Do You Need a Hot Water Cylinder with a Combi Boiler?

Traditional heating systems had a boiler to run the central heating and a separate water heater to produce hot water which was then stored in a hot water tank or cylinder. This not only takes up more room, it also makes installing and maintaining your heating systems more expensive. Modern alternatives, such as combi boilers, do away with the need for a separate water heater, but there are some circumstances under which a hot water storage cylinder can be a good idea.

Combi boilers

A modern combi (short for ‘combination’) boiler is so called because it combines the function of a boiler and water heater into a single unit. Combi boilers do not store hot water, instead whenever you turn on a hot tap, the boiler comes on and starts heating water taken directly from the mains. This means you are only heating the exact amount of water you use, making this a highly efficient and cost effective way to generate hot water.

Meeting demand

The only downside with combi boilers is that there is a limit to how many litres of hot water they can produce at any one time. This means for larger properties where several people may need to use hot water at once, a combi boiler may not be able to produce enough to meet demand. For most homes this is not a problem, but for particularly large houses with several bathrooms and for commercial premises, this can mean an alternative, known as a system boiler is a better choice.

System boilers

A system boiler still generates the hot water for the property, but this is then stored in a separate water cylinder so there is always plenty of hot water available when needed. This is a more expensive option than a combi boiler, however, so you should always consult an experienced heating engineer to find the best option for your property, requirements and budget.
If you’re looking for a new boiler in Bristol, DHS have one of the best reputations in the area. With over 40 years in the trade, we have the expertise you need to find the best heating solution for your home. To find out more or to ask for a quote, please feel free to get in touch!

Call DHS today on 0117 924 7200, email us, or request a call back.