What Is a Heat Only Boiler?
There are several different types of boilers available on the market that work in different ways to provide your household with hot water for heating and for your taps. In today’s blog post, we’re looking at the most traditional of these types, known as a heat only boiler. Read on to discover what they do and how they work.
How Does a Heat Only Boiler Work?
In the simplest terms, a heat only boiler works alongside a hot water cylinder (often in an airing cupboard), a cold water storage tank (often in the attic) and a pump to send hot water throughout your home to your tap and radiators. Cold water from the storage tank is fed into the cylinder, where it’s then heated by the boiler’s heat exchanger. Because it stores hot water in a tank rather than heating it on demand, a heat only boiler can supply multiple outlets at once without losing water pressure. This is why the system still remains a popular choice for larger homes with high hot water demand or where mains water pressure is lower than ideal.
What Are the Benefits of a Heat Only Boiler?
Even in our age of heat pumps and combi-systems, heat only boilers give us several key advantages, especially for larger or older homes. Firstly, because it stores hot water in a separate cylinder, it can supply multiple taps, showers and baths at the same time without any drop in water pressure. Secondly, and for the same reason, it’s also ideal for properties with lower mains pressure. Finally, these boilers are reliable, easy to maintain and can even be compatible with renewable energy types such as solar. Ultimately, for households with higher water usage, a heat only boiler provides steady, dependable comfort and long-term performance.
What Size Property Is a Heat Only Boiler Best For?
When asking, “What is a heat only boiler used for?”, the answer is often linked to the size of your property and your daily hot water demands. Of all the boiler types, a heat only boiler is best suited to larger homes with multiple bathrooms or where several hot water outlets are often used at the same time. Because the system stores hot water in a separate cylinder, it can deliver consistent pressure and temperature across your whole home. These types of boilers are also a popular choice for older homes with existing heat only systems (sometimes known as open vented systems), or where water pressure is lower than average.
How Often Should I Service My Heat Only Boiler?
Like any type of boiler, a heat only boiler should be checked regularly to make sure it runs safely and efficiently, and to help spot any developing issues early and get them repaired in good time. It’s recommended to book a boiler service at least once a year, to help keep your system in top condition, prevent breakdowns and maintain your manufacturer’s warranty. Doing this ensures your boiler continues to heat your home as effectively and as efficiently as possible. If your Intergas boiler is due for its yearly check-up, you can easily book a boiler service today for complete peace of mind.
Do I Need a Heat Only Boiler, or a Combi Boiler?
Now we’ve answered the question, “What is a heat only boiler?”, you may be wondering if it’s the right choice for you, particularly when choosing between a heat only boiler or a combi boiler. Both boiler types have their strengths, and the right choice depends on your home’s size and water usage.
- A heat only boiler is ideal for larger homes with multiple bathrooms, where several taps or showers may run at once. It delivers reliable hot water from a storage cylinder and works well with older heating systems or in locations where water pressure on the mains is low.
- A combi boiler, on the other hand, heats water on demand, making it a compact, efficient option for smaller households or when hot water on demand is sufficient for your needs.
If you’re still unsure which system suits your home, an Intergas engineer is always on hand to help you decide – just get in touch with us for expert advice.
What Type of Boiler Do I Need?
When deciding what type of boiler you need, it’s important to think about your home’s size, hot water demand and available space before choosing the right system.
- If you’re after a combi boiler, we’ve designed and built several highly regarded models, including our Xtreme, Xclusive, Eco RF and HRE models.
- For heat only boilers, we’ve designed our HRE OV and HRE SB models. They are both ideal for running heating systems and can be paired with a storage tank (or one of our Xylinders) to provide hot water to your taps, too.
Our systems are expertly designed to be efficient and versatile, to meet your household’s hot water and heating needs. All our boilers come with warranties of up to 10 years, too.
Boiler Types Summary
What Is a Combi Boiler?
A combi boiler provides both heating and hot water from a single compact unit. It heats water directly from the mains, so there’s no need for a separate storage cylinder or water tank. This makes it a great option for smaller homes or properties with limited space.
What Is a Heat Only Boiler?
A heat only boiler, also known as a conventional or regular boiler, works with a hot water cylinder and cold-water storage tank to supply heating and hot water. It’s ideal for larger homes or properties with multiple bathrooms where hot water demand is high.
What Is a System Boiler?
A system boiler sits between a combi and a heat only boiler. It uses a cylinder to store hot water but takes its water supply directly from the mains, removing the need for an attic tank. The main difference between heat only and system boilers is that system boiler models are sealed and generally more compact.
What’s Next?
If you’re still unsure which boiler type suits your home, explore our full range, try our boiler finder tool or speak to an Intergas expert for bespoke advice. From compact combis to powerful heat only boilers, we’ll help you find the most efficient solution for your property.
