James Elston
Published February 23, 2024
Trying to find the best boiler for your 3-bed house is no small task. With the endless options out there and each manufacturer claiming to have the “best”, the challenge becomes even harder.
Eco Happy is here to save you the time and the headache of finding the perfect boiler for your 3-bed home. Backed by years of experience within the home heating industry, we have compiled a list of the six boilers best suited for medium-sized, 3-bedroom homes in 2024.
In this article, we will guide you on what makes these boilers stand out in the industry. We will also provide some guidelines on how to choose the right boiler for your home so you can make an informed decision.
Our Top Picks:
- Viessmann Vitodens 111-W Storage Combi Boiler – Best for high hot water demands
- Worcester Bosch Greenstar 8000 Lifestyle 30 kW combi boiler – Best for affordability
- Viessmann Vitodens 200-w 11 kW system boiler – Best for WiFi compatibility
Contents
- 1 Our Top 6 Boilers For A 3-Bed House
- 1.1 1. Viessmann Vitodens 111-W Combi Boiler – Best for high hot water demands
- 1.2 2. Worcester Bosch Greenstar 8000 Life 30 kW Combi Boiler – Best for Affordability
- 1.3 3. Ideal Vogue Max C26 Combi Boiler – Best for quiet operation
- 1.4 4. Vaillant ecoTEC Plus 938 Storage Combi Boiler – Best for eco-efficiency
- 1.5 5. Viessmann Vitodens 200-w 11 kW System Boiler – Best for WiFi compatibility
- 1.6 6. Worcester Bosch Greenstar 8000 Life 30 kW System Boiler – Best for homes with 20 radiators
- 2 How We Chose The Best Boilers For A 3-Bed House
- 3 How to Choose the Right Boiler
- 4 Get A Boiler Installation Quote For Your 3-Bed House Today
- 5 FAQs
- 6 Conclusion
Our Top 6 Boilers For A 3-Bed House
Let’s take a closer look at the best units available in 2024:
1. Viessmann Vitodens 111-W Combi Boiler – Best for high hot water demands
Specs:
The Viessmann Vitodens 111-w is a highly efficient boiler known for its reliability, rapid heating and compact size. Available in two power output sizes – 25 kW and 35 kW – it’s one of the best combi boilers currently on the UK market.
This Viessmann boiler has a 46-litre stainless steel pressurised water cylinder that can supply up to 18.1 litres per minute flow rate to 3 water outlets and up to 10 radiators and 2 bathrooms. This larger cylinder size is equivalent to a 150-litre cylinder in terms of heating performance! This makes it a great option for houses with high hot water demands.
- WiFi compatibility – connecting to smart technology like Hive or Nest for thermostat control from afar.
- Hydrogen-ready – with a 20 hydrogen to 80 gas ratio
- LCD touchscreen and easy-to-use control panels – offering a sleek, user-friendly interface.
- A-rated energy efficiency rating of up to 98% – generates 98p of heating for every £1 spent.
- MatriX-Plus burner – provides added efficiency and low emissions and operates almost silently.
Note: This boiler model is an upgrade to the Viessmann Vitodens 100 w boiler.
Our Verdict
As a brand, Viessmann stands out for its exceptional customer service, which is a particularly important consideration when choosing a boiler.
Among the brand’s boiler offerings, the Viessmann Vitodens 111-W Combi Boiler appears to experience less frequent and more minor issues than some of the others in the line, according to reviews from Trustpilot.
This makes this boiler stand out not just among Viessmann products, but among many other top brands in the industry as well. Check out our guide to view the full range of Viessmann boilers and prices.
2. Worcester Bosch Greenstar 8000 Life 30 kW Combi Boiler – Best for Affordability
Specs:
The Worcester Bosch Greenstar 8000 Life 30 kW combi boiler is ideal for homes with up to 15 radiators and 1 bathroom.
