Thinking about upgrading your home heating system? A combi boiler might be just what you need. Combining both a high-efficiency water heater and a central heating boiler in one compact unit, it saves space and energy. Whether you're tired of waiting for hot water or looking to cut down on energy bills, a combi boiler offers a smart solution.
The combination boiler is a central heating boiler and a water heater combined into one compact unit. It's an all-in-one solution that serves as both a central heating system boiler and hot water cylinder, so there are no giant tanks in your airing cupboard and no large water storage containers in your loft.
A combi boiler will only heat up water when you need it, which means they are much better for the environment, and they are great for saving money on your energy bills.
A new combination boiler, can cost between £750 and £2,500 (average as of 2024). These prices depend on the brand, size, and features... so, shop wisely!
| Boiler Make | Boiler Model | Power Output | Average Boiler Cost | Average Installed Cost | Total Cost Range | Efficiency Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Worcester Bosch | Greenstar 8000 Life | 30W | £1,300 | £750 | £2,250 | 94% |
| Worcester Bosch | Greenstar 8000 Life | 35W | £1,600 | £750 | £2,500 | 94% |
| Vaillant | ecoTEC Plus 835 | 35W | £1,500 | £750 | £2,250 | 89% |
| Ideal | Vogue Max Combi | 32W | £1,450 | £750 | £2,250 | 93% |
| Baxi | 800 Platinum+ | 40W | £1,600 | £1,000 | £2,250 | 93% |
| Viessmann | Vitodens 050-W | 35KW | £1,350 | £1,000 | £2,100 | 97% |
*The prices shown in this table and graphic are average prices based on data compiled from online sources. They do not represent an exact price quote. Actual prices may vary.
Pay the full amount upfront if you have the funds. This can often secure discounts.
Boiler installers offer various finance options. These include 0% interest-free credit and £0 deposits.
Arrange a loan via a credit broker. These loans cover up to 100% of installation costs. Consider 0% APR for 2-3 years or 9.9% APR for 10 years.
Some providers offer a 1-year grace period before repayments begin. This allows you to manage your budget effectively.
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Getting a quote for a combi boiler involves considering several factors to ensure you make an informed decision. Here are the main components to look at:
| Boiler | Output Options | Efficiency Rating | Warranty | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Worcester Bosch Greenstar 8000 Life | 30kW, 35kW, 40kW, 45kW | 94% (A rated) | Up to 12 years | Modern design, saves up to 8% energy, powerful |
| Vaillant ecoTEC Plus 835 | 35kW | 94% | 5-10 years | Quiet Mark approved, compact size, continuous modulation |
| Ideal Vogue Max Combi 32 | 32kW | 93% | 12 years | Smart home compatible, sleek design, easy to install |
| Baxi 800 Platinum+ Combi | 24kW, 30kW, 36kW | A rated | 10 years | Fits in kitchen cupboards, high flow rate, smart control ready |
| Viessmann Vitodens 050-W | 25kW, 30kW | A rated | Up to 10 years | Compact & lightweight, Inox-Radial heat exchanger, wi-fi ready |
Choosing the right combi boiler for your home can be a tricky task, especially with the myriad of options available in the market. You're looking for a model that combines efficiency, cost-effectiveness and reliability. But how do you narrow down your choices?
We'll break down the best combi boilers of 2024, highlighting the key features that make each one stand out. Whether you're looking for a boiler with the best warranty, the highest efficiency, or the most budget-friendly option, we've got you covered With our expert insights and practical advice.
The Worcester Bosch Greenstar 8000 Life is a top-notch combi boiler famous for its efficiency and design. It's part of [Worcester Bosch's](/help-and-advice/worcester-bosch) most powerful range and boasts a modern look. It's available in different kW options, like 30kW, 35kW, 40kW, and even a whopping 45kW.
Easy to use, this boiler aims to simplify your heating needs. There's no need for a big hot water cylinder, which is great if you're short on space. The Greenstar 8000 Life is efficient, saving you up to 8% on energy costs.
Prices for this boiler range from around £1,800 to £2,400. Given its features, that's quite a bargain. It's a sturdy option if you're looking for reliability and efficiency.
For more information, you can check out the Greenstar 8000 Life Combi or read a detailed Worcester Bosch Greenstar 8000 Life Combi Boiler Review.
Finally, did you know that Worcester Bosch has won several awards for their boilers? Their commitment to quality is evident in every model.
The Vaillant ecoTEC Plus 835 is a high-performance combi boiler designed for medium to large homes. It boasts an impressive 89% efficiency rating (SAP 2009), helping you save on energy costs while keeping your home warm and comfortable.
