A Guide To Central Heating Systems
There are three main types of gas central heating systems used in housing:
- Combination Boiler Systems
- Gravity Fed Systems
- High Pressure Systems
All three of these systems heat central heating radiators in similar ways. The main differences are the water pressure that the boiler operates at and the way hot water is provided.
heating engineer Combination Boiler System
Often referred to as a ‘combi boiler’ this type of installation heats hot water as you need it, without the need for a hot water storage tank. So in places where space and hot water requirements are limited, such as flats, these can be very popular systems. The system uses mains water pressure, so there are no overflow tanks.
The major downside is the flow of hot water is slower than systems that provide stored hot water – most systems will struggle to cope with houses with two bathrooms. To have a reasonable level of hot water flow the boiler output has to be in a range of 25-30kW rather than 15-20kW for a system with a hot water storage tank. If you are thinking of using solar water heating in the future then another downside is that these systems are not suitable for use with a combi boiler as they need a hot water cylinder. Read more in our solar panels cost article.
See Combination Gas Boilers for a list of current popular combi boilers with typical consumer prices.
Gravity Fed Systems
Historically a gravity fed central heating system was the most common system installed in UK housing. They are less common now as combi and high pressure systems are both superior when a complete new system is being installed.
Many older homes have existing gravity fed systems, so it may be more cost effective to upgrade the existing gravity fed system with a new more efficient boiler rather than go to the expense of a complete new system. Some manufacturers call boilers for a gravity system “open vent boilers”, “heat only boilers”, “conventional boilers” or “regular boilers”. Most system boilers can also be used with a gravity system. A system boiler has additional built in components such as a pump which makes installation easier than for a heat only boiler.
The major downsides are:
- the water pressure for hot and cold taps can be quite poor, as the flow depends on gravity. In flats, where there is no opportunity to put the water tanks in a loft, shower water pressure can be poor unless a shower pump is used.
- The extra requirement for a cold water storage tank and an expansion tanks. These tanks were often installed in lofts where they become vulnerable to frost damage resulting in water leaks.
High pressure systems
This type of system operates at mains water pressure and uses a stored hot water system. So if it is lashings of hot water at a forceful pressure you are looking for then this is the system for you. EICR Certificate Glasgow
The main downside is that these high performance systems tend to be more expensive than the combi systems as you have the additional expense of a hot water tank. They also tend to require a higher skill level amongst installers, although as these systems become more common this is less of an issue. Some manufacturers call boilers for a high pressure system with a tank “system boilers” although some heat only boilers can also be used if additional external components such as pumps are added. electricians
