The Conventional Boiler - A Review

Your boiler is probably the most expensive household appliance that you have in your home and replacing it is even more expensive. So it is imperative that you get the best boiler for your home and at a price your budget can afford. Below is a review of a conventional boiler and its benefits and drawbacks to potential owners and users.

Conventional Boiler Benefits

• Reliable as less can go wrong.
• Relatively simple controls
• Maintenance costs are very low
• Very versatile as they can be fed by gravity or pump and be installed in most property sizes.
• Normally the copper cylinder is fitted with an immersion element, so in the event that the boiler breaks down the user with not be with out hot water.

Conventional Boiler Drawbacks

• Can not supply hot water on demand, hot water must be stored.
• High energy consumption, meaning high emissions and high gas bills
• Three part system (Boiler, Copper cylinder and tanks), wasted spaces in your home.

Conventional boilers are three unit systems, you have the boiler which heats the water for your central heating and bathing requirements, a cylinder which stores the hot water and the tanks which are normally located in the loft which supply the water. They normally have very simple controls with an immersion back up switch on the cylinder in case the boiler breaks down or all the hot water has been used and you need to quickly heat some water for a quick shower or bath (immersion energy use is very high, and costly), so you are never without hot-water.

The simplicity of the appliance means maintenance costs are very low. They can be used in most properties sizes because they are very versatile and can be either used with a gravity or a pump system.

However, a conventional boiler system can not heat water instantly like a combi-boiler, the water has to be heated and then stored in the cylinder. Once the hot-water has been used by the user, the user has to wait for the boiler to heat more water and store it in the cylinder again, this can be very frustrating for households who need to use the hot-water one after each other.

Conventional boilers are very inefficient in both energy and space, as they are continually heating the water to the temperature the user has set. This means high emissions and high gas bills. For the latter, the boiler is three unit system and normally the cylinder will be placed in the airing cupboard, and tanks in the loft which in some properties is there only space available.

Learn more about different boiler systems

Affordable, Low cost combi boilers prices including installation

More information on combi boilers

Discover interesting facts of heating systems and the history of a combi boiler

Learn the pros and cons, before you install combi boiler ! http://ping.fm/C3DRf

If your thinking of installing a Combi Boiler, Learn the Pros and Cons First !

Combi boilers are possibly the most advanced heating systems that is available to man at present, although there is emerging technologies on the horizon. The combi boiler is a fascinating device that over last 100-150 years has been perfected, and now can heat our homes at over 90% efficiency.

But the does the combi boiler suit all home types and most importantly does it suit you !  Below I have listed the pros and cons of the combi boiler.

Combi Boiler Pros
Simple Compact Unit That Heats Your Water And Home.
By utilising its heat exchanger technology, the combination boiler can switch from heating your home to heating your water in the blink of an eye or a turn of the tap. Your home would not cool fast enough for you to feel any change in temperature while the hot water tap is on. This makes it highly efficient.

Space Saver
The combi boiler is one unique compact unit, there is no need for tanks or a hot water cylinder. Ensuring more space in the loft and airing cupboard, normally where a hot water cylinder would be stored.

Installation Is Faster
Installers only need to fit one device to home rather than the normal three with a conventional system.  A combi boiler replacement should only take 1 day, 2 days maximum.  Labour costs are reduced as result.

Hot Water On Demand
Instant hot water is one of the main benefits, when your hot water tap is turned.  You have hot water, no need to heat a cylinder or worry about someone using all the hot water.  The homes hot water is available in abundance.

Cold Water Coming From The Mains
The mains supplies the combi boiler directly and is heated through the combi boiler, which has useful benefits as it means no storage tanks,  hot water cylinder but most importantly it allows for a powerful shower for those groggy mornings.

Combi Boiler Cons

Adequate Water Supply
Unfortunately, a combi boiler can not supply more than one or two taps sufficiently, because the pressure is coming from the mains, the mains pressure is basically divided and tries to supply all the taps that have been turned, resulting in insufficient water supply to all taps and a very disappointed bathers.

Combi Boiler Fails, Everything Fails
Normally combi boilers are very reliable but it is one compact appliance if it fails, you lose your central heating and your hot water.  Where as, with a conventional boiler you have a hot water cylinder that can utilise a immersion hot water device when the boiler fails.

