A Combi Boiler Buyer's Guide: What to Consider?
As the winter months approach, one of the most frequently used appliances for heating our homes is the combi boiler. Combining the functions of both heating and providing hot water, combi boilers operate using natural gas or electricity. Consequently, choosing the right combi boiler is crucial for both our comfort and our budget.
So, what should you consider when buying a combi boiler? Which type and capacity of combi boiler are suitable for your home or building? How can you compare combi prices and energy efficiency? Discover the detailed answers to these and many other questions in our blog post!
Combi boilers, which conveniently and economically meet the heating and hot water needs during winter, are categorized into different types based on their working principles and designs. Since their invention, combi devices have evolved significantly and are commonly divided into three main types:
Condensing Combi Boilers: These boilers are equipped with technology that condenses the steam produced during the burning of natural gas. Consequently, they produce more heat while consuming less gas. Advantages of condensing combi boilers include energy savings, eco-friendliness, durability, and high performance. Perceived disadvantages compared to other heating alternatives might include relatively higher prices, requiring approved natural gas infrastructure for installation, specific technical expertise for installation, limitations on flue length, and necessitating regular maintenance.
Sealed System (Hermetic) Combi Boilers: These combi boilers have a fully enclosed combustion chamber that doesn’t draw in air from the surroundings. They take in the required air for combustion from the flue and expel the resulting gasses back through the same system. Their advantages include low noise levels, safe operation, flexible installation, and durability. Potential drawbacks might be the higher consumption of natural gas and the need for flue maintenance.
Electric Combi Boilers: Operating on electricity instead of natural gas, these boilers provide heating and hot water. Advantages include easy installation, no maintenance requirements, silent operation, and being eco-friendly. However, they might result in higher electricity bills, have lower capacity, sensitivity to power outages, and require a well-insulated heating system.
The capacity of the combi boiler should be determined according to your home's heating needs. To find out how many kilowatts (kW) you require based on your home’s size, you can utilize combi usage calculation tools. Generally, a 20 kW combi boiler would suffice for a 100 square meter house. However, the quality of your home’s insulation also plays a significant role in the consumption rates. A well-insulated house may offer the same comfort with a lower-capacity combi boiler. Additionally, your hot water requirements will influence the chosen capacity. If you have high hot water demand, you might need a higher-capacity boiler.
Quality and efficiency are paramount when choosing a boiler for your home or business. Combi boilers stand out due to their dual functionality, offering both heating and hot water supply within one compact unit. They are favored for their efficiency, effectively utilizing gas to produce both heating and hot water, contributing to lower energy bills.
Understanding the efficiency ratings of boilers is crucial. The most efficient boilers on the market often carry higher ratings due to their ability to generate heat while consuming less energy. These efficiency ratings range from standard to highly efficient models, impacting both the boiler's performance and cost-effectiveness in the long run.
The energy efficiency labels of combi boilers indicate how much energy they consume and how much heat they generate. These labels feature a letter and a color, ranging from A+++ to G. A+++ indicates the highest, while G denotes the lowest energy efficiency level. Class A boilers, marked with an A or a higher letter, offer advantages such as reduced gas bills, lower carbon emissions, longer durability, and enhanced comfort. Opting for an energy-efficient combi boiler contributes to both your budget and the environment.
When considering a new boiler, understanding the various costs involved is crucial. The initial cost of a new boiler encompasses a multitude of elements. Factors such as the type, size, and brand of the boiler contribute to the overall expense. Combi boilers, known for their compact design and efficiency, often come at a different price range compared to traditional gas boilers. The costs also vary due to the different features and heating capacities each boiler offers.
Moreover, additional costs related to boiler installation should be taken into account. Installation expenses depend on the complexity of the system, the type of property, labor charges, and any additional work needed for the fitting. Thus, it's vital to consider both the purchase price and the installation costs together to get a clear picture of the total expenditure.
After deciding on the fuel type, capacity, and energy efficiency criteria, you can proceed to the next step of your combi shopping by exploring the various types and brands. There are essential factors to consider before stepping into the combi purchasing phase. Following these steps can lead to a more detailed conclusion about your future combi boiler:
Gathering Information Before Shopping: Determine the required capacity, preferred combi type, and energy efficiency level before purchasing a combi. Research the brands, models, features, and prices of various combi types. User reviews from those who have previously experienced the same or similar combis are a valuable source. Consulting with experts is also a reliable data source.
