Boiler Types Explained: Which One Is Right for Your Home?

Understanding different boiler types can help you make the best decision for your heating needs

Choosing a new boiler for your home isn’t just about picking a brand — it’s about choosing the right boiler type that suits your household’s size, water usage, and heating demands. Whether you’re upgrading an old system or fitting a boiler in a new property, it’s essential to understand how the main boiler types differ.

Here’s a simple breakdown of the three most common boiler types used in UK homes — and how to know which one is right for you.

Combi Boilers (Combination Boilers)

Combi boilers are the most space saving boilers, making them ideal for smaller homes and flats. They combine heating and hot water in a single unit and don’t require any tanks or cylinders.

Best for: Small homes or flats with 1 bathroom
What to know: This boiler heats water on demand, but may struggle if you’re running multiple taps or showers at once.

System Boilers

System boilers are a popular boiler type for medium to large homes. They work with a separate hot water cylinder but don’t need a cold water tank, meaning less space is needed compared to traditional setups.

Best for: Homes with 2 or more bathrooms
What to know: Ideal for families who use lots of hot water. You’ll have a ready supply, but once the cylinder is empty, it takes time to reheat.

Conventional Boilers (Regular or Heat Only)

Often found in older homes, this type of boiler requires both a hot water cylinder and a cold water storage tank. Conventional boilers are well suited for properties that already have the necessary system in place.

Best for: Homes with older heating setups and multiple bathrooms
What to know: They take up the most space but can handle high hot water demand when installed properly.

How to Choose the Right Boiler Type

Each type of boiler has advantages depending on your home’s size, plumbing system, and lifestyle:

• Choose a combi boiler if space is limited and your hot water demand is low to moderate.
• Go for a system boiler if you need to run several showers or taps at the same time.
• Stick with a conventional boiler if your home already has a tank system installed and multiple bathrooms.

Will Switching Boiler Types Affect Installation?

Yes — switching from one type of boiler to another can mean extra work. For example, moving from a regular boiler to a combi may require removing tanks and adjusting pipework. Our expert engineers at Heatwise Heating will assess your current setup and recommend the smoothest, most cost effective installation route.

What About Energy Efficiency?

All new boiler types installed today are highly efficient. Combi boilers tend to be more efficient for smaller households, while system and conventional boilers can perform better in larger homes with high hot water use — especially when paired with smart controls and good insulation.

Why Choose Heatwise Heating for Your Boiler Installation?

We’re Gas Safe Registered and trusted across Leeds for high-quality boiler installations. Whether you’re unsure which type of boiler suits your home or need expert guidance, we’re here to help.

We supply and fit all major boiler types, including models from Worcester Bosch, Vaillant, Ideal, and Baxi — complete with full warranties and flexible finance options.

Request a Free Home Survey & Quote

Not sure which boiler type is right for your home? We offer no obligation advice and tailored recommendations based on your property and lifestyle.

Call us on 0113 268 8570 or contact us online to book a free home survey today.