Combi or Condensing Boiler? Help and information on all topics relating to your central heating, air conditioning and ventilation issues.

[Frozen Bambi]

Hi,

We currently have an electric boiler with a wet radiator system. It doesn't work very well as despite having huge bills the house is always very cold. We have had an electric boiler installer in to look at it and there appears to be a problem with the pressure. The reader on the boiler was at 0. He filled it up to 1.5. It gradually fell and then when we reduced the heat of the boiler from 85C to 75C on advice from our supplier the pressure immediately dropped to 0.7. It is not under warranty and apparently shouldn't even be at our property as the company records have it installed elsewhere. We are not happy with it and are looking into getting gas installed in the property. We have had 2 quotes with Scottish Hydro recommending a Combi boiler and a private installer suggesting a Condensing boiler. We do currently have a water tank and it is set up as a normal system. We live in a 2 bedroom house (6 radiators) with one bathroom (with an electric shower), a living room and kitchen, we never have baths and don't really need a lot of hot water. We are really looking for lower running costs but for the house to be warmer. What type and size of boiler would you recommend? Will the pressure be a problem with the new boiler too? Any help would be great. Thanks. :)

[htg engineer]

The boiler has to be a condensing boiler, it's up to you what make and model you go for.

For a 2 bed and 1 bathroom house, a Baxi 105HE will suffice - this is a fairly cheap boiler, boiler prices vary it all comes down to what you can afford or what you want to spend.

Main 24HE combi boiler, is the exactly the same boiler as a Baxi but abit cheaper.

Rough guide
Main 24HE £520
Potterton 24HE £655
Baxi 105HE £669
Worcester28i £812

There's many more

[Frozen Bambi]

Thanks for your help. I take it that you suggest the Condensing boiler on account of the fact we already have the hot water cylinder? Bizarrely we just received another quote from Scottish Hydro and it was more expensive for the condensing boiler!

[htg engineer]

No, I make the suggestion of the condensing boiler - because it is a legal requirement. You can no longer fit non-condensing boilers.

It's up to you whether you go for a Combi or a system boiler, but either will have to be a condensing boiler.