Choosing an appropriately sized and adequately designed boiler can be quite a task. Besides being confusing, there is also the clutter of the number of manufacturers, their models, and different types of boilers. It is highly critical for you to decide on the correctly sized and correct type of boiler required for your specific home application, else there will be some serious issues. Among the many technologies of boilers available in the market today, the combi or combination boiler is typically best suited for average home installations. The combi boiler acts as the central heat source and the heated water supply application through single compact equipment.
Operationally, combi boilers are relatively cost-effective while also highly efficient in their energy use as fuel. In these systems, the water gets heated up in the shortest possible time, unlike the conventional ones in which the water would first have to be heated and then collected in a storage tank or cylinder. The best feature of combi boilers is that these systems operate at the inlet water mains pressure, which means there is no need for extra pumping or water storage. Simply connect the inlet water mains to the boiler inlet, and it is ready. Heated water is circulated throughout the home as and when required using the existing piping system, and there is usually no waiting time for the water to get heated.
Combi boilers are very compact in their structure, so they require minimum space in your home. Also, these types of boilers are very efficient in their energy consumption resulting in reduced energy costs and fuel bills. These are the only types of boilers that serve the dual purpose of centrally heating your home while providing heated water to all the taps and faucets. These boiler systems do not require any extra storage tanks or cylinders or any unique vessels.
While there are multiple makes, models, and types of combi boilers available in the market today, it will become crucial for the homeowner to compare the features and benefits and look at the cost of a combi boiler from different perspectives. In case the homeowner is considering a replacement. There will be a swap cost differential if the old system needs to be converted into the new one. There would be the conversion cost, or then there would be an entirely new installation cost, which could include the boiler cost and the piping, distribution, insulation, and overall installation cost. These expenses will all depend on the type of home and the specifics of the installation required.
Among the many boilers available, the top 5 combi boilers you can find on the market are:
1. Viessmann Vitodens 50W & 100W
This variant is a typical gas condensing type of combi boiler, which is low cost. This boiler model has become quite a popular choice among commercial applications. This boiler has been rated very high on performance though it does not provide a heated water supply (due to the application focus). It has a very compact design and is low on emissions.
2. Alpha E-Tec 28 kW / 33 kW
This boiler is one of the latest additions to the combi boilers range. It is built with a fully stainless steel heat exchanger body and is relatively compact in structure. This combi boiler's overall design and engineering allow it to be fitted in the smallest of spaces. The most attractive feature is its front opening cover which makes it easily serviceable when needed.
3. Worcester Bosch Greenstar 8000
This combi boiler from Bosch, also called the Greenstar 8000, is a very good looking and aesthetically designed unit. Like other combi boilers, it is pretty compact, is lightweight, and can be installed in small spaces. It comes with a factory-certified rating on energy efficiency. It delivers both central heating as well as heated water distribution for the home.
4. Worcester Bosch Greenstar 4000
The Greenstar 4000 is the latest introduction in the range of combi boilers. Designed with a very sleek finish and rounded edges, this combi boiler is equipped with intelligent controls, and the thermostat can be managed, monitored, and controlled wirelessly as well.
5. Ideal Logic+ 15kW
While compact, the combi boiler has been designed to perform efficiently and is known to be quite reliable. The design of the unit makes these boilers easily and quickly installable. They can easily fit inside a standard kitchen cabinet. The bright digital display placed on the front panel of this boiler has a backlight enabling easy identification even in the dark.
