What Is a Regular Boiler and Is It Right for Your Home?

A regular boiler is geared towards older homes with multiple bathrooms. If you are renovating a heritage or off-grid property which has a regular boiler, it might still offer the best way of heating your radiators and hot water supply. 

But, since buying a boiler is an important and costly decision, it always pays to do your research to make sure. 

Luckily, the WhatPrice team is here to explain everything you need to know about regular boilers so that you can make the best purchase for your home. 

How it works

Boilers are one of the most important purchases you’ll make as a homeowner. Yet, understanding what actually happens in that giant box on the wall is often a bit of a mystery. 

With regular boilers, what you need to know is that they use a traditional concept of plumbing and heating. That’s because regular boilers (also known as conventional or heat-only boilers), were designed for a specific type of property. That is, older homes that are on the larger side. 

They have three main components including a tank in the loft, a hot water cylinder and the boiler itself. The system is then connected via a series of pipework which feeds your radiators and hot water sources throughout your property. 

Regular boilers remain popular for the style of home they were designed for, so rest assured you can continue to have one in your home, rather than having to switch to a different boiler type. But, if you are reading this guide, it’s probably time to at least upgrade your regular boiler to a more efficient model, especially if it was installed more than 10 years ago. 

How does a regular boiler work?

Regular boilers are a traditional type of boiler, most commonly found in older properties which are also on the larger size (i.e. 4+ bedrooms). They work by heating hot water in a cylinder. The hot water cylinder gets its water supply from a water storage tank in the loft. The stored heated water is then distributed throughout your radiators and hot taps as required. A major benefit of how regular boilers work is that they can meet the demands of multiple calls for hot water at once. 

What are the parts of a conventional boiler system?

There are three main parts of a conventional (regular) boiler you need to know about:

1. The boiler. It acts as the control centre of your central heating system.
2. A cold water tank. Usually, this is kept in the loft and it supplies your hot water tank with water.
3. A hot water cylinder. This heats and stores hot water. It does so in a way that you can have multiple showers at once without losing the hot water supply. 

Regular boilers are the only type of boiler to require three separate components. A system boiler only needs a hot water cylinder, whereas a combi boiler doesn’t need a tank or a hot water cylinder. 

Open-vented vs sealed system: What’s the difference?

You’ll sometimes see regular boilers described as having even open-vented or sealed systems. There’s no need to get too technical here, other than to let you know this relates to differences in how the boiler handles expansion and pressure changes. In short, an open-vented system has a tank at the highest point which enables air and water to escape. However, a sealed system uses a pressurised expansion vessel to absorb pressure changes in a way which doesn’t release water. Overall, sealed systems are considered to be cleaner and efficient. While open-vented systems have a simpler design, they are more susceptible to rust.

Pros and cons

If we had to summarise regular boilers in a nutshell, highlighting their pros and cons is the best method. In doing so, this allows you to easily identify whether a regular boiler is the right fit for your property or not. 

Is a regular boiler right for my home?

Ideal usage scenario: Larger properties with traditional plumbing systems. The tank and hot water cylinder can meet the needs of your home. There is no desire to save space by removing the tank in the loft. Also, you don’t want to pay for converting your central heating system to be able to switch to a system or combi boiler. In short, upgrading your existing regular boiler is all that’s needed to improve efficiency and overall user satisfaction. 

Boiler comparison

Still undecided over whether a regular boiler is the right choice for your home? Regular boilers are one of 3 types of boilers that exist alongside combi and system boilers. 

Each boiler type has a different design and ultimately also works differently too. The key is to identify your property type and usage needs to find the right type of boiler for your home. 

Regular vs system vs combi boilers: What’s the difference?

	Regular boiler	System boiler	Combi boiler
Hot water storage	Cylinder	Cylinder	None
Loft tank needed?	Yes	No	No
Can serve multiple bathrooms?	Yes	Yes	Struggles
Space requirements	High	Medium	Low
Installation costs (like-for-like replacement)	Moderate	Moderate	Low
Best for	Large and older homes with multiple bathrooms	Large and medium homes with multiple bathrooms	Small to medium homes with 1 bathroom

When should you choose a regular boiler over a combi or system boiler?

