A combi (or combination) boiler is a high efficiency water heater and a central heating boiler in a single compact unit. Combi boilers heat water directly from the mains when you turn on a tap, so you won’t need a hot water storage cylinder or a cold water storage tank in the roof space.

This makes them very cost-effective and energy-efficient as water is heated instantly rather than being heated and then stored in a cylinder. An additional benefit is that your hot water is delivered at mains pressure, which means that you can get a powerful shower without the need for a separate pump.

Key benefits of a gas combi or oil combi boiler:

• Compact boiler sizes are perfect for smaller properties
• Ideal solution where there is little or no loft space
• No need for a hot water cylinder
• No cold water storage tank frees up a loft for conversion
• No risk of loft pipework freezing
• Less pipework in the home makes installation typically cheaper
• Oil boilers have the additional advantage of external boiler to save space

Gas system boilers require a cylinder for storing hot water, however the major heating and hot water system components are built into the boiler itself, making it quicker and easier to install. In addition, there is no need for a tank in the loft, so it can be an option in a home with little or no loft space or where the space is earmarked for a conversion.

These boilers are also compatible with solar water heating systems, which deliver environmental benefits as well as lower energy bills.

Key benefits of a gas system or oil system boiler:

• Ideal for homes with more than one bathroom
• Constant supply of hot water to any number of taps at the same time
• No need for a loft tank, freeing up space and eliminating worries about leaks or frost damage
• Economical to run
• Built-in components makes installation quicker and neater
• Oil boilers have the additional advantage of external boiler to save space

Regular boilers (commonly known as traditional, conventional or heat only boilers) are ideally suited to homes that already have a traditional heating and hot water system which is linked to a separate hot water cylinder. These boilers also need a cold water storage tank in the loft to feed the hot water cylinder as well as a tank that maintains the water level of the central heating system.

A regular boiler may be the best option for replacing an existing boiler if the property has an older radiator system, as it might not be able to cope with the higher water pressure that is delivered by system or combi boilers.

Key benefits of a gas regular or oil regular boiler:

• Very often the best choice when replacing an existing boiler
• A good option in areas where water pressure is low
• Perfect for homes where a lot of hot water is used at the same time
• Ideal where there are two or more bathrooms
• Compatible with solar water heating systems for a lower carbon footprint and lower energy costs
• Oil boilers have the additional advantage of external boiler to save space

Contrary to popular belief the amount of solar radiation received across the UK makes our country ideally suited to delivering a highly efficient solar water heating system.

Solar hot water systems (also known as Solar Thermal) are a renewable energy source that harness heat from sunlight by capturing energy which is radiated by the sun within solar panels or collectors.

Solar Water Heating is not to be confused with Solar PV (PhotoVoltaic), which is designed to generate electricity. Evogas does not currently sell Solar PV as our main focus is delivering heating and hot water comfort.

Solar panels offer the following benefits:

• The ability to provide around 60% of your home’s hot water requirement
• Capability to heat hot water in both direct and cloud diffused sunlight
• Compatibility with either a current Gas or Oil fired regular or system boiler, or heat pump.