Combi boilers are the most popular type of boiler in the UK.
They’re small, simple, and efficient – delivering immediate hot water, on demand. Without the need for any additional water tanks, they can be fitted neatly between kitchen cupboards, under your stairs, or in another small room.
Conventional boilers, sometimes called regular boilers, are an older style of boiler but are still popular in larger homes. Their hot water tank means they can handle busy households and multiple showers at once, but they can be less efficient and take up more room.
If you’re looking to switch from conventional to combi, here’s what you need to know.
Why switch to a combi boiler?
One of the main reasons is efficiency. Combi boilers draw water straight from the mains, heating it directly in the pipes before it’s delivered to taps or radiators. Without the need to keep a big water tank heated, combi boilers consume less energy.
And whilst combis are considered smaller boilers for smaller homes, today’s models are more than capable of heating all but the largest houses. This compact size also means that you’ll have more choice and flexibility on where you can have it installed.
Browse our combi boiler range
How to switch from conventional to combi
Switching from one boiler type to another is usually more expensive than a like-for-like exchange, because it will involve different parts and procedures.
As well as all the usual boiler replacement tasks, like draining the system and removing the existing boiler, switching from conventional to combi will also involve:
- Removing the water tank and cylinders from the loft
- Upgrading pipework to the modern combi standard
- Installing the combi, potentially in a different place
These additional steps will probably mean two days of labour costs, rather than the usual one. You can expect a conventional to combi switch to cost about £1,000 more than a standard replacement.
Is it worth switching to a combi boiler?
For the vast majority of households, the answer is yes because:
- More loft space, without the water tank
- Instant, on-demand hot water
- Higher efficiency and lower bills
- Reduction of your carbon footprint
- Updated technology and less maintenance
Unless you have an extremely large home, or your conventional boiler is relatively new, switching to a combi boiler is likely to save you time, money, and hassle in the long run.
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