Converting From A Tanked System Can Be Costly
Although when replacing a combi boiler for a combi boiler the costs are relatively cheap, compared to converting from a conventional system to combi boiler system. Which can take the installer up to 3 or 4 days to complete.  Labour costs are increased quite considerably.
In conclusion, the combi boiler is a highly efficient heating system that will save you on energy bills and reliably heat your home, however, it is essential that you take note of your installation budget and your home occupants lifestyles.

Need More Information On Combi Boilers ?

Click Here For Combi Boiler Prices including installation !

Ten Useful Combination ?Combi? Boiler Facts

1. Reliable and efficient.

When combi boilers were initially launched in the UK, most were seen to be unreliable. This however was due to the complexity of the combination and the 'rumour' installers would spread due to poor training and conservatism with a small 'c'. These most installers are highly trained in the technology of combination boilers and are much more willing and able to fit new combi boilers. They have always been more efficient than conventional boiler system but now are over 90% efficient and since October 2010, it is illegal to install a condensing combination boiler that is less than 90% or is not SEDBUK A rated.

2. Easy to install

Rather than having to install, pumps, tanks and hot water cylinders. Installers now only need to install compact combi boiler unit. Normally, it will take an experienced heating engineer around 2-3 days to convert from a conventional boiler to a combination but if it is a simple combi boiler exchange (an old combi boiler replaced by a new combi boiler) it should take only 1 day with no complications.

3. Space Saver and can be installed in a variety of locations

The combi boilers compact size and versatility allow it to be installed in many locations such as a garage, loft, kitchen, bathroom etc as it can be flued and plumbed to a drainage system according to building regulations where as a conventional boiler unfortunately as many more parts taking up much more space.

4. Number one choice for Home owners

Its estimated that up to 50% of all new boiler installations in the UK are combination boilers. This is a combination (please,forgive the pun) of technological advancements and reduction in combi boilers prices including installation.

5. 'Combi' is an abbreviation of combination boiler.

This jargon, is what most installers and home owners will use when referring to a condensing combination boiler.

6. Your water mains supplies the combination boiler directly.

All combination boilers use the pressure from the water mains to circulate the hot water they heat to your radiators and taps. This allows you to enjoy powerful showers without the need of pumps or power showers.

7. Functions as both a hot water and central heating appliance.

By combining supply of hot water and heat to your central heating system, from one compact unit naturally ensures it is the most efficient heating system known.

8. They are NOT ideal for multi bathroom properties

Unfortunately, combi boilers are not suited to home with multiple bathrooms (no matter what the manufacturers may advertise). They can supply multiple bathrooms with hot water but not at the same time, when in use at same time, water pressure drops and acceptable bathing conditions are not maintained.

9. If combination heating system fails, there is no back up hot water.

As conventional systems are in fact separated, in to three different parts. The tanks, the boiler and the hot water cylinder. If the boiler was to fail, the hot water cylinder will still work with the aid of an immersion powered by the electric. A combi boiler when it fails, causes all of the heating system to close down including the hot water.

10. Was invented by Benjamin Maugham in 1868, who was a painter and decorator.

Maugham called he's invention the 'Gas Geyser'. However, hes invention would not reap him rewards as it was seen as a health hazard. It has no flue so toxic gases could be released into a home and had no temperature control for the hot water.

WANT MORE INFORMATION ON HEATING YOUR HOME, TRY THE HOME HEATING GUIDE

___________________________________________________
Our Address And Contact Details

Buzz Heating
53 Tarnwood Park
Eltham
SE9 5PA

Tel – 020 8123 4039

email – info@buzzheating.co.uk

Website – www.buzzheating.co.uk

The Areas We Cover Are South-East London including Croydon, Lewisham, Catford, Eltham and Greenwich. Kentincluding Bexley, Sidcup, Bromley, Orpington, Dartford, Swanley, Tonbridge, Maidstone and Sevenoaks.

