Combi Boilers

Learn about how a Combi Boiler may make all the difference to your home energy efficiency.

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What is a Combi Boiler?

A Combi boiler (or Combination boiler) differs from many other boiler types in that it is designed to handle both hot water for taps and showers, AND hot water for central heating, all on an in-demand basis.

Modern Combi Boilers are often very efficient, powerful and fast, making some older non-condensing models practically obsolete.

They are now the most common boiler in the UK, mostly because they allow residential properties a fuel-efficient and relatively compact way to provide both hot water and quickly adjustable central heating from a single unit, without the need for bulky hot water tanks.

How does a Combi Boiler work?

While conventional boilers rely on a water tank, often producing hot water in scheduled anticipation of a need (such as for your morning shower), a Combi Boiler only heats water for taps, showers or central heating when you demand it to, either because you’ve turned on a tap or adjusted your central heating.

Modern Combi Boilers utilise condensing boiler technology. This means that Combi boilers draw from residual heat in the system, but also use a gas burner which transfers heat through a heat exchanger, heating the water in sending the hot water through the pipes to wherever it’s needed.

These days, some boilers have a small reservoir of water in them which can be pre-heated to reduce demand-time, meaning that if you set your boiler correctly you can get instant hot water - perfect for morning showers or the washing up!

 What are good Combi boiler brands?

Now that’s the important question! Like most markets, there are good combi boilers, bad ones and some mid-range cheapies. At Invictus Energy Group we only fit A-Rated boilers, but from a range of vetted manufacturers that offer good value to suit most budgets.

 Is a Combi Boiler right for me?

Combi boilers are great, but they’re not always the perfect match for each situation. Check out this list of advantages and disadvantages, or call 0800 689 1723 to chat with an expert.

 

Advantages of a Combi Boiler

  • Space saving design
    Because of modern designs and no-need for a hot water tank, combi boilers usually take up less room in your home, often fitted in a kitchen cupboard or in a closet.

  • Efficient heating & hot water

    Combi boilers only heat up water when you want them to because its being used. Their modern design means less heat is lost in the system and in transit too. Modern designs even utilise residual heat from the flue, too. It means you may pay less on your gas bill.

 

Disadvantages of a Combi Boiler

  • May be less effective in large homes

    Larger homes often need a more powerful boiler to heat them and cope with hot water demand from bigger families, meaning that a modern conventional boiler may be more up to the task.

  • May require more mains pressure than is available

    Water pressure (measured in PSI) is how much pressure is present in the pipes that come from the mains water supply, and it varies from property to property. Some homes may lack sufficient pressure to force the water through the pipework in their home to deliver it to taps and radiators.

 How much does a combi boiler cost?

You may find a new, modern combi boiler for as cheap as £1000, however you always need to remember that you get what you pay for when it comes to boiler quality and standard of install.

At Invictus Energy Group, we only fit A-Rated boilers from household brands because our decades of experience tells us that these brands provide the best value for money over time for our customers, providing reliable efficient heating overtime and with longer-lifespans and less breakdowns.

We can often fit a new combi boiler from around £1500, or for as little as £15.50* per month. Just use our quick-quote system below to explore your combi boiler options.

What about smart thermostats?

If you really want to make the most of your new combi boiler, consider a smart thermostat, allowing you more control than ever over how your boiler works using your phone, tablet or wall-mounted device. Most modern combi boilers come ready made with the technology to connect to Hive, Honeywell or other thermostats which you can use to set programs.

Check out our range of smart thermostats.

 Get a combi boiler quote

Combi Boiler FAQs

  • Because of the compact design of modern combi boilers they can be installed in most locations providing they are access to an external wall for the flue. Most commonly, we install combi boilers in kitchens, utility rooms and in understairs cupboards.

  • How long your combi boiler lasts will depend on the quality of the unit, the standard of the install, how well it is taken care of (services and system flushes) and things like water hardness in the area. This means that a new combi boiler should last somewhere between 5 and 15 years, but its efficiency may decline over time.

  • All the combi boilers we fit come with some sort of warranty, from a minimum of 2 years up to as many as 15 years warranty on some models. Don’t forget, in most cases you’ll need to get an annual service to keep the warranty valid

  • In 2022, involving a Gas Safe engineer in your combi boiler install is a must. In most cases, a Gas Safe engineer will complete the install from start to finish and register it, however some people do install themselves and have a gas safe engineer sign it off.

  • The overwhelming majority of combi boilers in the UK run on gas, however some do run on either oil, electricity or LPG. Call us on 0800 689 1723 to get advice specific to your property

  • Hopefully, yes, but there are some homes and properties where a Combi may not be the most suitable choice. Larger homes often need a conventional boiler system to cope with demand, while homes with older pipework installed or low water pressure may not be ready for a combi. If you have concerns just all to let us know and we’ll do our best to get your questions answered.

  • The most suitable combi boiler is the one that delivers the best for your home at the best price, for the longest time, and that will be different for every home and every budget. That being said, Worcester Bosch boilers are held in especially high regard by both consumers and installers alike.

  • Although most combis come in a compact design, each has their own unique performance rating and ability. Talk to us about your home and we’ll help match you with a boiler that;s suited to your requirements. 0800 689 1723.

  • How long your combi boiler install takes depends on a few different factors, including the quality of the survey done on your property to foresee any potential problems. Assuming there are no complications, a standard combi install will take around 4 to 8 hours to complete to a high standard.