How Much Does a Combination Boiler Cost in Ireland?

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combi boiler

Combination boilers cost from €2,000, depending on the size, brand and any installation costs involved. A combination boiler combines your hot water and heating into one, giving you instantaneous hot water on demand, and are ideal for small homes and apartments that do not have space for large cylinders.

How Much Does a Combination Boiler Cost in Ireland?

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
  • Fuel type (gas, oil, electric)
  • Output rating (how powerful it is)
  • Installation cost
  • Any extras you would like to have (such as smart features)

What Is the Best Combination Boiler on the Market?

Given that the individual expectations, and budget, of someone purchasing a new combination boiler will be different, it's difficult to give a definitive recommendation as to which is the best boiler available on the market.

What we can advise is the factors to take into consideration before buying a new boiler. By having an idea of this, you will be better placed to compare what is available on the market.

Factors to consider include:

  1. Budget
    With prices ranging from €2,000 to €3,000, your budget will largely dictate which boiler you choose.
  2. Type of fuel
    Whether you choose an electric, oil or gas boiler will also factor into your consideration as to which boiler you purchase and how too much budget for it.
  3. The length of warranty
    Boilers can be expensive to service and replacement parts can take time to source, so by purchasing a boiler with a good warranty period you can offset these possible future costs.
  4. Boiler efficiency
    It's important to buy a boiler with a high efficiency rating, otherwise you will be losing money on any energy wasted by the boiler.
  5. The size of your home
    Combination boilers are more suited to smaller homes, so the size of your house may dictate the size of boiler you need to purchase.

In the following table, we have compiled some quotes for popular models of combination boilers.

🔥 Combination Boiler Prices
Combination Boiler ModelPrice
Worcester Bosch 4000 15kW*From €2,640
Ideal Logic 18kW*From €2,640
Potterton Profile 18kWFrom €2,390
BAXI 600 System 18kWFrom €2,490

Sources: Gasworks.ie* 
Last Updated: December 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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Are Combination Boilers More Efficient Than Standard Boilers?

Combination boilers are generally more efficient than traditional boilers for a number of reasons:

  1. On demand-hot water
    Combi boilers heat water as you need it, unlike standard boilers that heat and store water in a cylinder. This eliminates standby heat losses from the cylinder.
  2. Condensing heat
    Most modern combi boilers are condensing boilers, meaning they recover heat from the exhaust fumes, further increasing efficiency.
  3. Smaller heat exchanger
    Combi boilers have a smaller heat exchanger compared to standard boilers, resulting in less heat loss during operation.

Given that traditional, older boilers have an efficiency from 60% to 70%, combination boilers, which are over 90% efficent, can help you save several hundred euros on your annual heating bill.

In addition, many modern combi boilers allow for targeted heating of specific rooms along with programmable timers so you can heat the rooms you want, when you want further increasing the efficiency of the boiler.

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.

It’s recommended to set the temperature to:

  • 75°C for central heating
  • 60°C for hot water.

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.

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:

Number of BedroomsNumber of RadiatorsNumber of BathroomsBoiler Size
Small flats and apartmentsUp to 10115-18 kW
Three to four bedroomsUp to 15118-24 kW
Larger homesOver 202 or more30 kW+

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).

Combi Boiler

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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 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.

  1. Gas combination boiler
    A Registered Gas Installer (RGI) will need to carry out the installation.
  2. LPG combination boiler
    As with a gas combi boiler, a Registered Gas Installer (RGI) will need to install the boiler.
  3. Oil combination boiler
    An Oil Firing Technical Association (OFTEC) engineer will need to install the boiler.
  4. 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.

alternative text

Selectra's Combination Boiler Tip

"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.

Did you find this information useful? 100% of the 65 votes found the information useful.

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