Central Heating Microbore viability

[tommyo]

A pensioner, I have been offered a replacement heating system under the Scottish Government scheme. Existing system is deemed to be inefficient by a Surveyor
Part of the deal means replacing the piping which has been in place since 1984 when the house was being built and causes no problem. It is currently microbore. There is negligible crawl space under this bungalow so fitted carpeting will have to be lifted to allow installation of replacement pipe and flooring cut also. Assigned contractor says carpeting will be replaced properly but it is old and I have doubts and wife worries about upheaval so have refused change as no deviation is permitted from approved contract.
Currently we have an Ideal Mini miser fitted about 13 years ago and the original 1984. Regularly serviced with no problems.
At this late stage would like to know if there is a problem with microbore, why does it have to be replaced with bigger bore? Would be grateful for any opinions.

 

[Agile]

10 mm is just about OK but 8 mm should be changed.

If you own the property then it will add to the value if the pipework is replaced and a new boiler fitted.

If the carpets are old then anyone else would say that its not relevant if it gets a little damaged during the work.

You should accept this as a minor aspect of getting a free new boiler and pipework.

Tony

 

[simond]

If you want a grant you can't have your cake and eat it. If they want to lift the floor no one is forcing you to take up their offer.

If the existing system has functioned satisfactorily with microbore then there is no reason to change it.

Other than if you want the free deal.

Sometimes pensioners feel that they cannot face the upheaval and it is a shame the Grant scheme is so inflexible.

If it is an EAGA owned contractor (they earn £32M each year from installations the Government contract says they should only do AS THE LAST RESORT) you could always ask for a non-EAGA company to bid for the work.

Might find them a bit more flexible, and cheaper.