In out semi, there is almost nowhere to wall-mount a gas boiler. The old central heating was by back boiler in fireplace in the dining room but when we had a conservatory fitted, the ventilation issue became a problem and as the boiler was over 30 years old, we opted for a new one. The plumber suggested as he could not find a decent wall to mount a new boiler where a balanced flue could easily be connected, we should consider putting the boiler in the loft. At the time it seemed a good idea and so a new Gloworm condensing boiler was installed and despite it being far far cheaper to run than our old system and far quicker at warming the house and hot water, I am now really regretting it.
Our house is regularly let for short lets - normally 6 to 9 months over the winter and over the past few years we have had several issues of pipes freezing in the loft in and around the boiler. Our tennants seem to close the system down when they go out not thinking the temps will drop rapidly in the loft!!. So far it has cost us a new pump, and a few bits and pieces in the boiler and a few new pipes around the boiler. This last winter, despite having good tennants and the heating running almost continuously, the condensation pipe froze up causing the boiler to shut down - so another emergency callout visit from the plumber and now I live in dread of what will happen this winter.
One thing has occured to me, the loft mounted boiler has a flue going vertically through the house roof. Quite neat actually and to me not a problem but is there any way of extending that downwards and placing the boiler inside one of the bedrooms? Directly under the boiler is our airing cupboard which also houses the HW cylinder. and has access to all the service pipes gas and water. I would not mind losing the airing cupboard space if the boiler could be fitted there?
A secondary issue, if it is possible to lower the boiler position, would we be better off using a combie boiler and lose the HW tank from the airing cupboard and the CW tank from the loft. Then no pipes would be in the loft at all and so we could insulate if far better as there would no fear of damage up there due to the cold.
Your advice and opinions most eagerly awaited.
Our house is regularly let for short lets - normally 6 to 9 months over the winter and over the past few years we have had several issues of pipes freezing in the loft in and around the boiler. Our tennants seem to close the system down when they go out not thinking the temps will drop rapidly in the loft!!. So far it has cost us a new pump, and a few bits and pieces in the boiler and a few new pipes around the boiler. This last winter, despite having good tennants and the heating running almost continuously, the condensation pipe froze up causing the boiler to shut down - so another emergency callout visit from the plumber and now I live in dread of what will happen this winter.
One thing has occured to me, the loft mounted boiler has a flue going vertically through the house roof. Quite neat actually and to me not a problem but is there any way of extending that downwards and placing the boiler inside one of the bedrooms? Directly under the boiler is our airing cupboard which also houses the HW cylinder. and has access to all the service pipes gas and water. I would not mind losing the airing cupboard space if the boiler could be fitted there?
A secondary issue, if it is possible to lower the boiler position, would we be better off using a combie boiler and lose the HW tank from the airing cupboard and the CW tank from the loft. Then no pipes would be in the loft at all and so we could insulate if far better as there would no fear of damage up there due to the cold.
Your advice and opinions most eagerly awaited.