Post Codes

South East London

SE1,SE2,SE3,SE4,SE5,SE6,SE7,SE8,SE9,SE10,SE11,SE12,SE13,SE14,SE15,SE16,SE17,SE18,SE19,SE20,SE21SE22,SE23,

SE24,SE25,SE26,SE27,SE28

Bromley

BR1,BR2,BR3,BR4,BR5,BR6,BR7,BR8

Dartford

DA1,DA10,DA11,DA12,DA13,DA2,DA3,DA4,DA9

Maidstone

ME1,ME10,ME11,ME12,ME13,ME14,ME15,ME16,ME17,ME18,ME19,ME2,ME20,ME3,ME4,ME5,ME6,ME7,

ME8,ME9

Tonbridge

TN1,TN10,TN11,TN12,TN13,TN14,TN15,TN16,TN17,TN18,TN2,TN23,TN24,TN25,TN26,TN27,TN28,TN29,

TN3,TN30TN4,TN8,TN9

Related articles

• The Combi Boiler - A History (buzzheating.co.uk)
• What Is A Combi Boiler ? (buzzheating.co.uk)
• Combi Boiler Prices May 2011 (buzzheating.co.uk)
• A Heating Boiler : The Condense Combi boiler (buzzheating.co.uk)
• Tips To Maintain Your Combi Boiler And Heating System (buzzheating.co.uk)
• Combi Boiler Replacement Experts (buzzheating.co.uk)

Combination Boilers: Installing The Most Efficient

Great Post for Joanna, thank you for the information !

When planning to install a new boiler, you would surely go for the most efficient one. What if there is a boiler which saves space, reduces energy bills and gives the best results? Of course the combination boilers are the most popular boilers being installed in the UK for their efficiency. In this period of economic crunch, people are always looking for ways to save money and combination boilers are such devices which help greatly to reduce your energy bills.

Combination boilers or Combi Boilers, as they are popularly called, combine central heating system and the water heater in a single unit. That’s why they are called thecombi boilers. In combination boiler, there is no need of water tank as it is heated in the unit itself. This kind of boilers is compact and ideal for small homes. They can be conveniently hung on the walls. A combi boiler generates hot water when demanded and it avoids wastage of water. A combi boiler is a cheaper option to run as it delivers same heat-exchange properties as the conventional one but without unnecessary storage of hot water.

There is great advantage of installing a combi boiler. They are highly energy efficient and once installed you can experience up to 40% reduction in energy bills annually. While planning to install a combi boiler, make sure it is A-rated and manufactured by a reputable company.

A combi boiler can be installed in any location except a living room, but the most popular locations are loft, kitchen or utility room. If you really want to save space, get it installed in a loft. Make sure that an engineer can get easy access to it for repair and maintenance. One important note before you buy this form of boilers is these cannot be fitted in all homes. So get a heating survey of your home. Boiler should be installed according to the latest building regulations.

While installing gas-powered, large combis or multiples combi boilers, seek the advice of engineers or installers about pipe sizing as these create huge demand of gas supply pipe work in the house. Unless your rising main is not sufficiently good, avoid installing a combi boiler. It is the capacity of rising main which decides the flow rate to all the appliances in the house.

It is important to get your combi boiler installed by a Corgi registered engineer. This way you will have peace of mind that boiler is installed safely and correctly.

Joanna is a well renowned Polish Journalist specialising in Polish, Russian and English translation services. She has been residing in th UK for 3 years where she has made her home among the Polish community in Tooting, South West London.

plumbershoreditch.co.uk

WANT MORE INFORMATION ON HEATING YOUR HOME, TRY THE HOME HEATING GUIDE

____________________________________________________________________________________________
Our Address And Contact Details

Buzz Heating
53 Tarnwood Park
Eltham
SE9 5PA

Tel – 020 8123 4039

email – info@buzzheating.co.uk

Website – www.buzzheating.co.uk

The Areas We Cover Are South-East London including Croydon, Lewisham, Catford, Eltham and Greenwich. Kentincluding Bexley, Sidcup, Bromley, Orpington, Dartford, Swanley, Tonbridge, Maidstone and Sevenoaks.

