Combi Installation advice -

[deni2022]

Hi,

Have had an initial quote for a new combi boiler for our bungalow but its left us with a couple of questions which we would appreciate some guidance.

We have been given a choice of two sites, in the loft on the exterior gable end wall or in a small internal cloakroom / airing cupboard, both of which have good access to the existing pipework from our old indirect system.

Installing in the loft does have the advantage of being out of the way, but apart from ease of access have read some comment that it could shorten the boilers life due to the extremes of cold and heat a loft is exposed to - that point seems to be reasonable - it that really the case ? or would enclosing the boiler in a thermal box negate that ? We are in the North of England.

For the cloakroom the question is regarding the flue, we were told it could be horizonal to the external west wall / prevailing wind or vertical though the roof , both about 2m in total length, is either the better way ?

 

[jj4091]

Don't know about the technical aspects of your choices but when a neighbours boiler in the loft leaked while they were away it brought most of the ceiling down before it was noticed/ they got home. Not a place I would consider having one installed.

 

[gas112]

being in the loft will have no detrimental effect on the boiler at all .
But for ease of access recharging servicing etc better to be in the cupboard flue route materials would be a bit cheaper through the wall rather than straight up through roof

 

[muggles]

Nothing wrong with it being in a loft but be aware that you need a good quality loft ladder with a hand rail round the top, a fixed walkway, and a work platform around the boiler. Any less and manufacturers are likely to refuse to work on it in the event that you need to call them out under warranty.

I'd favour the vertical flue option

 

[deni2022]

Nothing wrong with it being in a loft but be aware that you need a good quality loft ladder with a hand rail round the top, a fixed walkway, and a work platform around the boiler. Any less and manufacturers are likely to refuse to work on it in the event that you need to call them out under warranty.

I'd favour the vertical flue option

Thanks, yes that part of the loft is already boarded out for the existing pipe works etc and have a two part aluminium loft ladder that slides up and is stored in the loft.

What we cannot be sure of is the hand rail, is that a rail thats attached to top end of the actual ladder, which only extends about 300mm above the loft boarding, or is it a fixed rail around one side of the opening in the loft ? which we could more easily make and fit.
The guy who checked the loft did not mention anything about it.

Don't wish to cause a heated debate. but just interested to know why a veritcal flue is your choice, less restriction ?

 

[Murdochcat]

Be aware that a loft positioned boiler requires lights, floor boards and a proper ladder to be installed

 

[deni2022]

Be aware that a loft positioned boiler requires lights, floor boards and a proper ladder to be installed

Thats the point I was asking above as to whats considered an adequate hand rail ?
Our existing one is similar to this, but without that small handrail but our does go about 300mm higher into the loft.

Our loft has T&G chipboard flooring from the loft hatch to the gable end wall ( 5ft and 8ft wide) fitted by the original builders for the water tank etc and it has mains lighting.

 

[kidgreen61]

Make sure you ask installer to put a filling loop downstairs, along with a pressure gauge, so that if system needs a top up, you don't have to climb in the loft.

 

[muggles]

 

[muggles]

Thanks, yes that part of the loft is already boarded out for the existing pipe works etc and have a two part aluminium loft ladder that slides up and is stored in the loft.

What we cannot be sure of is the hand rail, is that a rail thats attached to top end of the actual ladder, which only extends about 300mm above the loft boarding, or is it a fixed rail around one side of the opening in the loft ? which we could more easily make and fit.
The guy who checked the loft did not mention anything about it.

Don't wish to cause a heated debate. but just interested to know why a veritcal flue is your choice, less restriction ?

If a horizontal is facing the prevailing wind, it can affect combustion at low modulation during periods of high wind. IE, your boiler might not be able to sustain a flame when running near its minimum output, it may end up cycling on and off

 

[spile]

Mine is in our garage and given we’ve had a number of water leaks (o rings, heat exchanger failure) I am so glad it is.

 

[trojanhawrs]

Definitely be worth fitting some kind of leak detector

 

[deni2022]

Mine is in our garage and given we’ve had a number of water leaks (o rings, heat exchanger failure) I am so glad it is.

That does not sound good !
What make of combi boiler is yours, are the leaks down more to the enginner who fitted it or the boiler itself ?

Our garage is not attached so we must have ours inside the house.

 

[stem]

If you were to choose the "airing" cupboard, you may find that the small amount of heat that the boiler emits means the cupboard can still be used for its intended purpose

 

[spile]

That does not sound good !
What make of combi boiler is yours, are the leaks down more to the enginner who fitted it or the boiler itself ?

Our garage is not attached so we must have ours inside the house.

Vaillant. It’s been a stinker but I’m not alone. There are lots of posts on forums about them and I have found a lot of installers don’t recommend Vaillant. The Ecotec went through a very bad patch which they resolved but I would not touch another one.