Is a System Boiler better in use than a regular Boiler?

[steveatesh]

I have to replace my Boiler, gas fired, regular boiler powering an unvented hot water and vented central heating system.

I've gone through the "which boiler" thing and decided on a make but one plumber has quoted for a "system" boiler to make the whole heating and HW unvented, the other has quoted for straight replacement regular boiler.

The system boiler is just under £500 more to install, but if I was to get any actual benefits from a system boiler over a regular boiler then I can weight that off.

I know the mechanics of the differences between the two types of system but can't get a definitive answer to the question is one better than the other in daily use? In other words, is a "system" boiler and totally unvented HW/heating system inherently better than a Regular Boiler with Unvented HW but vented heating (as it is now).

i.e. hotter radiators? Heats up quicker if so how much quicker? reliability? anything else?

Or will I not notice any difference in reality?

[steveatesh]

Thanks all for your replies. Another thought - looking at the schematics of each boiler type obviously there are more parts in the system boiler. Am I right in thinking that if the pump breaks in a system boiler I would have to purchase the manufacturers part i.e. no choice as to the replacement and therefore probably at an inflated price?

The boiler make was between Valiant and WB - I've decided to go for the WB, I know there have been many discussion about that on here!

[steveatesh]

Sheepshanks said:

True, but most boilers come with long guarantees now so that'll cover the internal pump. And if you get boiler only breakdown cover it'll be covered too.

My main concern would be pressurising a previously unpressurised system! Mine was mainly done in Hep2O about 20yrs ago and it terrifies me!

My system was built in 1997, it's copper piping, I think about 10mm . Never had any leaks up to now but then again never been under pressure!