Issues with combi boiler

thatdarnguy · 8 Nov 2012

Hi guys,

Ever since we had our boiler replaced and had a new combi boiler placed into the loft, we've been having issues with the length of time it takes to get hot water. Our upstairs bathroom which is almost directly below the boiler takes 20-30 seconds to get warm, even with the comfort mode enabled on the boiler (Viessmann vitodens 100). It's much worse downstairs in our kitchen (directly below our upstairs bathroom), which takes ~90 seconds to get hot.

We've had the original installers out and advice from 2 other plumbers who all say that this is normal and nothing can be done, but I really just can't believe that this is the case. I really wish we kept our old bloody boiler from 1977 now as at least we got instant hot water!!

Is there anything we can do? Will we have to install a cylinder or a pump or something to get instant hot water, or will that not work either? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!

Dan Robinson · 8 Nov 2012

If you think about it, it is pretty obvious this is normal.

The boiler will take circa 15 seconds to kick in, then another 10 or so to get up to running temperature.

You also have to add the volume of water in the pipe that has to discharge before that which is leaving the boiler arrives at the tap.

Solutions?

Upstairs....tough, downstairs maybe an under sink heater.

Agile · 8 Nov 2012

You chose a combi so you have to live with it.

Latest boilers are slower than old ones.

The old Ideal sprint fired without a second and warmed the water withing just a few seconds.

Latest boilers need to do a combustion purge first and this all takes a little tiome!

Modern technology.

Tony

ianmcd · 8 Nov 2012

Thats how a combi works, you will get used to it and it will be cheaper to run

dcawkwell · 8 Nov 2012

Wouldn't have a combi in my house.

If you want to go back to a tank system I would suggest and unvented cylinder the combi will still be able to heat it.

muggles · 8 Nov 2012

http://www.combisave.com/

Also check your installers removed all your 22mm hot pipework and replaced with 15mm, as this will reduce the amount of time taken for the hot water to get to your taps

mysteryman · 8 Nov 2012

That is absolutely true, it would be worth having any old 22mm pipework replaced in 15mm, taking a more direct route if possible. Check that the preheat function is enabled, hot water should be available within seconds if it is.

CBF · 8 Nov 2012

another reason not to install a boiler in the loft

Dan Robinson · 8 Nov 2012

unless it is an Intergas with a secondary return

Agile · 9 Nov 2012

CBF said:
another reason not to install a boiler in the loft

Although that location is often just a couple of metres from the bathroom!

But its the kitchen tap where the complaints start.

Tony

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Issues with combi boiler

mysteryman

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