Getting a megaflo but should I also change the boiler?

[Ltnman]

My IMI Range flowmax thermal store has scaled up so I am not getting much hot water although the heating is fine.

I am getting quotes for a megaflo and to change the boiler which has cut out three times over recent months when the thermal cut out has tripped. As my heating system is 18 years old should I keep the Potterton flamingo boiler or change it when I would imagine that the power flush will fix the boiler? With little to go wrong in an old boiler would you guys keep it or change it seeing that a replacement boiler would add say around £2000 to the bill?

 

[simond]

If you can afford it, do it.

The Flamingo will use more gas and any significant money spent on it will be short term benefit only.

Some others on this forum may disagree; however they can fix their old crates cheaper than the general public using bits lurking in their van at zero labour cost.

 

[Ltnman]

I am so confused. Someone has warned me off a megaflo as it needs to be serviced every year and suggested that I go for another thermal store. I live in one of the worst areas in the county for scaling so this solution is putting me off which is another reason why I don’t want a combi. Also plumbers seem to run away from my existing flowmax thermal store but would I find it any easier to get a megaflo fixed? In fact do megaflo's go wrong?

Also when I go away I turn the water off but when I return I can usually hear the header tank, which is built into the top of the thermal store take a small amount of water. This to me suggests that there is a leak on the central heating which I have never found. As the megaflo puts the heating system under more water pressure could I end up with say a wet ceiling?

 

[ChrisR]

I am so confused.

You are!

Someone has warned me off a megaflo as it needs to be serviced every year

well yes, but like boilers, they generally don't get it and don't gve many problems

and suggested that I go for another thermal store.I live in one of the worst areas in the county for scaling so this solution is putting me off

understandable.

which is another reason why I don’t want a combi.

(The right) combis don't suffer from limescale, but a fter a thermal store you'd probably hate the limited output.

Also plumbers seem to run away from my existing flowmax thermal store but would I find it any easier to get a megaflo fixed?

Much.

In fact do megaflo's go wrong?

Not often. On some types YOU would probably need to do something akin to topping it up (with air) about once year but that's not hard. Valves can let-by, but not a big prpblem.

Also when I go away I turn the water off but when I return I can usually hear the header tank, which is built into the top of the thermal store take a small amount of water.

The water's cooled and contracted - maybe it's that, depending...

This to me suggests that there is a leak on the central heating which I have never found. As the megaflo puts the heating system under more water pressure could I end up with say a wet ceiling?

Megaflo's don't affect your heating system at all. The CH may or may not be pressurised - it's separate.

 

[Ltnman]

(The right) combis don't suffer from limescale

Thanks for the replies guys, I really do appreciate it but from the Vaillant online manual

Caution
If you live in a hard water area please do not
set the control knob (3) above the mid (12
o’clock) position to prevent excessive scale formation.

So which is the right combi not that I really want one?

Not often. On some types YOU would probably need to do something akin to topping it up (with air) about once year but that's not hard. Valves can let-by, but not a big prpblem.

I thought there is only one sort of megaflo and thats the one made by Heatrae Sadia.

So a megaflo and a Vaillant system boiler is a good choice then seeing that the existing boiler is 18 years old?

 

[The Baker]

My IMI Range flowmax thermal store has scaled up so I am not getting much hot water although the heating is fine.

I am getting quotes for a megaflo and to change the boiler which has cut out three times over recent months when the thermal cut out has tripped. As my heating system is 18 years old should I keep the Potterton flamingo boiler or change it when I would imagine that the power flush will fix the boiler? With little to go wrong in an old boiler would you guys keep it or change it seeing that a replacement boiler would add say around £2000 to the bill?

Have you talked to Range Technical Help Line regarding de-scaling your flowmax?

Whilst I did not do Chemistry at school I don't see how some white vinegar circulated around the DHW coil would do any harm to the tube, but do ask Range first.

Tim

 

[Ltnman]

Thanks Tim, But some of my neighbours have had their tanks leak in recent years so I want to change it before my lounge fills up with water. The problem with it scaling up is the excuse I have been looking for.

 

[simond]

If you want an unvented cylinder and a Vaillant boiler the best partner is the Vaillant uniSTOR.

But you seem so confused, as usual the recommedation is to get a couple of contractors in to help, who can actually see the job and take the measurements.

Thermal Stores do scale up, in our experience an unvented lasts longer and is less likely to need maintenance (other than an occasional safety inspection). The Megaflo is a Baxi product and as such is a friday afternoon special.

Megaflo make a big deal about their flow rate - which is no longer anything special - and their floating baffle. The floating baffle does absolutely nothing and bubble top cylinders all suffer from periodic depletion of the air gap requiring a drain down and refill. Frankly I can see absolutely no advantage to a bubbletop whatsoever. Nice brochure though, seems to influence a lot of punters

 

[Ltnman]

If you want an unvented cylinder and a Vaillant boiler the best partner is the Vaillant uniSTOR.

But you seem so confused, as usual the recommedation is to get a couple of contractors in to help, who can actually see the job and take the measurements.

That’s what I suggested to Contractor one but he said that I should substitute the Unistor for a megaflo and pair it up with the Vaillant. I suspect he recommended the megaflo as it can be bought pre-plumbed.

Contractor number two recommends that I just change the tank for a megaflo and keep the boiler although he agreed that the boiler could stop working tomorrow or last another 15 years.

 

[simond]

Time for quote number 3. Look on the Vaillant web site for enlightened installers in your area who understand the product. The uniSTOR can be integrated with a VRC430 controller and the boiler, it is a very clever all in one package.

 

[Ltnman]

Time for quote number 3. Look on the Vaillant web site for enlightened installers in your area who understand the product. The uniSTOR can be integrated with a VRC430 controller and the boiler, it is a very clever all in one package.

I did and have quote number three. I got his name from the Vaillant website. He wanted £7637 inc VAT to change the boiler and tank. I guess he didn't want the work.

 

[GasMan1965]

Why not have a water softener fitted???
I know what you mean as Im in Luton as well so come across this problem lots!!

I dont mind popping by to have a look

No sarcastic comments you lot

 

[Ltnman]

That's a thought. What's the running costs of a water softener? Are we talking about having to keep topping it up with salt? Does that affect the flow rate?

 

[simond]

I haven't seen your house so I can't comment whether this is a fair price or not.

But the better the skill of the installer/specifier, the more you can usually expect to pay. We all need to work, very few of us price not to get the job.

The better amongst us strive to give better aftersales support and earn a decent living. We are the ones that that will still answer the phone in two years time.

 

[GasMan1965]

Yes you would have to top up the rock salt every now and then and you shouldnt notice a flow difference with the appliances !!

What part of Luton are you?