Combination boilers

Combination or combi boilers, combine the central heating (CH) with (tankless) domestic hot water (DHW) in one box. They are not merely infinitely continuous water heaters having the ability to heat a hydronic heating system in a large house. When DHW is run off, the combi stops pumping water to the hydronic circuit and diverts all the boiler's power to instantly heating DHW. Some combis have small internal water storage vessels combining the energy of the stored water and the gas or oil burner to give faster DHW at the taps or increase the DHW flowrate.

Combi boilers are rated by the DHW flowrate. The kW ratings for domestic units are 24 kW to 54 kW, giving approximate flowrates of 9 to 23 litres (2.4 to 6.1 USgal) per minute. There are larger commercial units available. High flowrate models will simultaneously supply two showers. A further advantage is that more than one combi unit may be used to supply separate heating zones, giving greater time and temperature control, and multiple bathrooms. An example is one combi supplying the downstairs heating system and another the upstairs. One unit may supply one bathroom and one another. Having two units gives backup in case one combi is down, provided the 2 systems are connected with valves that are normally closed.

Installation cost is significantly lower and less space is required as water tanks and associated pipes and controls are not required. Combi boilers are highly popular in Europe, where in some countries market share is 70%. Combination boilers have disadvantages. The water flow rate is likely to be less good than from a storage cylinder, particularly in winter. The power rating needs to be matched to heating requirements; heating water ‘on demand’ improves energy efficiency but limits the volume of water available at any moment. The water supply pressure must not be too low. A combination boiler has more moving parts that can break down, so can be less reliable than a tank system.