If you don't know what boiler you have, you'll struggle to buy a new one or worse, get ripped off.
If you’ve never had to replace or fix your heating system, you may not know what type of boiler you have in your home.
Typically, the type of boiler chosen depends on the size of your property, the water pressure, and your hot water needs.
Knowing the type of boiler installed in your home is important when you need to fix or upgrade your boiler.
Thankfully, a quick inspection is all you need to figure out what kind of boiler you have.
PS We fit new boilers with gas safe installation nationwide. Simply answer these questions, get your fixed price and you could get it installed as quick as tomorrow.
Types Of Boilers
The type of boiler you have will largely depend on how large your house is and the demands of your current heating system.
There are three main types of boilers:
Distinguishing between these three is not that difficult, and with our informative guide below, you can easily tell which one is installed in your home.
Prefer video? Check out our overview of the types of boilers in our YouTube video below:
Combi Boilers
Combi or combination boiler is a gas boiler that does not have a separate central heating unit and water heating system.
The two are combined into a single body so you do not need separate tanks and can have instant hot water.
As the units are combined, a combi boiler occupies less space, which is ideal for small homes and apartments.
Despite being compact, combi boilers are highly efficient.
They heat water on demand so the system does not waste energy on constantly heating stored water.
This energy saving is directly reflected in your fuel bills.
How Do You Know If You Have A Combi Boiler?
If there is no external pump, a hot water cylinder in your airing cupboard, as well as a cold water storage tank, you have a combi boiler.
However, it’s possible that these components were left after a previous installation.
So, to avoid getting confused, make sure you check the parts thoroughly to know if they are in use.
Another quick method to confirm whether you have a combi boiler is by checking the copper pipes coming out of the bottom of the boiler.
If you see five copper wires coming out of the boiler and a boiler is a single unit with no hot or cold water cylinders, then it is a combi boiler.
The property type can also help you identify the type of boiler.
Combi boilers are usually installed in small properties with a single bathroom as the boiler can only provide heated water to one tap at a time.
System Boilers
You will typically find system boilers in homes where hot water is used more often.
In system boilers, the water is heated in a separate storage tank, where it is stored and then supplied to multiple bathrooms if required.
The system takes water directly from the mains rather than needing an expansion tank or a feed as is the case with regular boilers.
This allows you to have heated water simultaneously in two bathrooms without impacting the house’s overall heating.
However, once the hot water is used up, you will have to wait for the water to get refilled and heated.
System boilers also take up a lot of space and are not suitable for small homes or flats.
How Do You Know If You Have A System Boiler?
If there is a hot water cylinder but no external pump or a cold water storage tank, you have a system boiler.
But, make sure that the hot water cylinder is being used and is not a part of a previous boiler.
You can also check the number of pipes coming out of the system base to confirm that you are using a system boiler.
If you see three copper pipes, then it is a system boiler.
Your property size will also help you confirm whether a system boiler is installed in your home.
Typically, large properties with multiple bathrooms have system boilers.
Regular Boilers
Regular boilers are also known as traditional, conventional, open-vent, or heat-only boilers.
These boilers tend to be large, take up a lot of space and are often difficult to install.
Regular boilers have a hot water storage tank, a cold water storage tank, and an expansion cistern.
Regular boilers can supply hot water to multiple bathrooms while effectively heating large homes.
However, similar to system boilers, you will have to wait for the tank to refill and the water to heat if the hot water finishes.
How Do You Know If You Have A Regular Boiler?
If your system has a hot water cylinder, an external pump, and a cold water storage tank, then you have a regular boiler.
Of course, you still need to check whether all the parts are working and are not just leftovers from a previous installation.
Check the number of pipes coming out of the boiler. A regular boiler has two copper wires coming out, one from the top and the other from the bottom.
Additionally, regular boilers will only be present if you have a large home as these boilers occupy a lot of space and are not ideal for smaller spaces.
Other Boilers To Consider
Apart from the three main types of boilers mentioned above, it is also possible that your house has one of the following boilers installed.
Biomass Boiler
These are carbon-neutral boilers that use biomass fuel such as wood chips or pellets.
They are a good renewable alternative to the gas boilers that are commonly used.
They cost less, are highly efficient, and are a sustainable source of fuel. However, biomass boilers are large and take up a lot of space.
Electric Boiler
When a gas supply is not possible or not wanted, electric boilers are used.
Another alternative to gas boilers, electric boilers are efficient, and very little heat is lost in the process. But, they generate high electricity costs.
Back Boiler
A type of conventional boiler, back boilers are a heat-only system and have in-built storage.
They can have an external hot water cylinder for storage.
These boilers were installed between the 1960s and 1980s and were usually fitted behind fireplaces.
Instantaneous Hot water
You may find them in old bathrooms. They heat the water at the point of exit or use it just like electric showers.
Combined Heat And Power Boiler
They also use a heat-only system. In addition to heating water, these boilers also generate electricity that can be used around the home.
LPG/Oil Boiler
They work the same way as gas boilers. The only difference is that the fuel is stored on-site and not off the grid.
Although efficient, oil boilers are quite expensive and detrimental to the environment.
Still Unsure Which Boiler You Have?
If you still can’t tell which type of boiler you have even after going through all these factors, you can do a quick internet search.
You can watch images and videos online and compare them to match your boiler with it.
If you know the name and model of your boiler, you can also look up those details online to find out which type of boiler you have.
If you still cannot determine the type, feel free to contact us in the live chat or give us a call and we’ll be more than happy to assist you.
What Type of Boiler Do I have? Conclusion
A boiler is a necessity in your home, especially in the colder months.
A malfunctioning or dysfunctional boiler can cause a lot of inconveniences, so it is important to get your boiler regularly serviced to avoid future damage to the system.
However, to do that, you need to know what type of boiler you have.
Knowing the type of boiler will also let you know the necessary measures required to protect the system, avoid further damage, and take quick steps to repair any damage.
If you cannot determine what type of boiler you have, you can always consult an expert.
Looking for the best deal on a new boiler?
If you’re aiming to get the best deal on a new boiler, consider getting a quote from us, here’s why:
Gas Safe installation within 24 hours.
Thousands of satisfied customers with an average score of 4.9 on Trustpilot, surpassing the market leader.
Which? Trusted Trader: Heatable is proudly recognised as a Which? Trusted Trader.
Price match guarantee: We will match any like-for-like cheaper quote.
Flexible payment options, including interest-free finance.
Up to 12-year guarantee on selected boilers.
Fixed price guarantee: No hidden costs.
Save your quote and decide later.
Get an instant fixed price on a new boiler, here.
To learn more about boilers, visit our advice section, check out our YouTube channel, or read customer testimonials here.
Heat Happy.
