with system expansion.

Due to its simplicity these are much more compact in size, allowing more options when siting a location.

When would a heat only boiler be best for me?

No system alteration when replacing an old traditional boiler
Compact boiler footprint, perfect for kitchen units
A good option in areas where water pressure is low
As a cylinder is required, it is trivial to include an immersion heater as a backup hot water supply, should the boiler fail
Fewer internal components to fail means reduced maintenance costs

When would a heat only boiler be less suitable for me?

Space is required for a feed and expansion tank or pressurising kit, external pump and zoning controls
Extra complexity of cylinder and water tank adds to the installation costs
Hot water isn't instant as a cylinder will need to be pre heated
The water tank increases the likelihood of air entering the system requiring more hands on maintenance bleeding radiators and heating components

As a summary, if you have a small house or modest heating and hot water demands, a combi boiler will be a cheap and efficient solution.

Where possible, a system boiler provides the best balance performance and efficiency where there is space to fit a cylinder and any associated pipework is of good quality or can be upgraded as part of the project or where solar energy is a consideration.

Traditional boilers are recommended if you need the advantages of the system boiler but do not have constraints on the space for the external components. The reduced complexity of internal components reduces the maintenance costs.

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