This ultra-quiet boiler has earned the Quiet Mark accreditation from the Noise Abatement Society for its innovative low-noise design. You can enjoy a peaceful home without the constant hum of your heating system.
The ecoTEC Plus 835 is part of a range of combi boilers available in 25, 32, 35, and 38kW outputs, catering to various household sizes. LPG models are also available for off-gas areas.
Vaillant offers a standard 5-year warranty, which can be upgraded to a 7-year warranty when registered through Vaillant Advance. Extended warranties of up to 10 years are also available.
“Did you know? The ecoTEC Plus series has been recognized by Which? magazine for its dependability and low breakdown rates, saving you money on maintenance over time.
For more information, check out the Vaillant ecoTEC Plus 835 technical specifications or read a detailed Vaillant ecoTEC Plus 835 review.
The Ideal Vogue Max Combi 32 is a high-efficiency condensing combi boiler designed for reliable performance and energy savings. With a 93% efficiency rating, this boiler is sure to help reduce your energy bills while keeping your home warm and comfortable.
Featuring premium components and a stainless steel heat exchanger, the Vogue Max Combi 32 is built to last. It comes with an impressive 12-year warranty when installed by a Max Accredited Boiler Installer, giving you peace of mind for years to come.
The Vogue Max Combi 32 is compatible with the Ideal Halo wireless programmable room thermostat, allowing you to control your heating system remotely using a smartphone app. This smart home integration makes it easy to manage your heating schedule and save energy.
“Did you know? Ideal Boilers has been manufacturing heating products in the UK for over 100 years, with a reputation for quality and innovation.
For more information, check out the Ideal Vogue Max Combi 32 product page or read a detailed Ideal Vogue Max Combi 32 review.
This boiler range offers top-notch energy efficiency. It's got an A-rated efficiency, which means you’re saving on your energy bills while helping the environment. Win-win! Plus, the Baxi 800 Platinum+ Combi boilers are praised for their reliability.
Performance-wise, they don’t disappoint either. The high flow rate means you’ll have no issues with water pressure even during peak times. And with a 10-year warranty, you’re looking at peace of mind for a long time. If there’s ever a problem, you’re covered!
Here’s a little kicker: it’s compatible with the Baxi uSense smart control. You can control your heating using your phone or tablet. Fancy, right? This makes it super easy to adjust temperatures on the go or even while you’re at work.
Lastly, if you’re worried about installation costs, it's good to know that it may be roughly £200 cheaper to install compared to similar Worcester Bosch models.
That’s some solid savings for your pocket. And did I mention it’s made in the UK? 🇬🇧
The Viessmann Vitodens 050-W is a stellar choice for a small-to-medium family home. You'll find that it’s compact and lightweight, making it perfect for most households. And it's very quiet too—no more noisy boiler keeping you up at night!
With an energy efficiency rating of class A, you’re getting a boiler that's friendly on your wallet and the environment. It's available with outputs of 25kW and 30kW, which can handle a modest hot water demand quite nicely .
Another perk is the hot water flow rate. The 30kW version delivers up to 12.2 litres per minute. That means you can enjoy those long showers without worrying about running out of hot water. Lovely, isn’t it?
You'll appreciate its stylish and modern design, which easily fits into even the tightest of kitchen spaces. Plus, it comes wi-fi-ready, so you can pair it up with several Viessmann accessories.
A combi boiler provides both space heating and instant hot water. Here's a breakdown of the essential components and processes:
| Boiler Type | Efficiency | Ideal For | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas Combi Boiler | Up to 95% | Homes with gas supply | Lower running costs |
| Electric Combi Boiler | 100% | Homes without gas supply | Higher running costs |
| Oil-Fired Combi Boiler | 80-90% | Rural homes | Oil storage and transport |
| LPG Combi Boiler | Up to 90% | Homes without mains gas | Higher fuel costs |
Gas combi boilers are the most common type in the UK. They operate on natural gas to provide heating and hot water. These boilers are highly efficient and can reach efficiencies of up to 95%. They draw water directly from the mains, heating it instantly through a heat exchanger.
Electric combi boilers use electricity to heat water. They reach 100% efficiency since all the electricity converts into heat energy. Ideal for homes without a gas supply, they are compact but typically more expensive to run compared to gas boilers.
Oil-fired combi boilers serve properties not connected to the gas network. They store oil in an external tank. These boilers are less common, more expensive to install and maintain, but offer good heating performance.
LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) combi boilers are an alternative for homes without access to natural gas. They use LPG stored in an external tank. These boilers offer similar efficiency to natural gas boilers but involve higher fuel costs.