Comparing Offers: Obtain quotes from different sellers for the brand and model of combi you desire. Compare these offers not only based on price but also considering warranty duration, installation cost, service quality, and additional benefits.
Budget Planning: When shopping for a combi, consider not only the combi’s price but also additional costs such as installation, maintenance, repairs, and gas bills. Explore financing options to choose a combi that suits your budget.
Combi Prices and Different Model Costs: Combi prices vary based on brand, model, capacity, energy efficiency, technology, and design. In general, condensing combis might be more expensive compared to sealed systems or electric combis. Likewise, A or A+++ class combi products might be more costly compared to those with lower energy efficiency levels. While comparing the costs of different models, consider not only the initial purchase price but also the long-term savings. Opting for a more expensive combi might be challenging initially in terms of your budget, but consider the reduced gas bills in the future.
Additional Costs When Buying a Combi Boiler: When planning for a boiler installation or replacement, it's essential to consider the costs associated with both the boiler itself and the installation process. The installation cost can fluctuate based on multiple factors, including the type of property and the complexity of the installation.
Boiler replacement costs are influenced by several variables, such as the model, capacity, and any additional fittings required. Upgrading to a new combi boiler or traditional gas boiler also involves removal and disposal costs of the old system. It's advisable to seek professional advice to determine the right boiler type and size to suit the heating needs of your property.
Additionally, combi boilers’ prices may be affected due to other costs such as maintenance, repairs, and gas bills. Installation costs might vary depending on the combi boiler type, flue length, and installation location, as we mentioned above. Maintenance costs might vary depending on the brand and model of the combi. On the other hand, repair costs might vary based on the combi’s malfunction, spare parts, and warranty. Gas bills vary depending on the combi’s energy efficiency, capacity, and usage duration.
After all, you should consider these additional costs to plan your budget effectively.
Authorized Sellers and Services: When purchasing a combi, strive to buy from a reliable and competent seller. An authorized seller indicates that you will receive an original and high-quality product. Moreover, the seller needs to offer a warranty, installation, service, and consultancy. Work with an authorized service for your combi’s maintenance and repair. An experienced and well-trained service team implies that you will receive a quick and quality service.
Overall searching for the right boiler at a competitive price involves comparing different models, sizes, and installation offers available in the market. Factors such as brand reputation, warranty, and energy efficiency play a pivotal role in deciding the right boiler. Additionally, considering any available deals or financing options can help in obtaining a cost-effective yet efficient heating solution for your property.
Now that you've learned the key factors to consider when buying a combi for your home, workplace, or building, you might wonder which brand and model to choose. Our recommendation would be to select the Ecodense Premix Condensing Combi Boiler as the best combi brand.
Ecodense Premix Condensing Boilers are the most efficient and environmentally friendly boilers with full condensing technology. Ecodense boilers possess a high energy efficiency label and offer high efficiency. Consequently, they contribute to approximately a 1/3 reduction in your natural gas bill.
Comprising premix technology, Ecodense condensing combi boilers provide sustainable heating solutions suitable for all types of homes, buildings, and facilities with their cascade working system and compact designs. The Ecodense range of condensing combi products varies in capacity from 24 kW to 35 kW. Thanks to its premix technology condensing combi boilers also provide easy usage and control. Through the touchscreen LCD panel of
Ecodense boilers, you can easily adjust the settings.
Moreover, Ecodense boilers are safe and durable. Our high-tech products feature a stainless steel heat exchanger, flame modulation, overheat protection, freeze protection, water pressure sensor, gas leak sensor, and flame monitoring system. Ecodense and Ecostar products come with a 2-year warranty and provide a long service life when regularly maintained.
To learn the current prices of Ecodense premix condensing combis, the best combi boiler in the market, gather information about technical details, and for sales support, contact our call center at 444 8 326!
In conclusion, making the right decision before purchasing a combi for your home, building, or facility enhances your comfort and ensures long-term energy savings. By considering factors such as the type of combi, its capacity, energy efficiency, and your budget, conduct a detailed study to choose the most suitable combi according to your consumption preferences. Also, strive to opt for expert and trustworthy brands like Ecodense-Ecostar and authorized services. Solve your heating issues with Ecostar condensing combi boilers before winter arrives at your doorstep!