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.
Combi Boilers: Are They 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.
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.
System Boilers: When Should You Choose Them?
You should choose system boilers when your property has two or more bathrooms and requires strong hot water flow rates from an unvented cylinder.
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.
Conventional Boilers: Do They 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.
Storage Combi Boilers: Are They 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.
Oil Boilers: What Properties Require Them?
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 from 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 new boiler quote from Boilers 2 Go today for personalised recommendations, transparent pricing and professional Gas Safe or OFTEC installation that meets your specific needs.
FAQs
Can I install a different boiler type without changing my existing 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.
Do all boiler types qualify for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
No, the scheme primarily supports heat pumps; gas and oil boilers generally do not qualify, though landlords may claim other tax relief on energy efficiency upgrades.
What happens if my chosen boiler type 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.
Are hydrogen-ready boilers available across all types?
Many new gas combi, system and conventional boilers are now 20% hydrogen blend ready, offering landlords and homeowners a future-proof pathway as hydrogen networks expand.
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.