This gas-fueled combi boiler uses advanced condensing technology to generate heat and reduce heat loss. With a 94% energy efficiency rating, these boilers produce 94p of heat for every £1 spent. Domestic hot water is supplied at a 12.3 litre per minute flow rate (with a central heating output of 30.2 kW), which is ideal when multiple taps are used. This also makes it a suitable option for homes with up to 15 radiators.
- Intelligent Filling System – automatically tops up the boiler’s pressure if it drops below the optimum.
- Easy-to-use LCD touchscreen controls.
- Easy access to internal parts – allows for quick and efficient servicing and repair work.
- Smart thermostat compatibility – for seamless control of your central heating system.
- On/off cycling prevention – ensures system longevity.
- Wall-mounted – thanks to its compact size of 780 x 440 x 365 mm.
Our Verdict
Worcester Bosch is a reputable, long-standing boiler brand that has a strong market presence – meaning you won’t be disappointed with their products or service. Compared to the Greenstar 2000 model, this 8000 model is more energy efficient and has greater flow and heating output capacity.
This means that it can more effectively supply hot water and heating while helping to reduce your energy bills. If you’re in the market for a 30kW system, check out our guide on the best 30kW combi boilers to find a model suited to your budget and needs.
3. Ideal Vogue Max C26 Combi Boiler – Best for quiet operation
Specs:
The Ideal Vogue Max C26 combi boiler is perfect for a 3-bedroom house with up to 10 radiators and one bathroom. Ideal is a UK-headquartered brand specifically known for its reliability and top-class engineering.
This sealed, wall-mounted combi boiler provides heating and hot water from one compact unit, operating with a single spark ignition and fan-assisted combustion chamber.
- LCD colour display and large control dials – make it very user-friendly.
- Stainless steel heat exchanger – provides extra durability.
- Quiet operation – 47 decibels (equal to the sound of light rain)
- Pre-wired mains lead and compact unit – allow for quick and easy installation.
- Frost protection – for seamless year-round use.
- Compatible with Ideal smart technology – like the Halo Combi smart thermostat.
Our Verdict
While the Ideal Vogue Max C26 combi boiler is suitable for a 3-bedroom home, it won’t be suitable if you have 10+ radiators.
If you don’t mind spending a bit more, you could always opt for the C32 or C40 model. These models offer the same great features as the C26 but can provide enough heat for up to 20 radiators.
The C26 is also slightly larger than other boilers on our list, which means that it may not fit within a cupboard.
That being said, check out our in-depth review of Ideal boilers and models to find one best suited to your needs.
4. Vaillant ecoTEC Plus 938 Storage Combi Boiler – Best for eco-efficiency
Specs:
The Vaillant ecoTEC Plus Storage Combi Boiler is a powerful gas boiler ideal for a house with 2 bathrooms (as well as an en suite) and up to 15 radiators.
Unlike a traditional combi boiler, this unit contains a hot water storage cylinder located behind the boiler. This allows significantly more hot water to flow to your central heating system and faucets compared to standard combi boilers – all within 5 seconds!
Additionally, thanks to its wide modulation range of 1:6, the boiler can adjust its output accordingly to meet the heating demands of your home. This means that the burner doesn’t have to constantly switch on and off, improving efficiency and reducing temperature fluctuations.
- Flame lift detection system – monitors the gas flame within the boiler to ensure added safety.
- Easy installation and set-up – thanks to the detailed guide included with the boiler.
- Two-stage frost protection – helps prevent burst pipes, increases efficiency and reduces maintenance costs.
- Compatible with the aroTHERM hybrid air source heat pump – for easy integration.
- Sleek design – thanks to the modern control panel and contoured case.
- Quiet operation – 46 decibel
Our Verdict
If you have a larger 3-bed home with high hot water demands, installing the Vaillant ecoTEC Plus Storage Combi Boiler is a no-brainer.
Compared to the Viessmann Vitodens 111-w Combi Boiler, which is also suitable for homes with high hot water requirements, the ecoTEC is more affordable while still offering a variety of attractive features.