What we know is that a regular boiler is geared towards larger and older homes which have traditional plumbing systems in place. If upgrading your existing regular boiler to a more efficient model would fix your current woes, then remaining with a regular boiler is the right choice. 

You can change from a regular boiler to a combi or system boiler, but only if your property is suitable. Even then, some changes to your pipework will be needed, plus you’ll no longer need a water tank in a loft. 

Your installer is unlikely to recommend switching to a regular boiler if you already have a system or combi boiler. 

But, switching to a different boiler type makes sense when:

Regular boiler to system boiler: You have a medium to large home and you want hot water stored in a cylinder but without needing a loft tank. Often, this is when you want to convert the loft and want to free up space. 

Regular boiler to combi boiler: Your property only has one bathroom. You want instant hot water but don’t want a loft tank or a hot water cylinder. 

Boiler types and sizes

Boilers are tricky to understand sometimes because they are available with different fuel sources. They also come in many different sizes. 

Wait, how does a regular boiler work again?: You select a boiler type (in this case regular), a fuel source (i.e. gas, oil, electric, biomass or hybrid) and also a boiler size (kW). Once you’ve purchased a new regular boiler, it will be served by a feed tank in the loft and a hot water cylinder. 

What size regular boiler do I need?

Rest assured that when you get quotes for a new regular boiler, your installer will size up your boiler on your behalf. 

Regular boilers are usually sized between 12kW and 40kW. The size of your home and the number of radiators your property has will determine the size boiler you need. The ability to heat the hot water cylinder is factored in, as large homes need greater tank sizes, which in turn means the boiler size also has to be bigger. 

Also, the level of insulation your property has will be taken into account. In short, poorly insulated homes need more powerful boilers. But, if you ensure your home is well insulated before upgrading your boiler, a smaller boiler can be installed which will also reduce your energy bills.

Once your installer has all of this key information, they’ll then tell you which size boiler is needed to meet the demands of your property. 

Gas vs oil regular boilers: Which one is better for you?

A wide choice of fuel options is one of the notable regular boiler advantages. This is especially the case for homes which aren’t connected to the gas network, which is typical of the older and larger properties that regular boilers are geared towards. 

If you can choose a regular boiler which runs on gas, you’ll benefit from constant fuel availability. The maintenance requirements of a gas boiler are also easier than oil boilers. The emissions produced by a gas boiler are also less than those of an oil boiler.

But, if your property isn’t connected to the mains, an oil regular boiler remains a top option outside of switching to a renewable heat source instead. With an oil boiler, you’ll need an on-site storage tank, though this can be installed outside of your home. You’ll need to arrange for the oil to be delivered to your home, though you can order in bulk to reduce how much you pay over the long term. 

Costs and efficiency

So you know that a regular boiler is the best option for your home. But how much will it cost to run, and what can you expect from its performance? 

How much does a regular boiler cost?

WhatPrice users have told us they pay an average of £2,922 for a regular boiler with installation included. 

If you are opting for a like-for-like swap of your existing boiler, you should expect close to this price. But, converting or upgrading your wider central heating system will cost more, as will relocating your boiler to a different part of your home. 

You can also see how much a regular boiler will set you back by using our free boiler cost calculator. 

Are regular boilers energy efficient?

Modern condensing regular boilers can be up to 90-94% efficient. The exact regular boiler efficiency will vary depending on the boiler manufacturer and model, so you’ll need to check the small print before you go ahead with the installation. 

However, if you have an older regular boiler, it is unlikely to meet the current standards for energy efficiency. Since April 2018, all new boilers must be at least 92% energy efficient. Therefore, if your boiler was installed well before 2018, it’s probably no longer deemed energy efficient. 

To maximise the efficiency of a regular boiler, pair it with smart controls. Also, ensure your property’s insulation is up to scratch before you go ahead with a boiler installation, as this will ensure you are saving money on running costs from the outset. 

How much does it cost to run and maintain a regular boiler?

Our research suggests a regular boiler costs £1,239 per year to run. This is based on a regular boiler which offers 92% efficiency with a gas price of 6p/kWh. For large properties with more than 4 bedrooms, the running costs will be closer to £1,500. 

To reduce how much a regular boiler costs to run, consider pairing your new boiler with solar technology. 

