System vs Regular Boilers: What’s the Difference and Which Should You Choose?
If you’re weighing up which type of boiler is right for your home, understanding the differences between system boilers and regular (also known as conventional or heat-only) boilers is essential. While both are designed to provide heating and hot water, their structure and the way they integrate with your existing system vary significantly.
System Boilers – Compact and Efficient
A system boiler includes a heat exchanger, like a regular boiler, but it also incorporates key components such as an expansion vessel and a built-in circulating pump. This integrated design eliminates the need for an external feed and expansion tank in the loft, as well as separate circulation pumps.
By housing these components within the boiler unit itself, system boilers offer a more compact and modern solution. They connect directly to a sealed hot water cylinder and are generally quicker to install, with fewer parts exposed to cold or frost-prone areas like lofts. This setup makes them ideal for properties with limited roof space or where a tidy, streamlined system is preferred.
Regular Boilers – Tried and Trusted
Regular boilers are the more traditional option and are typically found in older properties. They work with a feed and expansion cistern in the loft and operate at a lower system pressure. These open-vented systems are well suited to homes with existing pipework and a separate hot water cylinder already in place.
If your home has an older heating system that may not cope well with the higher pressures of modern sealed systems, a regular boiler might be the better fit. They’re also a strong choice for larger households with higher hot water demands, where multiple bathrooms may be used at the same time.
Which One is Right for Your Home?
The decision between a system boiler and a regular boiler largely depends on your existing setup and your household’s specific needs:
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Choose a regular boiler if your property already uses a traditional system with a loft tank and hot water cylinder, or if you’re concerned your current pipework won’t support higher pressure.
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Opt for a system boiler if you want a space-saving option, don’t have a loft tank, or are installing a new central heating system from scratch and want something more modern and efficient.
Whichever option you go for, it’s always worth speaking to a qualified heating engineer who can assess your property and help guide your decision.