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Cormac is Selectra.ie's energy expert along with being the chief content and editorial manager for the website. His aim is to help find the best deal for you and your home energy needs so that you save money on your annual bills. His knowledge and experience of the Irish energy market allows him to offer the best advice and insight into current prices, emerging trends and overall energy saving tips.
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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 is 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 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:
Budget With prices ranging from €2,000 to €3,000, your budget will largely dictate which boiler you choose.
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 much to budget for it.
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.
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.
The size of your home Combination boilers are more suited to smaller homes, so the size of your house might dictate the size of boiler you need to purchase.
In the following table, we have compiled some quotes for popular models of combination boilers.
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:
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.
Condensing heat Most modern combi boilers are condensing boilers, meaning they recover heat from the exhaust fumes, further increasing efficiency.
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 Bedrooms
Number of Radiators
Number of Bathrooms
Boiler Size
Small flats and apartments
Up to 10
1
15-18 kW
Three to four bedrooms
Up to 15
1
18-24 kW
Larger homes
Over 20
2 or more
30 kW+
Combi vs. System vs. Conventional Boilers
While the combination boiler is the most common modern choice, it is one of three main boiler types available. Which one is best for you depends entirely on your home size and hot water needs.
Combi Boiler (Combination): Provides heat and hot water on demand from a single compact unit. No tanks or cylinder required.Best for small to medium homes with one bathroom.
System Boiler: Only requires a separate hot water cylinder, not a cold water tank in the attic. It heats water that is stored and ready for use. Best for large homes with multiple bathrooms where hot water is needed simultaneously.
Conventional Boiler (Regular or Heat-Only): Requires both a hot water cylinder and a cold water storage tank (usually in the attic). Best for very large homes with high water usage, or homes with an old heating system that is difficult to upgrade.
How Do I Maintain and Service a Combination Boiler?
Even the most modern and efficient combination boiler requires routine maintenance to ensure it runs safely and reliably.
Annual Boiler Service
The most important step is booking an annual boiler service. This is typically required to keep your boiler's warranty valid (often up to 10 years). During a service, a registered engineer will check for efficiency, wear and tear, and, most critically, test for any deadly carbon monoxide leaks.
Oil Boilers: Must be serviced by an Oil Firing Technical Association (OFTEC) engineer.
Common Maintenance Checks
In addition to the professional annual check, you should monitor these common issues:
Low Pressure: If the pressure gauge drops below 1 bar, you will need to repressurise the system, usually by using the filling loop until the gauge reads between 1 and 1.5 bar.
Frozen Condensate Pipe: In cold Irish winters, the pipe that carries waste condensation outside can freeze, causing the boiler to stop. This often requires thawing with warm water.
Cold Radiator Patches: If the top of a radiator is cold while the bottom is hot, it indicates trapped air, meaning you need to bleed the radiator to release the air and restore efficiency.
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 might 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.
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.
Selectra's Combination Boiler Tip
"Make sure to regularly 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.
Are Combi Boilers Better Than Heat Pumps?
Given the Irish government's plan to phase out the installation of new gas and oil boilers by 2025, homeowners are increasingly considering heat pumps as the long-term alternative.
Feature
Combination Boiler
Air-to-Water Heat Pump
Initial Cost (Installed)
Low (€2,000 - €4,000)
High (€10,000 - €18,000)
Running Cost
Medium (dependent on gas/oil prices)
Low (highly efficient, low emissions)
Hot Water Supply
Instantaneous, but flow rate is limited
Requires a hot water cylinder
Ideal For
Smaller, well-insulated homes/apartments
Larger homes with good insulation and low-temperature radiators
Government Grants
None
SEAI Grants available for up to €6,500
Are There Grants for Home Heating Upgrades?
While boiler grants are no longer available in Ireland, significant financial support is offered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) for homeowners looking to make long-term, energy-efficient upgrades.
If you are replacing your heating system, you can receive grants for:
Heat Pumps: Up to €6,500 towards installation costs.
Insulation: Grants for attic, wall, and floor insulation to improve your home's thermal efficiency.
Deep Retrofits: Substantial grants covering multiple energy efficiency measures.
Choosing a heat pump over a fossil fuel boiler ensures your home is future-proof and allows you to avail of these valuable SEAI grants.
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.
Learn More About Energy SavingOur energy guide articles contain lots of useful information on saving energy, lowering costs and having a more positive impact on the environment.
Cormac is Selectra.ie's energy expert along with being the chief content and editorial manager for the website. His aim is to help find the best deal for you and your home energy needs so that you save money on your annual bills. His knowledge and experience of the Irish energy market allows him to offer the best advice and insight into current prices, emerging trends and overall energy saving tips.
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