In terms of maintaining a boiler, the main cost to note is the annual boiler service. Normally, your boiler service and any repairs will be covered under a boiler plan, with £120 being the average paid per year. 

Installation & upgrades

As a homeowner, you’ll be familiar with the yearly boiler service. But given most boilers last 10+ years before they need replacing, the installation process can feel less familiar. 

Competent boiler installers should run you through everything you need to know. But here are some answers to some common regular boiler installation questions in the meantime. 

Is it easy to replace or upgrade to a regular boiler?

Replacing any boiler as part of a like-for-like swap is usually a very straightforward process. That’s because your engineer only needs to replace the boiler unit itself, rather than install any new pipework, tanks or cylinders. In most cases, it can take less than a day to replace a boiler in this way. 

However, where things get more complicated is when you want to relocate your boiler to a new part of your home, such as moving the boiler from a bedroom to a downstairs cupboard. 

If you want to switch your boiler type or even install a boiler in your home for the first time, this will involve the highest workload and ultimately, it will cost more. 

The easiest and boiler conversion type for a regular boiler is to switch to a system boiler. If your heating and hot water demands are modest, you can also switch from a regular boiler to a combi boiler. But, the feed tank and hot water cylinder which supported your regular boiler will need to be removed. Changes to your pipework and radiators may also be needed, as combi boilers have higher flow rates than regular boilers.

Can you still install a regular boiler in modern homes?

A regular boiler wouldn’t be the obvious choice for a newly built home, since regular boilers are typically associated with older properties. That said, there are some scenarios where installing, or more to the point keeping an existing regular boiler makes sense. 

For example, if you’re renovating a property which has a regular boiler installed, retaining all of the existing system including the tank, cylinder, radiators and pipework is advantageous. Even if you replace the boiler itself, not having to convert the rest of the system to support a different type of boiler will save you money. Of course, this very much depends on the age and overall condition of the plumbing and heating. 

If the property is on the larger side, a system boiler is going to be a better fit compared with a combi boiler, which can’t produce hot water for multiple bathrooms at once. Another issue to consider here is the water pressure of the property, as regular and system boilers cope with poor water pressure better than combi boilers. 

Alternatives to installing a regular boiler would include: 

• Switching to a system boiler (ideal for larger properties and wouldn’t need a tank in the loft) 
• Switching to a combi boiler (ideal for modern properties with one bathroom)
• Getting off gas completely by installing a heat pump

Do I need a hot water cylinder and cold water tank?

Yes, a regular boiler requires a cold water tank and a hot water cylinder to work. If you’re looking to replace your existing regular boiler with the same type, then your system will remain as it is, unless any upgrades are needed. But, if any of the required components aren’t already in place, they will need to be installed alongside your new boiler. 

💡Quick recap – how does a regular boiler work?: A regular boiler doesn’t heat water directly from the mains. Instead, a regular boiler relies on stored water and gravity to supply both the boiler and your taps. The system is made up of the boiler, a cold water storage tank and a hot water cylinder. The cold water tank feeds the system, while the hot water cylinder stores the hot water. 

Best models and brands

Now you know what a regular boiler is, it’s time to look at the brands and models which excel when it comes to boiler performance, efficiency and reliability. 

Knowing the best boiler brands and models can help you make an informed purchase. That’s because with so many boilers to choose from, it’s a given that not every boiler will be great. 

Thankfully, in the age of online reviews, it’s never been easier to find the star performers, even in such a crowded market. 

Best regular boilers in the UK (2025 edition)

Make no mistake, the best ‘regular’ boilers are anything but average! Instead, these boilers frequently top the list for the regular boilers which both installers and homeowners rave about the most. 