While this specific model is not LPG compatible, other models within this range are, which would be more suitable if you’re not connected to a mains gas supply. Have a look at our comprehensive guide on Vaillant boiler prices and models to see what they offer.
5. Viessmann Vitodens 200-w 11 kW System Boiler – Best for WiFi compatibility
Specs:
The Viessman Vitodens 200-w 11 kW system boiler is the perfect size boiler for a 3-bedroom house with 10 radiators! And with the addition of the hot water cylinder, you can enjoy warm water on demand – unlike with a combi boiler.
Thanks to its compact size, it can easily be wall-mounted and fits perfectly into kitchen or bathroom cabinets.
It has a powerful Inox-Radial heat exchanger, known for its high condensing efficiency, and is made from high-grade stainless steel to ensure longevity.
- WiFi compatibility – enabling remote operation from a smartphone or tablet via the ViCare app.
- LED screen – the 7-segment display is easy to understand and use.
- Compatible with air-to-water heat pump hybrid systems
- Lambda Pro Plus combustion controller – automatically adjusts the system to fluctuating gas types and flow, ensuring efficiency.
- Solar integration – can be combined with solar thermal collectors.
Our Verdict
This Viessmann offering is fairly similar to the Viessmann Vitodens 111-W Combi Boiler as both come with the same innovative features the brand is known for.
However, where the 200-w shines is the fact that it can provide hot water on demand. This means that it can also supply sufficient hot water to multiple faucets simultaneously, where the combi boiler may struggle.
So, if you have more occupants living in your 3-bed home, this would be the more suitable option to go for. It is also more affordable. Check out our review on Viessmann boilers to learn more about their range of models.
6. Worcester Bosch Greenstar 8000 Life 30 kW System Boiler – Best for homes with 20 radiators
Specs:
The Worcester Bosch Greenstar Life 30 kW System Boiler is ideal for a 3-bed house with 20 radiators and 2+ bathrooms.
With a modulation ratio of 1:10, this system boiler won’t burn fuel unnecessarily, making it highly efficient while helping to reduce energy expenses.
It also comes with the latest smart technology, which allows homeowners to control their boiler operations with ease via a Bosch EasyControl smart thermostat.
- LCD touchscreen – which is easily navigatable and comes in full colour.
- On/off cylinder protection – for extended boiler longevity.
- Intelligent filling system – to maintain optimum boiler pressure.
- Easy-to-access internal components – for quick installation and repairs.
- Sleek design – available in two high gloss colours (white and black)
Our Verdict
This is the upgraded version of the Worcester Bosch CDi Classic. As a result, the flue, fixing points and pipe connections are all the same for the Greenstar and CDi Classic, allowing for faster installation if you’re upgrading from one to the other.
While this boiler is fairly compact, you need to keep in mind that you will need additional space for the hot water storage cylinder. Read our guide on the best system boilers if you’re interested in this type of boiler.
How We Chose The Best Boilers For A 3-Bed House
Here’s how we went about conducting our research to put together this list of the best boilers for your 3-bed home.
Customer reviews
Customer reviews on trusted platforms like Trustpilot as well as reviews on manufacturing websites helped guide our decision for this list.
These reviews provide unbiased, first-hand experiences with these boilers. We specifically analysed the experiences customers had in terms of home heating and hot water supply for a 3-bed home.
Additionally, factors like timely customer service, frequency of issues and repairs, cost, and overall performance were evaluated to determine which boilers stood out.
Independent testing bodies
Independent testing bodies provide objective boiler assessments based on standardised testing procedures. Analysing data from organisations like Which? and the Energy Savings Trust allowed us to review fair comparisons between various boilers.
These bodies test for crucial factors like efficiency, heat output, fuel consumption and emission levels. As a result, we were able to choose a selection of boilers that outperformed in all these areas.
Our wealth of experience
Eco Happy has helped thousands of customers with their home heating and hot water needs. Our many years in the industry have allowed us to gain first-hand, expert insight into the various types of boilers available on the market.