Post Codes

South East London

SE1,SE2,SE3,SE4,SE5,SE6,SE7,SE8,SE9,SE10,SE11,SE12,SE13,SE14,SE15,SE16,SE17,SE18,SE19,SE20,SE21SE22,SE23,

SE24,SE25,SE26,SE27,SE28

Bromley

BR1,BR2,BR3,BR4,BR5,BR6,BR7,BR8

Dartford

DA1,DA10,DA11,DA12,DA13,DA2,DA3,DA4,DA9

Maidstone

ME1,ME10,ME11,ME12,ME13,ME14,ME15,ME16,ME17,ME18,ME19,ME2,ME20,ME3,ME4,ME5,ME6,ME7,

ME8,ME9

Tonbridge

TN1,TN10,TN11,TN12,TN13,TN14,TN15,TN16,TN17,TN18,TN2,TN23,TN24,TN25,TN26,TN27,TN28,TN29,

TN3,TN30TN4,TN8,TN9

What Is A Combi Boiler ? http://ping.fm/bPdA9

What Is A Combi Boiler ?

Combi boilers used to be very unreliable and would go wrong regularly, it was only around thirty years ago that Vaillant were the only manufacturers in the UK to have a Combi Boiler Model, but in recent years due to technological advances, climate control and the demand for more efficiency, New reliable, highly efficient Combi Boilers now account for over 50% of all new boiler installations in the UK. Combi boiler prices vary due hugely due to brand, dimensions, power consumption and reputation.

They are amazing space saving devices which heat your home and your homes hot water directly from one compact unit. The 'Combi' is naturally highly efficient and does not require a hot water cylinder or any laborious tanks in the loft. Hot water is instantly heated and delivered through the taps at mains pressure so you can enjoy powerful showers without the need of a pump.

How A Combi Boiler Works

The Central Heating
When the temperature of your property goes below the required temperature you have set on your thermostat. The thermostat signals to the boiler to fire up the pump inside the boiler. The 'Venturi Effect' into action. The water starts flowing through a narrow gap in the pipe causing pressure to build up, just like when you put your thumb over a garden hose the velocity of the water increases and is this pressure that opens the gas valve.

The gas is ignited and the heat exchanger rapidly heats up a limited amount of water, when the desired temperature is met, the thermostatic element expands, the hot water valve closes and the heating system valve opens. This allows the hot water to escape into and circulate in the central heating system, increasing the heat of your property to your required temperature.

The Hot Water
The hot water is heated similarly to the Central Heating but it is the hot water taps that signals to the boiler to start up. The hot water is heated by taking around 12 litres per minute of mains pressure through the heat exchanger, which transfers the heat from the burning flame to the water. Which is then delivered to the hot water tap.

Applications for the Combi Boiler

The main difficulty with Combi Boilers is the hot water supply to the taps. Although some manufacturers believe their combi boilers can service multiple bathrooms. They argue that multiple bathrooms can be supplied sufficiently and depends largely on the lifestyles of the occupants. A combi boiler could feasibly supply larger homes with more bathrooms. However, if for instance bathroom 1 is being used and bathroom 2 was also being used, the combi boiler could not simultaneously supply enough hot water to the taps as the pressure will drop dramatically, meaning both occupants of the bathrooms will experience a poor washing conditions.

We recommend Combi boilers should only be installed in smaller homes with only one bathroom.

WANT MORE INFORMATION ON HEATING YOUR HOME, TRY THE HOME HEATING GUIDE

____________________________________________________________________________________________
Our Address And Contact Details

Buzz Heating
53 Tarnwood Park
Eltham
SE9 5PA

Tel – 020 8123 4039

email – info@buzzheating.co.uk

Website – www.buzzheating.co.uk

The Areas We Cover Are South-East London including Croydon, Lewisham, Catford, Eltham and Greenwich. Kentincluding Bexley, Sidcup, Bromley, Orpington, Dartford, Swanley, Tonbridge, Maidstone and Sevenoaks.

