In today’s world of rising energy prices, many homeowners are asking the question: Are combi boilers cheaper to run compared to other heating systems? The answer is yes, especially for smaller to medium sized homes with average hot water demands.
Combi boilers provide hot water directly from the mains only when it is needed. This means they do not require a separate hot water storage cylinder. Because of this, they eliminate the heat losses associated with stored hot water and provide greater energy efficiency. Most modern combi boilers achieve energy ratings of over ninety percent, making them some of the most efficient systems available for domestic heating.
How Combi Boilers Work and Why That Saves Money
Combi boilers work by heating water directly from the mains as soon as you turn on a tap or shower. There is no need for a hot water storage cylinder, which means there is no wasted energy keeping water hot all day. This system offers an efficient and responsive way to supply hot water.
Fewer components are needed with a combi boiler. The absence of storage tanks and separate systems makes installation easier and cheaper. Maintenance costs are often lower as there are fewer parts that might fail or need servicing.
These boilers also have smart control systems and modulating burners. This means the boiler adjusts its output to meet current demand, using only the fuel necessary to maintain the desired temperature. When used correctly, this can result in substantial energy savings.
Running Costs Compared to Other Boiler Types
The average household in the United Kingdom uses around twelve thousand kilowatt hours of gas per year. If gas costs are around seven pence per kilowatt hour, this results in annual heating bills of around eight hundred and forty pounds. A modern A-rated combi boiler can help reduce this by up to thirty percent, depending on previous boiler efficiency.
In terms of hourly running costs, a combi boiler costs around ninety six pence per hour if running continuously. In real-life usage, when the boiler is operating only when hot water or heating is needed, the cost is much lower, usually between twenty and forty pence per hour.
Combi boilers are generally more cost-effective than regular or system boilers in households with one to two bathrooms. In homes with higher hot water demands or more bathrooms, a system boiler might be more suitable as it can supply hot water to multiple outlets at once.
Advantages of Combi Boilers
Combi boilers have many advantages:
- They offer high energy efficiency ratings, which means lower fuel bills.
- They provide hot water instantly, with no need to wait for a cylinder to heat up.
- Their compact size allows them to be installed in small spaces such as kitchen cupboards.
- They do not require loft tanks or hot water cylinders, saving space and reducing installation costs.
- Smart controls and programmable thermostats help further reduce energy usage.
- Mains water is heated directly, reducing the risk of contamination from stored water.
- There is less risk of sludge build up since there is no stored water.
Disadvantages of Combi Boilers
Despite their many advantages, combi boilers are not suitable for every household. Here are some of the potential downsides:
- Combi boilers can struggle to provide hot water to multiple outlets at the same time.
- They rely on the mains water pressure. If your mains pressure is low, performance may suffer.
- If the boiler breaks down, there is no backup hot water supply, unlike with storage cylinders.
- Some internal parts are more complex, which may make repairs more expensive.
- Power showers are usually not compatible with combi boilers due to lower pressure.
- They may fill a bath more slowly compared to cylinder systems.
- Homes with more than two bathrooms may find combi boilers do not meet their needs.
Installation and Maintenance Considerations
Combi boilers are generally quicker and cheaper to install compared to system or regular boilers. Since there is no need for tanks or cylinders, the labour involved is reduced. Maintenance is also more straightforward, with fewer parts to inspect and repair.
However, it is essential to choose a boiler that is correctly sized for your home. An undersized unit will struggle to meet demand, while an oversized boiler may cycle on and off inefficiently, leading to unnecessary wear and tear. Consulting a qualified heating engineer is crucial for selecting the right model and ensuring correct installation.
When Might a Combi Boiler Not Be Suitable?
While combi boilers offer many benefits, they are not ideal for every household. Larger homes with high simultaneous demand for hot water may find combi boilers struggle to deliver a consistent flow. For instance, if two showers are in use at the same time, the water pressure and temperature might fluctuate.
Homes with low mains water pressure may also experience issues, as combi boilers rely entirely on this pressure to deliver hot water. In these cases, a system boiler with a separate hot water cylinder might be more appropriate.
Combi Boiler FAQS
Yes, in most cases a combi boiler will help save money. Modern A-rated combi boilers are highly efficient, which means they convert a greater percentage of fuel into usable heat. They also avoid the energy losses associated with hot water storage tanks.
In addition, because combi boilers heat water only when needed, you are not paying to maintain the temperature of stored water. Over the course of a year, these savings can add up to hundreds of pounds, particularly when replacing an old G-rated boiler.
The cost of running a combi boiler for one hour depends on several factors, including the model, its efficiency rating, and the current cost of gas. On average, a 24 kilowatt boiler costs around 91 pence to run for an hour at full capacity, based on typical UK gas prices.
However, most boilers do not run continuously at full output. In practice, intermittent heating cycles and modulating features reduce the actual hourly cost. For general domestic use, most households spend between £3 and £5 per day on heating during colder months.
No, it is not cheaper to keep a combi boiler on continuously. Combi boilers are designed to operate on demand, meaning they heat water only when required. Leaving the heating on permanently will result in unnecessary fuel consumption and higher bills.
It is more efficient to use a timer or smart thermostat to control when the heating comes on. This ensures the boiler operates only when needed, conserving energy and reducing costs.
ROMA Heating
For all your commercial boiler needs look no further than ROMA Heating Services. Whether you need boiler maintenance, repairs, or any other heating solutions, ROMA Heating is here to provide reliable and efficient support.
Contact us today, and let us take care of your heating requirements, so you can enjoy a warm and worry free environment.
- Commercial Boiler Repair: We specialise in diagnosing and resolving issues promptly to minimise downtime and disruptions to your business.
- Commercial Boiler Servicing: Regular servicing ensures that your boiler operates efficiently, reducing the risk of unexpected errors.
- Commercial Boiler Maintenance: Our proactive maintenance plans help extend the lifespan of your boiler and maintain its optimal performance.
When it comes to your commercial boiler, trust the experts at ROMA Heating Services to keep your operations running smoothly.