Alpha E-Tec Regular

• 15kW-25kW models available
• 7 year warranty
• Stainless steel heat exchanger
• Compact design

Baxi 800 Heat Regular

• 24kW-36kW models available 
• 10 year warranty
• Supplied with Adey Micro2 filtration system
• Fits inside a kitchen cupboard

Ideal Logic+ Heat Only

• 12kW-30kW models available
• 7 year warranty (10 year warranty for the heat exchanger)
• Built-in frost protection
• Good Housekeeping award winner

Vaillant ecoTEC Plus Regular

• 12kW-35kW models available
• 10 year extender guarantee (when installed by accredited installer)
• Two-stage frost protection
• Efficient and economical to run

Viessmann Vitodens 100-W Heat Only

• 11kW-32kW models available
• 10 year standard warranty (up to 12 years extended warranty)
• 92% efficiency (Class A ERP)
• Advanced build quality featuring MatriX-Plus burner with Lambda Pro combustion controller 

Greenstar 8000+ Regular

• 30kW-50kW models available 
• 8 year standard warranty (up to 12 years extended warranty)
• Geared towards larger homes 
• 94% efficiency (Class A ERP)

Top regular boiler brands compared

In search of a new regular boiler but unsure which brands to focus on? The WhatPrice team has got you covered. The following manufacturers are top-rated in the UK due to aspects such as efficiency, performance and reliability. 

Alpha

Alpha Heating Innovation is headquartered in Sevenoaks, where it produces a vast range of modern boilers that are backed by up to 10 year warranty. The brand is a good call for customers in search of a boiler that performs well without the premium cost. 

Alpha regular boilers: Alpha E-Tec 

Baxi 

Preston-based Baxi are backed by over 150 years of experience in the production of domestic and commercial boilers. Baxi offers plenty of cost-effective boiler models, including within its expansive heat-only (regular) boiler line. 

Baxi regular boilers: Baxi 400 Heat, Baxi 600 Heat, Baxi 800 Heat & Baxi Potterton Titanium Heat

Ideal

Over 5 million Ideal ‘Logic’ boilers have been installed in British homes, with the company originally founded in Hull back in 1906. The brand is considered a mid-market option for boilers, offering a good balance of cost vs features. 

Ideal regular boilers: Ideal Logic Max Heat, Logic+ Heat & Ideal Mexico HE

Vaillant

Founded in the 1800s, Vaillant is one of the longest established boiler brands. Vaillant has continued to be a strong contender in the boiler market, offering a wide range of boiler types and sizes. The company has a training academy in Derbyshire, enabling you to choose a Vaillant accredited technician for your boiler installation. 

Vaillant regular boilers: ecoFIT Pure Heat Only & Vaillant ecoTEC Plus Open Vent Boiler

Viessmann

Harnessing the very best of German engineering, Viessmann boilers sit on the premium end of the market. In particular, Viessmann are renowned for the quality of their heat exchangers, which is a key boiler component.

Viessmann regular boilers: Vitodens 100-W Heat Only & Vitodens 200-W

Worcester Bosch

Worcester Bosch boilers have been heating Britain’s homes since the 1960s. Based in the UK, Worcester Bosch is widely considered as one of the best boiler brands, with some of the longest boiler warranties offered by any manufacturer. 

Worcester Bosch regular boilers: Greenstar Ri, Greenstar 8000, Greenstar 8000 Life & Greenstar CDi Classic

How to get accurate new boiler quotes

With regular (conventional) boilers lasting 10-15 years on average, they aren’t something you need to buy too often. While this excellent longevity highlights their value, it can also make the process of getting regular boiler quotes daunting. 

So here is what to look for to find the best tradespeople and also fair pricing: 

• Be prepared to get at least 3 quotes 
• Look for tradespeople in your area who have a registered address near you and a professional web presence 
• Anyone installing gas boilers must be Gas Safe Registered. Related accreditations to check for include Competent Person Scheme (CPS) or OFTEC (Oil Firing Technical Association) for oil boilers. Also look for manufacturer accreditation (i.e. Vaillant or Worcester Bosch approved installers). 
• A select number of tradespeople are also Trading Standards Approved (the Buy with Confidence scheme)
• Avoid national companies that promise ‘next day boiler installations’ or offer prices significantly cheaper than local installers. Often, this is because your boiler installation will be subcontracted and corners may be be cut
• Always check the reviews of the installer before you go ahead

Regular boiler explained FAQs

Still have questions about ‘What is a regular boiler?’ You’ll find queries from other UK homeowners just like you below.

Or, scroll up to ‘Regular boiler explained’ for a handy overview of this boiler type. 

For anything else, be sure to check out our other free boiler guides here at WhatPrice.