28KB.avif){kind=logo}
What Is a Combi Boiler?
A combi boiler — short for combination boiler — is a compact unit that provides both home heating and hot water from a single appliance. Instead of having a separate furnace or boiler for heating AND a separate water heater for hot water, a combi boiler handles both jobs in one wall-mounted unit.
At MGP Mechanical, we've been installing more combi boilers in Albuquerque homes because they solve two problems at once while saving space and energy.
How Combi Boilers Work
A combi boiler operates in two modes:
Heating mode. The boiler heats water and circulates it through your radiant floor tubing or baseboard radiators, just like a traditional boiler. The heated water flows through your home's hydronic system, warms the space, and returns to the boiler to be reheated.
Hot water mode. When you turn on a hot water tap, the boiler instantly switches priority to heating domestic hot water on demand — similar to a tankless water heater. Cold water flows through a secondary heat exchanger and comes out hot at the tap. No storage tank needed.
The beauty of this design is efficiency. You're not maintaining a separate 40 or 50-gallon tank of hot water 24 hours a day. The boiler only heats water when you actually need it.
Why Combi Boilers Make Sense in Albuquerque
Space savings. A combi boiler is roughly the size of a small kitchen cabinet and mounts on the wall. Compare that to a traditional boiler plus a separate water heater taking up significant floor space in your utility room or garage. For smaller homes or homes where mechanical space is limited, this is a game-changer.
Energy efficiency. Modern combi boilers operate at 95 percent efficiency or higher, meaning virtually all the gas you pay for is converted to useful heat. Many qualify for New Mexico Gas Company rebates of up to $675 for ENERGY STAR certified combination boiler/water heater units.
Endless hot water. Like a tankless water heater, a combi boiler heats water on demand. You'll never run out of hot water in the middle of a shower.
Ideal for radiant heat homes. Many Albuquerque homes — especially pueblo-style and adobe construction — use radiant floor heating. A combi boiler is the perfect match for these homes, providing radiant heat and domestic hot water from one compact unit.
Brands We Install
We install Navien combi boilers, which are among the most reliable and efficient units on the market. Navien's NCB-E series offers:
Up to 95 percent thermal efficiency. Built-in recirculation for faster hot water delivery. Stainless steel heat exchangers for durability. Wi-Fi connectivity through NaviLink for remote monitoring. Compact wall-mount design.
Navien also makes their combi boilers compatible with their NaviClean water treatment system, which helps protect the unit from scale buildup — especially important with Albuquerque's hard water.
Is a Combi Boiler Right for Your Home?
A combi boiler is an excellent choice if:
You have radiant floor heating and need to replace your boiler or water heater. You want to save space by eliminating a separate water heater. Your household has moderate hot water demand (1 to 2 bathrooms running simultaneously). You want the highest efficiency rating available. You're building new or doing a major renovation.
For larger homes with high hot water demand (3 or more bathrooms running simultaneously), you might need a larger combi boiler or a separate dedicated tankless water heater in addition to a heating-only boiler. We'll help you evaluate your specific needs.
Rebates and Savings
ENERGY STAR certified combi boilers qualify for up to $675 in rebates through New Mexico Gas Company. Combined with the energy savings from replacing an older, less efficient boiler and water heater, the upgrade can pay for itself over time.
Get a Free Estimate
Curious if a combi boiler is right for your home? Call MGP Mechanical at (505) 878-5788. We'll assess your heating and hot water needs, look at your existing setup, and give you an honest recommendation. Free estimates, no pressure.