Deciding what type of boiler you would need depends on your property size, hot water demand, existing plumbing, EPC targets and whether you are a homeowner prioritising comfort or a landlord focused on compliance and low maintenance costs.
What Factors Determine the Type of Boiler You Need?
The factors that determine the type of boiler you need include the number of bathrooms, simultaneous hot water demand, available space, whether you have mains gas, existing cylinders or loft tanks, budget, EPC requirements and future energy efficiency goals. Our guide to the main types of boilers explains how each one works before you weigh these up.
Are Combi Boilers Suitable for Most Homes?
Combi boilers are suitable for most smaller UK homes and flats with one or two bathrooms because they deliver instant hot water on demand without a cylinder, saving space and reducing installation complexity. If you are switching to a combi, check your showers too: our guide to the best shower for a combi boiler explains which types work well.
They excel in properties with lower simultaneous usage but can experience reduced flow when multiple taps run at once. Homeowners appreciate their compact design while landlords benefit from fewer leak risks in tenanted properties.
When Should You Choose a System Boiler?
You should choose system boilers when your property has two or more bathrooms and requires strong hot water flow rates from an unvented cylinder. Our guide to what a system boiler is explains how the boiler and cylinder work together.
They provide consistent pressure, work well with smart heating controls and improve EPC ratings through high-efficiency condensing technology. Landlords often select them for family-sized rentals where reliable simultaneous showers matter.
Do Conventional Boilers Still Make Sense Today?
Conventional boilers still make sense today for older properties with existing gravity-fed systems, loft cold water tanks and copper cylinders.
They offer reliable performance in period homes but are less efficient due to stored water heat loss and take up more space. Many landlords replace them during renovations to meet modern EPC C requirements.
Are Storage Combi Boilers a Good Compromise?
Storage combi boilers are a good compromise when you want combi convenience plus better hot water flow from a small integrated 40-60 litre store.
They reduce pressure drops in medium-demand properties without needing a full separate cylinder. Both homeowners and landlords value them in flats or smaller family homes where space is limited but occasional high usage occurs.
Which Properties Need an Oil Boiler?
Oil boilers are required for off-grid properties without mains gas connection, typically in rural locations where kerosene is stored in an external tank.
Modern condensing oil boilers achieve high efficiency but involve higher fuel costs, annual OFTEC servicing and strict tank compliance rules. Landlords in remote rentals must factor in pollution prevention regulations and potential future low-carbon transitions.
How Can Landlords Meet EPC Requirements With the Right Boiler?
Landlords can meet EPC requirements with the right boiler by choosing A-rated condensing models that improve SAP calculations and reduce carbon emissions.
High-efficiency combi or system boilers paired with good insulation and controls help achieve the minimum EPC C rating required for private rentals in England by October 2030, while oil boilers may need additional measures to offset higher emissions.
Need a New Boiler Quote?
Choosing the correct boiler type for your home or rental property can transform comfort, efficiency and compliance. Request a boiler installation quote from Boilers 2 Go today for personalised recommendations, transparent pricing and professional Gas Safe or OFTEC installation that meets your specific needs. Boiler finance is also available to spread the cost.
Choosing a Boiler Type: FAQs
Can I Install a Different Boiler Type Without Changing My Radiators?
Yes, most modern boilers are compatible with existing radiators, but a full system assessment may recommend upgrades to thermostatic valves or pipework for optimal performance.
How Long Does a Typical Boiler Installation Take?
Most combi or system boiler replacements take one to two days, while oil boiler installations or conventional boiler conversions may require longer due to additional pipework or tank work. See how long it takes to fit a new boiler for a fuller breakdown.
Do All Boiler Types Qualify for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
No. The scheme supports heat pumps (and biomass boilers in limited cases); gas, oil and LPG boilers and hybrid systems do not qualify.
What Happens If My Boiler Is Undersized for the Property?
An undersized boiler will struggle to heat the home or provide adequate hot water, leading to cold spots, longer recovery times and higher running costs. Our guide on what size boiler you need explains how to get the output right.
Are Hydrogen-Ready Boilers Available Across All Boiler Types?
Many new gas combi, system and conventional boilers are now 20% hydrogen blend ready, offering landlords and homeowners some flexibility if hydrogen blending into the gas grid is approved in future.
I’m Penny North, a home energy heating expert. My mission is to demystify new boilers and complex heating systems to help you achieve a warm, cosy home with lower energy bills and a smaller environmental footprint.