Combi vs System Boilers: Which Is Best for South and West London Homes?

If you live in West or South London, not only do you need a reliable source of hot water, but you also need a heating system that can keep your home warm, especially during the colder months.

Choosing the right boiler is crucial for both your comfort and safety. But we understand that choosing one can feel overwhelming — and that’s why we’ve created this guide to help you navigate the options. We’ll focus on the two most common types of boilers: combi boilers and system boilers. We’ll explore the pros and cons of each to help you decide which type is best suited for your specific needs and the size of your home.

Knowing the differences

Combi and system boilers are fundamentally different in how they provide hot water. System boilers have hot water storage tanks so they can meet the high heating and hot water demand of a larger home. On the other hand, combi units heat water directly from your mains water supply, producing hot water only when needed.

What’s your current boiler?

A good starting point for choosing between a combi boiler and a system boiler is to understand what you’re currently using. If you’re happy with your existing system, you might consider replacing it with a similar type. But if your heating needs have changed — if perhaps you’ve added a new bathroom or extended your home — you’ll need to reassess your options. Your boiler should adapt to your changing lifestyle and ensure you have enough hot water and heat for everyone.

A closer look at system boilers

System boilers are a great choice for larger homes or multi-tenant buildings because they can easily supply hot water to multiple faucets simultaneously. They have a dedicated storage cylinder that’s always filled with hot water, so you get instant hot water whenever you need it.

Another benefit is that the storage cylinder can help boost water pressure, which is particularly useful in London homes where water pressure can sometimes be an issue. And if you’re looking to reduce your energy bills, system boilers can also be integrated with solar panels for even greater energy efficiency.

Are there downsides to system boilers?

Since they have a water storage tank and require pipework, system boilers will take up more space on your property. With more points of failure, maintaining these boilers can be extensive.

Combi boilers: a great choice for South and West London homes

Combi boilers are widely used across the UK thanks to their proven efficiency. Due to the absence of storage tanks and their compact sizing, they are easier to install and occupy less space compared to system boilers. Plus, they require less maintenance. The boiler heats water directly from the mains water line, ensuring instant hot water and lower running costs.

What boiler should you install?

For smaller households, a combi boiler often makes the most sense. They’re generally more affordable to install and run because they combine both heating and hot water in a single unit.

But if you have a larger home with multiple bathrooms or high demands for hot water, a system boiler might be better at supplying consistent hot water even during peak usage times. It may even help reduce your energy bills because there’s no need to constantly heat water directly from the mains supply.

We can help you make the right choice

Contact us today here at WPJ Heating so we can survey your home and recommend the best boiler. Get started with an instant boiler quote or by calling 020 7350 2511. Our Gas Safe Registered heating engineers are qualified to install combi and system boilers in South and West London.