In this article we're going to cover everything you need to know about regular boilers, also known as heat only or conventional boilers.
When it comes to boilers and central heating systems, there are a few different types of systems to consider. Each one has it's own advantages and disadvantages so it's important to understand each one so that you can pick the best one for your home. The most common boiler in the UK are combi boilers, system boilers and regular boilers.
What is a Regular Boiler?
A regular boiler heats water for both hot water and the central heating. A regular boiler system includes the boiler, a hot water tank and a cold water tank (which is usually in the loft). Mains water is heated and stored in the hot water tank until it is needed and used.
Where are Regular Boilers Normally Found?
Regular boilers are normally found:-
- In larger homes - where there is a higher demand for hot water and where multiple hot water outlets could be turned on at once, for example a home with a main bathroom and an ensuite. This is because the system has a hot water tank which can hold a large amount of water to supply the multiple outlets.
- Areas with low water pressure - unlike with a combi boiler, regular boilers are well suited to homes that have low water pressure. This is because the system uses the tanks to maintain a constant pressure at the hot water outlets.
What's the Cost of a Regular Boiler?
The cost of a regular boiler can vary depending on a few factors, these factors include its size (kW), brand, model and the complexity of the installation. Here's a breakdown to give you an insight:-
- Boiler cost - range from £900 to £2000, depending on brand and model
- Hot water cylinder cost - range from £500 to £1000, depending on brand and size
- Installation costs - range from £500 to £1500 depending on numerous factors, including if it's a straight boiler swap or a conversion from a system boiler or combi boiler.
The above costs are not the only costs involved in a boiler installation. There are also other costs which include flues, filters, timers, flushes, pipework, fittings, valves, a pump stand-off kits and more.
With everything accounted for and fitted a new regular boiler can cost as little as £2165 or as much as £4000.
Heat My House offers 6 regular boilers, here's the boiler and its starting price:-
- Alpha E-Tec 15kW regular boiler - £2165
- Alpha E-Tec 20kW regular boiler - £2195
- Alpha E-Tec 25kW regular boiler - £2185
- Worcester Bosch Greenstar 15Ri 15kW regular boiler - £2385
- Worcester Bosch Greenstar 21Ri 21kW regular boiler - £2475
- Worcester Bosch Greenstar 24Ri 24kW regular boiler - £2665
The Advantages of a Regular Boiler
- Suitable for homes with multiple hot water outlets - as mentioned in the section above, because of their hot water tanks, regular boiler systems can deliver hot water at a constant pressure to multiple hot water outlets.
- Hot water capacity - having the hot water tank allows a large storage of hot water which is ready to go. This is why they're good for larger homes.
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Solar compatibility - central heating systems using a regular boiler can be combined with solar panels. The solar energy can be used to heat the water in the hot water tank, therefore reducing the homeowner's energy consumption and reducing their energy costs.
The Disadvantages of a Regular Boiler
- Space taken up - due to the tanks needed in a regular boiler/vented system, they take up a lot more space than combi boilers. Space is valuable in most homes so this is generally unwanted.
- Lower water pressure compared to other systems when used in a vented system - when compared to combi boilers and system boilers, the main drawback of a regular boiler is the lower pressure of the hot water. Regular boilers when used in a vented system have a lower pressure because they're not a pressurised system, their pressure is generated by gravity, governed by the height of the water tanks. A pump can be added to the system to get around this problem.
