✔ Conventional boilers can reduce energy bills, and increase a property’s value
✔ Conventional boilers are good for homes with traditional heating systems
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Ready to research the cost of a new boiler but not sure what type of boiler to buy?
Depending on your house, location, and amount of people it holds, your choice of boiler will vary. Conventional boilers are typically up there with the best of the best of boilers — but why? Find out everything you need to know in this article.
Want to find a good deal on your next boiler? Speed up this process by simply filling in this form. Once we receive your answers, we’ll put you in touch with our professional installers, who will provide their best prices for the perfect boiler.
What’s in this guide?
01 | What Is a Conventional Boiler?
02 | How Do Conventional Boilers Work?
03 | Is It the Right Choice for Me?
04 | How Much Are Conventional Boilers?
05 | What Alternatives Are There?
07 | What Are the Leading Conventional Boilers?
What is a conventional boiler?
Conventional boiler systems (also known as regular or open vent boilers) typically require a:
- Boiler
- Hot water tank
- Cold water storage tank
- Extended controls
The cold water tank and feed and expansion cistern provide water to the hot water tank, which maintains the water level of your central heating system.
Conventional boiler systems take up quite a bit of space and are usually located in your loft.
How do conventional boilers work?
A conventional boiler requires a cold water storage tank to feed the hot water cylinder. It also requires a tank to maintain the central heating’s water level.
The diagram below explains how a conventional boiler works in your home:
Is a conventional boiler right for me?
Conventional boilers are great, but like us all, they come with their downsides too. Check out our list of pros and cons of conventional boilers below:
- Ideal for homes with two bathrooms
- The best option for homes already with traditional heating and hot water systems
- Require plenty of storage space
- Are less economical to run than combi and system boilers
How much is a conventional boiler?
A conventional boiler will typically cost more than a combi boiler.
A new conventional boiler will typically cost around £4,000 – £4,400. Larger sized conventional boilers will cost more.
If you are replacing an old boiler, it is worth asking your installer if they will trade in your previous boiler. You could receive up to £400 for your old boiler.
Always compare a number of quotes to ensure you get the best price for your new conventional boiler.
To learn more about boiler costs, see our guide to boiler costs.
What alternatives are there to a conventional boiler?
Alternatively, you can install either a system boiler or a combi boiler. The boiler system that works best for you will depend on both your heating requirements and the size of your home.
For example, system boilers are great for homes with two or more bathrooms, they are economical to run and don’t require a water tank in the loft. Combi boilers, however, are both cost and energy efficient and great for smaller homes. They save space and are ideal if you only have one bathroom.
Click here to find out which boiler is best for your home, or read on to find out more about conventional boilers.
Who manufactures conventional boilers?
Conventional boilers are manufactured by the following companies, all of which are trusted names within the industry:
Baxi
Baxi has been manufacturing boilers in the UK for 150 years. They produce mid-range boilers, which are fairly reliable and very efficient. All new Baxi boilers are endorsed by the Energy Saving Trust™. Baxi boilers tend to cost less to buy and install than some other boiler brands, including Worcester Bosch and Vaillant.
Glow-worm
Glow-worm is a British brand of boilers, produced by the Vaillant group. This economical boiler range is fairly reliable and budget friendly, with generally low purchasing costs. Glow-worm boilers can also save space, their Flexicom range of combi and conventional boilers are compact enough to fit in a small cupboard.
Vaillant
Vaillant is one of the market-leading boiler brands in the UK and is generally considered to be highly efficient, quality boilers. Vaillant boilers don’t tend to be the cheapest, but could work out as good value for money in the long run. Their ecoTEC boiler range has won awards, including the Which? Best Buy Award, 2012.
Worcester Bosch
Worcester Bosch is one of the market-leading boiler brands in the UK and is generally regarded as high quality, efficient boilers. In 2015 Worcester Bosch updated its Greenstar gas boiler range in line with new energy-efficient standards and this range has won the Which? Best Buy Award for six years running (2010 – 2015). Worcester Bosch boilers tend to incur a premium price, but could work out as good value for money in the long run.
What are the leading conventional boilers?
The following table shows the leading conventional boilers, based on central heating output and the average price with installation:
Manufacturer | Product name | Type | Product number | Max. central heating output (kW) | Average price with installation* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glow-worm | Flexicom 35hx | Conventional | 108054 | 35 | £4,500 |
| Vaillant | EcoTEC Plus 438 | Conventional | 0010002725 | 38 | £5,100 |
| Worcester Bosch | Greenstar FS 30CDi | Conventional | 7715430442 | 30 | £4,100 |
| Baxi | Solo 30 HE A | Conventional | 5117785 | 30 | £3,600 |
What’s next?
Feeling a little more knowledgeable about conventional boilers now? If you’re trying to brush up on your general boiler knowledge before buying, you might also be interested in system boilers or combi boilers.
If you feel ready to take the plunge and invest in a new boiler, it’s time to get in contact with our professional installers. You can do this by filling in our short form, and our clients will be in touch with you shortly. Your boiler awaits!