Post Codes

South East London

SE1,SE2,SE3,SE4,SE5,SE6,SE7,SE8,SE9,SE10,SE11,SE12,SE13,SE14,SE15,SE16,SE17,SE18,SE19,SE20,SE21SE22,SE23,

SE24,SE25,SE26,SE27,SE28

Bromley

BR1,BR2,BR3,BR4,BR5,BR6,BR7,BR8

Dartford

DA1,DA10,DA11,DA12,DA13,DA2,DA3,DA4,DA9

Maidstone

ME1,ME10,ME11,ME12,ME13,ME14,ME15,ME16,ME17,ME18,ME19,ME2,ME20,ME3,ME4,ME5,ME6,ME7,

ME8,ME9

Tonbridge

TN1,TN10,TN11,TN12,TN13,TN14,TN15,TN16,TN17,TN18,TN2,TN23,TN24,TN25,TN26,TN27,TN28,TN29,

TN3,TN30TN4,TN8,TN9

The Combi Boiler - A History

Last night while enjoying my warm overflowing bath, it got me thinking..... How did the combi boiler come about ?, Who invented the combi boiler ? and why is it only now become popular in the UK ? It is not only this century and the last, that man has tried to heat their homes and water. Throughout history mankind has tried to heat their homes, cave men with the fire. Ancient Asians used hearths and stoves to heat water or air, channelled through their floors. While the Romans used hypocausts to heat up their public baths and villas and the Spanish radiated their floors with a system locally known as 'gloria', which used hay as a combustible. During the middle ages, when fireplaces started to become popular, heating systems became virtually unknown. Until in 1777, William Murdoch discovered that gas could be used for light. Then in 1824, the birth of gas cooking emerged , and naturally evolved to be utilized to heat homes and water for bathing. Surprisingly, baths were not used until 1850 when gas jets would heat the bath from underneath. However, it wasn't until 1868 when Benjamin Maugham, painter and decorator had the idea of heating water with gas. Although, Maugham didnt realise it, the technology of heating our homes in the 21st century was born. He is generally accepted as the inventor of the Combination 'Combi' Boiler, which he called “the Geyser”. Maugham invention disappointingly, was seen as dangerous and a health hazard as it had no temperature controls so scalding was possible and it had no flue for ventilation, meaning people could be exposed to lethal emissions. He was not an engineer and would make little or no money from he's invention. But in 1889, 21 years later a Norwegian Engineer Edwin Ruud came across Maughams 'Gas Geyser' prototype and after studying the design plans and making a few improvements, Ruud launched he's own water heater in the US, after emigrating from Norway. Hes new Ruud Manufacturing company was a huge success and is still running today in Pittsburgh. Initially, the combination boilers were popular in the US, and was exported to Europe where it was highly popular, however in the UK, many people opted for the traditional system boiler which utilized space in the loft and allowed many people to bathe simultaneously. It is only in the last 10-15 years that combi boilers have started to emerge as the number one boiler system in the UK, attributed with over 50% of all new boiler installations. With energy prices rising year on year many people have opted for the combi boiler due to its advancement in efficiency, energy cost savings and the ever growing need for more storage space in their homes compared to the inefficient, high running cost and huge storage needs of the traditional system boilers. ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Call Buzz Heating Today On 020 8123 3049 We  Cover South-East London including Croydon, Lewisham, Catford, Eltham and Greenwich. Kent including Bexley, Sidcup, Bromley, Orpington, Dartford, Swanley, Tonbridge, Maidstone and Sevenoaks. Post Codes South East London SE1,SE2,SE3,SE4,SE5,SE6,SE7,SE8,SE9,SE10,SE11,SE12,SE13,SE14,SE15,SE16,SE17,SE18,SE19,SE20,SE21SE22,SE23, SE24,SE25,SE26,SE27,SE28 Bromley BR1,BR2,BR3,BR4,BR5,BR6,BR7,BR8 Dartford DA1,DA10,DA11,DA12,DA13,DA2,DA3,DA4,DA9 Maidstone ME1,ME10,ME11,ME12,ME13,ME14,ME15,ME16,ME17,ME18,ME19,ME2,ME20,ME3,ME4,ME5,ME6,ME7, ME8,ME9 Tonbridge TN1,TN10,TN11,TN12,TN13,TN14,TN15,TN16,TN17,TN18,TN2,TN23,TN24,TN25,TN26,TN27,TN28,TN29, TN3,TN30TN4,TN8,TN9

The Combi Boiler – A History http://ping.fm/aenWW

Tips To Maintain Your Combi Boiler And Heating System http://ping.fm/SSS6j

Tips To Maintain Your Combi Boiler And Heating System

If you have recently had a combi boiler installed, you will know that the combi boiler prices are not cheap and if possible, I imagine you would prefer not to pay that kind of price ever again or for at least a  very long time. Plus many reports and manufacturers claim a new efficient boiler will save you upto £240.00 per year.  It will only save money if it is working properly and the only way to ensure this, is to maintain your combi boiler heating system so its keeps to its optimum efficiency (over 90%), SEDBUK band A rated.

