ALS Plumbing and Heating Services

Plumbers in Worthing: Combination Boilers

Benefits

• Occupies less space, no need for water cisterns or cylinders
• Reduced risk of frost damage, no water cisterns in loft space
• Instant hot water, no waiting to heat stored water
• Lower full installations costs, less and smaller pipe work, no separate mechanical controls, no cisterns, no cylinder
• Sealed heating system, reduced risks of corrosion and scale

Drawbacks

• No cold or hot water when cold main is shut for repairs
• Possible intermittent heating during periods in winter
• Cannot serve multiple outlets simultaneously
• Cannot cope with long pipe runs
• Higher expense to install during first time conversion, eg upgrading the Gas supply
• Not an option if cold main produces poor pressure and flow rates

Limitations

Although ideal for low occupant, 1 bathroom properties with the required mains pressure, combination boilers have limitations. They are not suitable for high occupant, 1 bathroom en-suite or 2 bathroom properties. They are at there limit in a 3-4 bed, 1 bathroom property, though there are scenario's where special niche models can be used. These niche models are combination boilers with a small water storage capacity, they are designed for 4 bed, 1bathroom en-suite properties as they can power two shower simultaneously.Some properties cannot have combination boilers as the water pressure and flow rates are insufficient.

To be sure that a combination boiler is suitable for your property, both the static pressure and working pressure of the main must be tested, and the flow rate of the main measured. These simple tests will prevent any costly incorrect installations.

Sizing Suitability

Regardless of manufacturer, combination boilers come in varying kilowatt outputs that deliver differing flow rates. As a rule of thumb, depending on size and occupancy of the property, certain outputs are more suitable to certain properties.

A 24kw combi is ideal for a 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom flat or Bungalow, where as a 31kw is the minimum for a 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom house. A 37-38kw combi is for those 1 bathroom properties that need higher hot water flow rates, eg better showers. If your property has 3+ bedrooms with a bathroom and an en-suite then a combination boiler is not an option.A system/regular boiler with a stored water facility would be suitable, but further tests and inspections would be needed.

Contact ALS Plumbing and Heating for Plumbers in Worthing to see if your home is suitable for a combination boiler.