DIY Combi (condenser) install

[lethargic1]

Hi,

I've just bought a 4 bed terraced house and it needs a central heating system. There is nothing in place that is useable at the moment.

I was thinking of a combi-condenser boiler.

I don't want to get a boiler that does not supply enough hot water, obviously.

How will this be assessed before buying the boiler?

I know very little of what can vary from one of these boilers to the next so can anyone help?

thanks very much

L

 

[petit_pablo]

I think its fair to say DIY in this case might be a step too far.

Get 3 local independants round to quote and compare. For a laugh get BG round too!

Post the quotes on here if you want a 2nd opinion

 

[lethargic1]

I think its fair to say DIY in this case might be a step too far.

Get 3 local independants round to quote and compare. For a laugh get BG round too!

Post the quotes on here if you want a 2nd opinion

I agreed with you.

However, I'm competant at soldering, and was thinking of fitting the rads myself and bring the heating and hot water tubes up to the proposed site for the boiler. I just wondered about the process from that point on when an engineer started work. eg would the c/h be pressure(?) tested and an assessment for a boiler be made?

cheers L

 

[doitall]

You can do all the wet side, fill and pressure test before the RGI fits the boiler and gas pipe.

It's best to get an RGI involved at the beginning and then you can get it all in the right place to suit the boiler.

As for a combi, you need to test the quality of the mains, before you decide on anything.

 

[linkyplumb]

Ditto.

Another deciding factor is how many bathrooms you have and what is going to be your hot water useage.
If hot water useage/demand is high,then a system or heat only boiler coupled with either a vented or unvented cylinder might be a better option.

Graham

 

[bengasman]

Finding a good installer before you start is very important. He will tell you to do certain things you would never think of yourself. He will also be able to choose the right boiler, decide on best location and that sort of thing.
Did you know that if you buy the boiler yourself, the installer will not have to bother with any faults that develop?

 

[lethargic1]

Thanks for all that.

Obviously I want to remain in control of the process, and the costs, and not be misled into having things done which I could do myself.

However, I don't want to be in a situation where a reputable heating engineer won't do it because there is little money for him or it would potentially damage their reputation.

ideally I would like to get everything up to the boiler under the Heating engineers guidance (from an initially consultation) and then for him to commission the whole thing.

Is that realistically going to be possible?

L

 

[kevplumb]

ideally I would like to get everything up to the boiler under the Heating engineers guidance (from an initially consultation) and then for him to commission the whole thing.

Is that realistically going to be possible?

sounds like the way to go

 

[doitall]

Where about's are you in Hampshire, I know a good guy that's based in Christchurch.

 

[BingoBongo]

you may save initially but be prepared to pay for fook ups the installer has to sort

 

[Agile]

Where about's are you in Hampshire, I know a good guy that's based in Christchurch.

The OP says he is in Somerset !

Kevin seems to spend his nights in Southampton or perhaps you know another good installer in Christchurch?

Tony

 

[doitall]

Getting me poster mixed up.

May know a few in Somerset as well