What Boiler Do I Need?
Choosing the right boiler isn’t just about brand or budget. It’s about getting a system that matches your property, lifestyle, and hot water needs.
If you pick the wrong one, you risk running out of hot water—or wasting money on a system that’s too big for your home.
Let’s break it down.
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1. Combi Boiler – Best for Small to Medium Homes
Combi boilers heat water on demand, so there’s no storage cylinder. This makes them ideal for homes with:
- One bathroom
- Limited loft or airing cupboard space
- Low to moderate hot water demand
2. System Boiler – Best for Homes with Higher Demand
System boilers store hot water in a cylinder but don’t require a separate cold-water tank. They’re ideal for homes with:
- 2+ bathrooms
- High simultaneous water usage
- A bit more space
3. Conventional Boiler – For Older Heating Systems
Also called regular or heat-only boilers, these are best for homes that already have:
- An existing hot water cylinder and cold-water tank
- Traditional pipework or older radiators
4. Boiler Size – Why It Matters
Boilers are sized in kilowatts (kW). Bigger isn’t always better. You need the right output for your home:
- Combi boilers usually range from 24–40 kW
- System & conventional boilers range from 12–30+ kW
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Too small = not enough hot water.
Too big = wasted energy and higher bills.
We always carry out a property survey to match you with the right size.
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5. Fuel Type: Gas, Electric, or Oil?
- Mains gas is the most common and cheapest to run
- Electric boilers suit smaller flats or homes off the gas grid
- Oil boilers are common in rural areas with no mains gas
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Your location and existing infrastructure will often determine the right choice.
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6. Our Recommendation Process
At Heatforce, we don’t just fit any boiler. We look at:
- How many bathrooms you have
- How many people live in your home
- Whether you want instant hot water
- Your current system
- Energy efficiency and running costs
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Then we recommend the right system. Contact us today!
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FAQs – What Boiler Do I Need?
Usually a combi or system boiler, depending on the number of bathrooms and how much hot water you use.
Yes, but it may require extra work. A survey will confirm what’s involved.
Generally yes, because it only heats water when you need it—no standby losses from a hot water cylinder.
Not always, but system boilers can pair well with underfloor heating because of the stored hot water.
It depends on your property and usage. A small flat may need 24kW, a large family home may need 35kW or more.
They’re efficient but expensive to run. Best for small properties or areas with no gas.
Typically 1–2 days depending on your current setup and whether it’s a like-for-like swap.
Yes, Heatforce offers flexible finance options for boiler installation with 9.9% APR.
Yes, most new boilers come with 5–10 year manufacturer warranties, plus Heatforce’s 2-year workmanship cover.
If your boiler is over 10–15 years old, frequently breaks down, or your bills are rising—it’s worth getting a replacement quote.
