System Boilers: Efficient Heating for Busy Homes
Looking for a powerful and reliable heating system for your home in Wokingham or the surrounding areas? A system boiler could be the perfect solution—especially for households with high hot water demand.
In this guide, we’ll explain what a system boiler is, how it works, its pros and cons, and whether it’s right for your home.
What Is a System Boiler?
A system boiler is a type of gas boiler that heats both your central heating and hot water. Unlike a combi boiler, it stores hot water in a separate unvented cylinder, but it doesn’t require a cold water tank in the loft.
This setup allows for:
Powerful showers and strong water pressure
Simultaneous hot water use in multiple bathrooms
Quicker installation than traditional heat-only systems
How Does a System Boiler Work?
A system boiler is a type of boiler that works with a sealed heating system usually around 1.5 bar, and requires a separate hot water cylinder for domestic hot water.
It does not store hot water itself — the hot water is stored in the unvented (or vented) cylinder, which the system boiler heats.
The boiler heats water for the central heating and to replenish the hot water cylinder, but it doesn’t supply hot water directly to taps like a combi boiler.
Key features:
Built-in pump and expansion vessel
Compatible with solar thermal systems
Constant hot water availability—no waiting around
Why Choose a System Boiler?
System boilers are ideal for homes with more than one bathroom or households where multiple people might want hot water at the same time. Because the hot water is stored in a cylinder, you won’t see a drop in performance if two showers are running simultaneously or if someone’s filling a bath while the dishwasher is on.
It also removes the need for a bulky cold water tank in the loft, making it easier to install than a traditional heat-only system—especially in modern homes.
What Makes System Boilers a Good Option?
If you want strong water pressure, a reliable hot water supply, and a space-efficient system, a system boiler is a great middle ground. It combines the high performance of heat-only systems with the modern convenience of a combi setup.
One of the best things about system boilers is their ability to handle high hot water demand without compromising on pressure. That’s because they work with unvented cylinders that are fed directly from the mains. The result? Fast, powerful showers and reliable water flow from every tap in the house.
And since most of the components are built into the boiler itself, installation is usually quicker and tidier than older, tank-based systems.
Pros and Cons of System Boilers
✅ Pros
Excellent for high hot water demand
Mains pressure for powerful showers
No cold water tank needed
Quicker installation than heat-only boilers
❌ Cons
Requires space for a hot water cylinder
Limited hot water if cylinder runs out
Still unsure? Our expert heating engineers in Wokingham can help you compare boiler types based on your needs and budget.
Is a System Boiler Right for Your Home?
Consider a system boiler if:
You have 2 or more bathrooms
You live in a family household
You want strong, reliable water pressure
You prefer a future-proof system compatible with renewables
Not sure which boiler is best? We offer free, no-obligation quotes across Wokingham, Earley, Shinfield, and beyond.
System boiler cost?
System boilers come in a range of models and sizes, so pricing can vary. On average, a new system boiler will cost between £1,200 and £3000, depending on the brand and output. Installation costs typically fall between £600 and £1,500, depending on whether you’re switching from another system type and how complex the work is.
While it's a significant investment, many homeowners find the performance and comfort of a system boiler well worth the price—especially in busy households.
Need Help Choosing the Right Boiler for Your Home?
Choosing the right boiler for your property doesn’t need to be complicated. At Thermotec Plumbing and Heating, we offer honest, expert advice to help you find the perfect system for your home and lifestyle.
Whether you're upgrading your current boiler or planning a full heating system installation, our Gas Safe registered engineers provide a seamless service from start to finish.
We proudly serve homeowners across Wokingham, Earley, Reading, Woodley, Finchampstead, and surrounding Berkshire areas.