From boiler advice based on home size to installation, servicing and repairs, we know exactly which products deliver on quality, reliability, efficiency, value for money and performance, especially when it comes to sufficient hot water and heating supply in a 3-bed home.
How to Choose the Right Boiler
Choosing the right boiler for your 3-bed house depends on a few factors, including:
- Your house size
- Home insulation levels
- Hot water demands
- Boiler brand
- Boiler warranty
- Boiler features
Let’s take a closer look at these aspects so you can pick a boiler best suited to your needs and home.
House size
The average boiler output needed for a 3-bedroom home is usually around 28 kW to 34 kW
However, the number of radiators and bathrooms you have in your home will significantly influence the size of the boiler you need.
Here’s a breakdown of the estimated boiler size you’ll need based on these factors:
| Number of radiators | Number of bathrooms | Estimated boiler size for a combi boiler | Estimated boiler size for a system boiler |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 10 | 1 | 24 kW to 27 kW | 9 kW to 18 kW |
| More than 10 | Up to 3 | 28 kW to 34 kW | 18 kW to 26 kW |
| More than 20 | More than 3 | 35 kW to 43 kW | 27 kW to 40 kW |
Insulation levels
Hot water demands
Brand
Consider choosing brands with a strong track record of reliability and customer service. Top boiler brands that consistently deliver on quality are more likely to meet your expectations.
Currently, the leading boiler brands in the industry include:
It’s also a good idea to review the brand’s official website to see if it has received any industry awards. Recognition from industry professionals is a key indicator of quality.
Customer reviews and testimonials also provide valuable insights into boiler performances.
Warranties
Take note of service and maintenance requirements within your boiler warranty. You should check how often your boiler needs servicing to ensure you don’t lose your warranty. Some warranties may be invalid if an annual boiler service is not done.
Features
Get A Boiler Installation Quote For Your 3-Bed House Today
When it’s time to install a new boiler in your home, you can count on the professionals at Eco Happy. Not only will we help advise on the best boiler suited to your specific needs but we’ll also be there every step of the way, from installation to aftercare support and servicing.
We have helped countless customers experience the warmth that the right boiler can bring to your 3-bedroom home. Say goodbye to inefficiency and high energy bills! Request a free, no-obligation quote for your boiler installation today.
FAQs
Is a 24 kW boiler big enough for a 3-bedroom house?
A 24 kW combi or system boiler is big enough for a 3-bedroom house with 2+ bathrooms. If you only have one bathroom, you can opt for a smaller size boiler.
How much does it cost to replace a boiler in a 3-bed house?
Replacing a boiler in a 3-bed house can cost around £1,500 to £5,000 (including installation). However, the price can vary significantly based on factors like the labour requirements (e.g. if new plumbing is needed) and the type of boiler you choose.
Is a higher kW boiler better?
It depends. The number of radiators and bathrooms you have in your 3-bedroom house will determine the kW on your boiler. Opting for a boiler that is too big (i.e. higher kW) could result in wasted energy and higher energy bills.
Conclusion
The best boiler for your 3-bed requires considerations like your hot water demands, the brand of the boiler, and your home insulation levels.
Thankfully, there are some great options out there in 2024, whether you opt for the Vaillant ecoTEC Plus 938 Storage Combi Boiler for its energy efficiency or the Ideal Vogue Max C26 Combi Boiler for its near-silent operation.
However, our stand-out boiler in 2024 is the Viessmann Vitodens 111-W Storage Combi Boiler. Its water storage system combined with the efficiency benefits of a combi boiler allows it to adequately meet the hot water demands of a 3-bed home.
Remember, when it comes to choosing and installing a boiler in your home, Eco Happy is the professional you can rely on.
James Elston
Boiler Expert
James Elston is the top boiler replacement and heating expert at Eco Happy. He has over 20 years of experience in the industry, focusing on Gas Safe boiler installations and offering home-heating and energy-saving solutions to homeowners across the UK. From sourcing the most energy-efficient combi boiler to providing specialist heating advice, James ensures that Eco Happy maintains the highest standards and best customer service.