Not everybody knows what a system boiler is, and that's because it's not as common as combi boilers. Don't worry though, in this article we're going to cover their key benefits, typical costs and everything else you need to know about system boilers.
What is a System Boiler?
System boilers are also referred to as sealed system boilers and make part of an unvented system. Unlike regular boilers and vented systems, they do not have a separate cold water tank in the loft and they're a pressurized system so they supply hot water at a higher pressure. In place of the cold water tank in the loft, they have an incorporated expansion vessel, a pump and they use a separate hot water tank to store its hot water.
System boilers are well suited to medium to large homes where there is a lot of demand for hot water at the same time. For example, homes with a main bathroom and an ensuite. Having the pressurized hot water tank ensures the supply and pressure of the hot water in the house stays consistent and high.
The Main Advantages of System Boilers
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Great water supply and pressure - As mentioned above, system boilers are great for larger homes that have a high demand for hot water due to their ability to supply hot water at a high pressure and flow. This is because of its separate unvented hot water tank. Even with multiple hot water supplies on at once, there is a minimal drop in water pressure.
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Highly efficient - system boilers are very energy efficient. They can convert 90-94% of a fuel's energy into heat. The use of a separate hot water tank makes the whole system more efficient again, as it stores hot water so it can be reused later on.
- Large range - nearly every brand of boiler manufacturer, including Worcester Bosch and Alpha, now offer a system boiler in their range. Across the brands of boiler manufacturers, you can now buy system boilers at a wide range of prices and with a range of warranties.
- Less space is taken up (than vented systems) - compared to vented central heating systems or regular boilers, a system boiler takes up less space as it doesn't require a cold water tank in the loft. We all know how valuable loft space is!
- Solar panel compatibility - many system boilers can be combined with solar panels to heat the hot water tank using the sun's energy, therefore reducing your energy consumption and costs
What's the Cost of a System Boiler?
The cost of a system boiler can vary depending on a few factors, such as its size (kW), brand, model and the complexity of the installation. Here's a breakdown to give you an insight:-
- Boiler cost - range from £900 to £2000, depending on brand and model
- Hot water cylinder cost - range from £500 - £2000, depending on brand and size
- Installation costs - range from £500 - £1500 depending on numerous factors, including if it's a straight boiler swap or a conversion from a regular boiler or combi boiler.
The above costs are not the only costs involved in a boiler installation. There are also other costs which include flues, filters, timers, flushes, pipework, fittings, stand-off kits etc.
With everything accounted for and fitted a new system boiler can cost as little as £2335 or as much as £4300.
Heat My House offers 4 system boilers, here's the boiler and its starting price:-
- Alpha E-Tec NX 20kW system boiler - £2335
- Worcester Bosch Greenstar 4000 15kW system boiler - £2525
- Worcester Bosch Greenstar 4000 21kW system boiler - £2695
- Worcester Bosch Greenstar 4000 24kW system boiler - £2865
Frequently Asked Questions About System Boilers
Here are questions that we normally get asked about system boilers:-
1. What sized boiler do I need?
The size of the boiler depends on the size of your property and how many radiators the property has. To find out what size boiler you need for your specific property, use Heat My House's online survey, this will give you a bespoke fixed price quote in 60 seconds which will show you what boiler size your home needs and how much it would be to have that boiler installed in your home.
2. Are system boilers compatible with underfloor heating?
In short, yes! System boilers are compatible with underfloor heating systems.
3. What's the lifespan of system boilers?
This depends on the quality of the boiler. This is why it is important to do your research and get the best boiler you can with the budget you have. The system boilers that Heat My House offer come with a 7 year and 8 year manufactures warranty. A longer warranty, like these is good as you can be confident you've bought a quality boiler.