Central Heating Installation

We specialise in all types of central heating systems, whether you need your combi boiler serviced or repaired. All our staff are trained in the latest regulations, we are Gas Safe registered in Gas Safe gas and Gas Safe electric.

Combination / Combi Central Heating

Combination boilers as the name suggests combine most of the components of a conventional system i.e. boiler, cylinder, pump, control valves and thermostats into one unit (The Combi).

The advantages of this system are:

No stored water in loft or airing cupboard, therefore saving space and no risk of freezing pipes
Instantaneous hot water twenty four hours a day, seven days a week
High pressure showers without the need for mechanical power showers
The most economical type of boiler, only pay for exactly the hot water you use
Combi's can be sited almost anywhere in the house because of the enormous flueing options i.e. loft, airing cupboard, garage etc

The disadvantages of this system are:

The main disadvantage of a combination boiler is that it primarily only serves one tap at a time, this means if someone is in the shower upstairs, and someone turns on the hot tap at the kitchen sink, whoever is in the shower will recieve no hot water, regardless as to how big the combination boiler is

This type of boiler is generally more suited to smaller homes with up to three independent hot water users (users over 10 years old).

Although very energy efficient, the problem with running more than one tap at a time is exaspirated if more than three people live in the home or if there is more than one bathroom.

Conventional / Traditional Central Heating

This type of system is most common in the United Kingdom today, it comprises of a cold water storage tank (normally in the loft area), hot water storage cylinder and a seperate boiler (traditionally installed within the kitchen).

The advantages of this system are:

Hot water to several taps at the same time.
Greater volume of water, which means a bath will fill quickly
When used in conjunction with a fast recovery hot water cylinder (see further information), hot water can be available almost 24/7 and efficiently.

The disadvantages of this system are:

If you require a powerful shower, a mechanical pump will be required to increase the shower pressure.
Take up more room i.e. airing cupboard and loft
Greater Risk of freezing pipes in the loft area

This is the most typical of the systems currently fitted in the UK.

It is generally suitable for average to larger homes where hot water will be needed at more than one tap at a time such as families of three or more with perhaps more than one bathroom/shower room.

When fitted with fast recovery/high efficiency hot water cylinders this type of system will be almost as efficient as a combination boiler but will serve several taps at a time.

Unvented / Pressurised Central Heating

This type of system accommodates almost all needs as it gives hot water to several taps at any one time at high pressure.

The advantages of this system are:

It eliminates the need for cold water storage tanks in the loft area
Good option if you are considering converting your loft space into living space
It also gives a very high pressure shower without the need for a mechanical pump. This is not only a saving on the cost of a shower pump but, also eliminates the noise element involved with mechanical pumps

The disadvantages of this system are:

It is likely to be the most expensive option
Must have your mains water pressure tested before installation to ensure a minimum working pressure (Any installer should carry out this test)

This type of system is suitable for all applications as it has all the benefits of both the other types of system.

So long as the incoming mains water pressure is high enough this system offers solutions to almost all possible scenarios, provided it is within your budget!

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