Over the winter your boiler is in use most of the time and will work exceptionally well unless it has been poorly maintained.  During the summer months the combi boiler will be used mostly for the hot water and the heating will probably never be put on.  It is essential that the heating is put on at least once a month to ensure all the moving parts within the combi boiler do not seize up.

When a combi-boiler or any boiler is first installed, a inhibitor is added to the system water to lubricate pipes and parts so that sludge and debris do not build up and clog important parts of the heating system. However, this inhibitor will only last for 3 years, so if you have not recently topped up your system, today could be a good day to do so.

Further, if you have recently drained your heating system DID YOU REMEMBER to replaced the inhibitor with new inhibitor as the existing inhibitor would have drained a way with the old system water.

It is a very good idea as recommended by all boiler manufacturers to have an annual service.   A service could pick up an underlying problem that had not shown itself in the installation process or while your boiler has been functioning. Sods law dictates the PROBLEM will show itself in the middle of the coldest winter.

Also a service will clean your boiler and test for nasty carbon monoxide leaks (the silent killer), which kills up to 30 people a year.  It is also a very good idea to install an audible carbon monoxide alarm.

A new study estimates up to 81% of UK households do not have a carbon monoxide detector installed !

Some times, problems occur which are not anything to do with Boiler at all.  For instance, TRV's or Thermostatic radiators can seize up over the summer months and when you come to turn them on in the Winter they will not budge.

Try to remember to turn each of your TRV's at least once every two months.

Call Buzz Heating Today On 020 8123 3049

We  Cover South-East London including Croydon, Lewisham, Catford, Eltham and Greenwich. Kent including Bexley, Sidcup, Bromley, Orpington, Dartford, Swanley, Tonbridge, Maidstone and Sevenoaks.

Post Codes

South East London

SE1,SE2,SE3,SE4,SE5,SE6,SE7,SE8,SE9,SE10,SE11,SE12,SE13,SE14,SE15,SE16,SE17,SE18,SE19,SE20,SE21SE22,SE23,

SE24,SE25,SE26,SE27,SE28

Bromley

BR1,BR2,BR3,BR4,BR5,BR6,BR7,BR8

Dartford

DA1,DA10,DA11,DA12,DA13,DA2,DA3,DA4,DA9

Maidstone

ME1,ME10,ME11,ME12,ME13,ME14,ME15,ME16,ME17,ME18,ME19,ME2,ME20,ME3,ME4,ME5,ME6,ME7,

ME8,ME9

Tonbridge

TN1,TN10,TN11,TN12,TN13,TN14,TN15,TN16,TN17,TN18,TN2,TN23,TN24,TN25,TN26,TN27,TN28,TN29,

TN3,TN30TN4,TN8,TN9

 

Combi Boiler Prices May 2011 http://ping.fm/pIc0i

Combi Boiler Prices May 2011

Combi Boiler Prices From Buzz Heating In May 2011 with the addition of a handy tip.

Call Buzz Heating Today On 020 8123 3049

We  Cover South-East London including Croydon, Lewisham, Catford, Eltham and Greenwich. Kent including Bexley, Sidcup, Bromley, Orpington, Dartford, Swanley, Tonbridge, Maidstone and Sevenoaks.

Post Codes

South East London

SE1,SE2,SE3,SE4,SE5,SE6,SE7,SE8,SE9,SE10,SE11,SE12,SE13,SE14,SE15,SE16,SE17,SE18,SE19,SE20,SE21SE22,SE23,

SE24,SE25,SE26,SE27,SE28

Bromley

BR1,BR2,BR3,BR4,BR5,BR6,BR7,BR8

Dartford

DA1,DA10,DA11,DA12,DA13,DA2,DA3,DA4,DA9

Maidstone

ME1,ME10,ME11,ME12,ME13,ME14,ME15,ME16,ME17,ME18,ME19,ME2,ME20,ME3,ME4,ME5,ME6,ME7,

ME8,ME9

Tonbridge

TN1,TN10,TN11,TN12,TN13,TN14,TN15,TN16,TN17,TN18,TN2,TN23,TN24,TN25,TN26,TN27,TN28,TN29,

TN3,TN30TN4,TN8,TN9