Worcester Bosch provides guidance on choosing the most suitable boiler for your needs, comparing system boilers with regular boilers.
The key difference lies in the structure of the boilers. A system boiler includes a heat exchanger, similar to a regular boiler, but also incorporates an expansion vessel and a built-in circulating pump. This integrated design eliminates the requirement for an external feed and expansion system in the loft and separate circulating pumps.
Regular boilers, also known as traditional, conventional, or heat-only boilers, are the original design for central heating systems. They operate under low system pressure and are typically supplied by a feed and expansion cistern located in the loft, instead of being a sealed system under higher pressure.
Choosing the appropriate boiler depends on the property type and the household’s heating and hot water needs. Regular boilers are ideal for homes with an existing traditional heating and hot water system connected to a separate hot water cylinder. They are especially suitable if the existing system may not withstand the higher water pressure of a system or combi boiler. Regular boilers also offer automated refilling.
System boilers, in contrast, offer their own advantages. They can be connected to a hot water storage cylinder and do not require a feed and expansion cistern in the loft, saving space and reducing risks of frost or leak damage. The inclusion of built-in components in system boilers simplifies and speeds up the installation process.