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A combination boiler combines your hot water and heating into one, giving you instantaneous hot water. Combination boilers cost from €2,000, and due to their high efficiency, can help you reduce your home heating bills. Those that run on fossil fuels such as gas or oil will be phased out by 2025 and are no longer permitted to be installed as part of new builds in Ireland.
What Is a Combination Boiler?
A combination boiler (also known as a combi boiler, provides both hot water and heating from one single unit. It is linked to your mains water supply and the water is heated as it passes through the boiler. This allows you to have hot water as soon as you turn on the tap (or in about 20 seconds).
Combination boilers are popular for small to medium-sized homes as they can meet the heating demands and don’t require large hot water cylinders and tanks. Models are available for gas and oil fired systems, as well as for electricity and LPG but not biomass boilers:
Natural Gas Combination Boiler These are the most popular combination boilers in Ireland. Since natural gas is cheaper than electricity, oil and LPG, the running costs are lower. To have a one installed, and serviced, you should consult an RGI Registered Installer.
Oil Combination Boiler While they do exist, oil combination boilers are not very common in Ireland. They cost around 40% more than their gas equivalents to install. The running costs are also more expensive. For an oil boiler installation for your home heating, you should opt for a condensing boiler.
Electric Combination Boiler Electric combination boilers use an electrical element to heat water. While these are popular for homes that don’t have access to natural gas, oil or LPG, the running costs are significantly more expensive. These boilers are only suitable for homes with limited hot water needs and would require switching to a cheaper provider to be economical.
LPG Combination Boiler For homes not connected to the gas mains, LPG may be the best choice. LPG is more expensive than natural gas, but it’s still cheaper than electricity. LPG is available to purchase in both bottled supply and bulk storage. For installations, you should consult an RGI Registered Installer.
How Much Does a Combination Boiler Cost?
The average combination boiler in Ireland costs between €2,000 and €3,000. The price you will pay depends on the following various factors:
The brand and model of boiler
The type of boiler you’re replacing
Your location
What floor the boiler will be on
If you want to move your boiler to a new location
Any extras you would like to have (such as smart features)
In the following table, we have compiled some quotes for popular models of combination boilers.
Combination Boiler Prices
Combination Boiler Model
Price
Worcester Bosch 4000 15kW*
From €2,640
Ideal Logic 18kW*
From €2,640
Potterton Profile 18kW
From €2,390
BAXI 600 System 18kW
From €2,490
Sources: Gasworks.ie* Last Updated: September 2024
You should contact a plumber or engineer to advise you on the best option for your specific circumstances. You can also enquire to some energy providers who also offer boiler related services. For example, have a look at the Bord Gais boiler services, or contact Energia Ireland for further details.
Are There Boiler Grants in Ireland? Unfortunately, there are no longer boiler grants available in Ireland. The government is also planning on phasing out gas and oil boilers by 2025. However, there are grants available from the SEAI for heat pumps and solar water heaters.
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How Does a Combination Boiler Installation Work?
Let’s have a look at some frequently asked questions people have regarding combination boiler installations.
Can I Install My Own Combination Boiler?
The person required to carry out the installation depends on the type of boiler.
LPG combination boiler As with a gas combi boiler, a Registered Gas Installer (RGI) will need to install the boiler.
Oil combination boiler An Oil Firing Technical Association (OFTEC) engineer will need to install the boiler.
Electric combination boiler You can install the electric boiler yourself. However, it’s best to hire someone who has plumbing experience to carry out the work for you. With an electric combination boiler, an electrician will need to complete the final wiring.
Where Should a Combination Boiler Be Installed?
Even though many companies are releasing more aesthetically pleasing boilers, most individuals still prefer to have them hidden away in their homes. The top locations to have a boiler installed include the following:
Utility room
Kitchen
Loft
Bathroom
Bedroom
Garage
Cupboard
Can A Combination Boiler Produce Carbon Monoxide?
As they can burn fossil fuels such as gas and oil to produce heat, there is a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning if they are not taken care of with regular servicing.
What Is the Most Efficient Way To Run a Combination Boiler?
Even if you have the most efficient combination boiler, you will still need to use it in a certain way in order for it to run at maximum efficiency. You should not keep the central heating on all the time. It’s more efficient to set the heating to come on only when you need it.
The domestic hot water, however, can be left on all the time as the boiler only provides hot water on demand. It can take up to 20 seconds for the water to actually get hot once you turn it on.
It’s recommended to set the temperature to 75°C for central heating and to 60°C for domestic hot water.
What Temperature Should the Hot Water Be on a Combination Boiler?
Combination boilers have controls that allow you to set the temperature of the water. The recommended temperature for domestic hot water is 60°C. This is the temperature that kills legionella bacteria.
Since these boilers don’t require a water tank, it’s unlikely that legionella bacteria will develop. Therefore, it is possible to set the water temperature a bit cooler if you like. For general safety, however, the recommended minimum temperature to kill bacteria is 60°C.
Can a Combination Boiler Run Two Showers?
Generally speaking, a combination boiler can provide water for two showers, but the flow rate will be poor. Since they heat hot water on demand, ensuring that you have enough hot water for two showers is also a big request.
To have enough hot water for two simultaneous showers, you will need to have a larger boiler installed. Here are some general measurements to help you determine which size boiler would be the best option for your home:
"Make sure to regulary bleed your boiler to ensure that it continues to operate at full efficiency. Trapped air inside the radiators will affect your heating system"
What Are the Pros and Cons of Combination Boilers?
Combination boilers are a good option for those looking to reduce the cost of their household heating bills, but are often a more involved and complex system to install and maintain.
Below you will find some of the pros and cons of combination boilers:
Advantages
They use much less energy than gas-fired boilers as they don’t have to constantly heat a hot water tank.
They are cheaper to run as you only heat the water you actually use.
More compact and easier to install in smaller homes.
You don't need to turn on the entire heating system just to have a bath or a shower.
Disadvantages
Not suitable for larger homes as opening multiple taps lowers water pressure.
Any breakdown or malfunction will leave you without heating and hot water.
More complex setup, servicing and repairs needed.
Risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Combination Boiler FAQs
Can a Combination Boiler Run Hot Water and Heating at the Same Time?
A combi boiler does not run both hot water and heating at the same time. The system will either transport the hot water to your radiators to heat your home, or it will transport it directly to your tap. The system will prioritise hot water requirements over room heating requirements.
How Long Do Combination Boilers Last?
A modern combination boiler lasts for around 15 years. If you get a good quality one and regularly service it, it could potentially last you even longer before needing to be replaced.
Are Combination Boilers Being Phased Out?
Yes. From 2025, the installation of gas combination boilers and oil combi boilers will no longer be permitted in new builds in Ireland.
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