Have a blast with a power shower.Since a combi boiler doesn't require a cylinder or storage tank it releases water directly from the mains, so you can enjoy a proper non-trickle shower without needing to buy an extra pump.
Extra Living Space.Gas combi boilers are renowned for being compact and lightweight which means there’s more space in your home for something more enjoyable. With hot water cylinders and cold water tanks out of the way, think of the exciting objects that could take their place. It might give you the opportunity to convert your loft, and your airing cupboard could just become a nice place to stand in.
Quick Installation.When you buy a new boiler for your home, the initial cost of installing it can be pretty hefty, often being more costly than the unit itself. A combination boiler however takes much less time to install since it has everything it needs tucked away inside and less pipework. It’s simple: a shorter installation time means a smaller fee.
| Expense Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Initial Installation | Can range from £500 to £1500 based on specifics. |
| Annual Maintenance | Usually between £50-£100. A yearly check is vital. |
| Repair Costs | Depend on parts and labour. Older systems cost more. |
Investing in a good warranty, like the 10-year one seen with some boilers, saves money and hassles down the line.
When using a combi boiler, you may encounter a few common issues. Knowing how to troubleshoot these problems can save you time and possibly prevent larger issues down the line.
Low pressure is a typical problem with combi boilers.
Check the pressure gauge on your boiler. You want it to be between 1 and 1.5 bar when cold. If it’s below that, you might have a leak. Check for any obvious drips around your home.
Repressurise the boiler by turning the valve on the filling loop until the needle is within the right range. Close the valve and reset the boiler.
For persisting issues, you might need help from a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Not having hot water is quite frustrating.
Check the thermostat settings. Sometimes, it’s just a simple case of the thermostat being set too low. Ensure it’s appropriately set.
Investigate the diverter valve. This valve directs the flow of hot water. If it’s faulty, it [might need replacing](/help-and-advice/boiler-replacement.). Look into whether your boiler’s pilot light is on, as a faulty thermocouple could be to blame.
High water usage can also impact the availability of hot water. Ensure there are no leaks anywhere in your home.
Strange noises from your boiler can be unsettling.
Banging and clunking sounds could be due to air in the system or sludge build-up in the heat exchanger. Bleeding the radiators might help remove any trapped air. Using a system cleaner can help dissolve sludge.
Humming or vibrating sounds might be due to issues with the water pressure, or a problem with the pump. Double-check the pressure and consider having a professional check the pump.
Kettling is another common noise issue which happens when limescale builds up. This might require descaling by a qualified engineer.
A combi boiler takes cold water directly from the mains and heats it instantly, delivering hot water to your taps without the need for a hot water cylinder.
Replacing an old boiler with a new combi boiler typically costs between £2,000 and £3,500, with installation costs ranging from £500 to £1,500 depending on job complexity.
Combi boilers depend on good mains pressure, lack an immersion heater, and can't service multiple hot water appliances simultaneously without impacting performance.
Yes, Gas Safe regulations require gas supply pipes from the meter to a combi boiler to be at least 22mm to handle the high gas volume needed for instant heating.
Avoid using a combi boiler if your home has high simultaneous water usage or existing low water pressure, as it may not meet the demand effectively.
Combi boilers come in various types, including gas, electric, oil-fired, and LPG boilers, each suited to different home energy supplies and heating needs.
Electric combi boilers are efficient, especially for homes without a gas supply, but they have higher running costs compared to gas boilers.
Gas combi boilers are popular because they are efficient, cost-effective, and suitable for homes with access to natural gas.
Yes, oil-fired combi boilers are an excellent choice for properties without a gas connection, offering a reliable alternative for home heating.
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*(9.9% APR Offer) Representative Example: Cash Price £2,100. Deposit Payable £1,327. Total Amount of Credit £773. Total Interest £425.80. Total Amount Repayable £2,525.80 Repayable by 120 monthly instalments of £9.99. Representative 9.9% APR (fixed). Rate of Interest 9.9% a year (fixed). Duration of Agreement 120 months. The approval of your application depends on your financial circumstances and borrowing history.
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** The 12 year warranty is only available for customers who have a Worcester Bosch or Vaillant boiler supplied and fitted by Glow Green Ltd and is subject to a Glow Care 100 service contract for the 12 year period.
††Estimated figures based on installing a new A-rated condensing boiler with a programmer, room thermostat and thermostatic radiator controls (TRVs) in a gas-heated detached home from an older boiler without controls. Savings will vary depending on the size and thermal performance of your home. Correct as at May 2019. Source: Energy Saving Trust.
