Different Types of Home Boilers: A Brighton Homeowner’s Guide
Choosing the right boiler for your home is one of the most important decisions you can make for comfort, efficiency and long-term reliability. With so many property types across Brighton and Hove — from Victorian terraces and period flats to modern apartments and refurbished homes — the type of boiler you install can make a big difference to performance and running costs.
If you’re considering replacing your boiler or simply want to understand the options available, this guide breaks down the main types of home boilers used across Brighton, how they work, and the benefits of each system.
Combi Boilers
A combi (combination) boiler is the most popular choice for Brighton homes, especially flats, maisonettes and smaller houses.
Combi boilers heat water directly from the mains without the need for a hot water cylinder or cold-water tank. This makes them compact and energy efficient, ideal for properties where space is limited.
Common benefits include:
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- Instant hot water on demand
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- No water tanks required
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- Lower installation costs
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- Great for small to medium-sized homes
If you live in a Brighton terrace or apartment in areas such as Kemptown, Hove or Hanover, a combi boiler is often the most convenient and cost-effective solution.
System Boilers
A system boiler is a great choice for larger homes or properties with multiple bathrooms. It uses a hot water cylinder to store heated water, meaning it can supply several taps or showers simultaneously without losing pressure.
System boilers are often recommended for:
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- Family homes in areas like Patcham, Hangleton and Saltdean
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- Properties with two or more bathrooms
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- Homes with higher hot water demand
Benefits include:
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- Strong water pressure
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- Faster hot water recovery
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- Compatible with modern heating and hot water controls
If your home regularly uses more than one shower at the same time, a system boiler is a reliable, efficient option.
Regular Boilers (Heat-Only or Conventional)
Regular boilers are typically found in older homes across Brighton and Hove, particularly period houses built before the 1980s. They use both a hot water cylinder and a cold-water storage tank, making the system more complex but suitable for high-demand households.
These boilers are ideal if:
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- You already have an old-style system and want a straightforward replacement
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- You have a large home with multiple bathrooms
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- Your current heating relies on a gravity-fed system
Regular boilers can be very efficient when paired with modern controls, but they do require more space than combi or system boilers.
Electric Boilers
Electric boilers are becoming more common in Brighton apartments and smaller homes, especially where gas supply is limited. They’re compact and quiet, with no flue required, making them easier to install in properties without traditional boiler ventilation options.
Advantages include:
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- No gas supply needed
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- Compact and low-maintenance
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- Zero emissions at point of use
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- Ideal for small flats and low-demand properties
While electricity can be more expensive than gas, modern electric boilers are extremely efficient and can be a practical solution for certain Brighton homes.
Which Boiler Is Right for Your Brighton Home?
Choosing the right boiler depends on your property size, hot water usage and existing heating system. Here’s a quick guide:
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- Small flats or terrace houses → Combi boiler
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- Larger homes with high hot water demand → System boiler
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- Older properties with existing tank systems → Regular boiler
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- Properties without gas supply → Electric boiler
If you’re unsure, a qualified heating engineer can assess your home and recommend the best option.
Boiler Regulations in Brighton & Hove
All boiler replacements must meet current UK efficiency and safety standards. Modern boilers must be condensing units, and installations should be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
This ensures:
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- Safe operation
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- Maximum energy efficiency
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- Lower running costs
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- Compliance with current building regulations
Brighton homes — especially older properties — often benefit from upgrades to pipework or radiators during a boiler change, improving long-term performance.
Thinking About Replacing Your Boiler in Brighton?
Whether you’re upgrading an old system or choosing a boiler for a new home, our Brighton plumbing team can help you find the right unit and install it safely, efficiently and at a fair price.
We work across Brighton, Hove, Portslade, Rottingdean, Saltdean and the wider Sussex area, providing expert installation, servicing and repairs.
Get in touch today for a free boiler installation quote.