New Gas Central Heating System advice

[Needdiyhelp]

Hi,

Looking for some advice on the costs and facts of changing from an economy 7 electric set up to a gas system - It won't be a DIY but rather a reliable local tradesmen.

Flat currently has an economy 7 meter which runs an immersion and 1 storage heater. This old system would need decommissioned. What would the costs of this be and would the plumber be able to arrange this or would it be separate. What damage is likely to be left behind?

It would be replaced with a gas supply and central heating/combi boiler. Would be looking for 1 larger radiator to replace the storage heater then 2 smaller radiators. 1 for the bedroom (to replace a panel heater) and 1 for the bathroom.

A few possible complications;

1) What damage would the removal of the electrics leave behind. Could this be covered with the replacements or would tell tale signs be left behind?

2) It's a ground floor flat

3) The current hot water supply is in a cupboard in the middle of the house. Could a boiler go in here? If so how would flues etc work?

4) The flat has a concrete floor - how would piping etc.work?

Not even sure if this is possible but would be good to hear some advice/comments on the above and more importantly likely prices?

That flat itself is fairly small.

Thanks in advance,

 

[45yearsagasman]

What's so scary in having a local independant round and in a face to face situation, asking him the exact same questions. Prices vary widely across the country, and a site visit is a must. Ask friends and neighbours for a recommendation. Is there an existing metered gas supply to your property at the moment?

 

[Needdiyhelp]

What's so scary in having a local independant round and in a face to face situation, asking him the exact same questions. Prices vary widely across the country, and a site visit is a must. Ask friends and neighbours for a recommendation. Is there a gas supply to your property?

No current supply to the property although neighbouring flats do have supplies so must be possible.

Tradesmen will be round to quote but looking to get some idea of the scale of the work etc. myself in advance.

It's Scotland (Edinburgh)

 

[Galoka]

Removing the storage heaters - when they come out I'd imagine that behind will look tatty/dirty and need redecorating. Carpets might have been cut round them etc. Rads might be able to go in the same places, it depends.

The elec cables and the points they are wired in can stay, it could be disconnected from the supply and then the points removed decorated over as you wish. Storage heaters are heavy, they have a load of brick in for the heat store, so need dismantling in place really to remove the bricks. Could be DIY-ed, or maybe cheaper to get a local handyman/odd job man/man with a van to do it than pay a plumber for their time.


Boiler - who knows? modern boilers with fanned flues can sometimes have quite long flue runs, so maybe.

Concrete floors - easier/cheaper/more unsightly the pipes are run around on the surface. Harder work, lots of mess and disruption and more cost they can be chased into the concrete.

It's possible, whether or not the costs are worthwile is another matter, but something only you can judge really,.

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

I'll second Gakola, couple of other points to add.

Flue will need to exit outside, either upwards or sideways, but provision is also required for condensate drainage, fitting on an outside wall near a drain is always preferable and cheaper!

Pipework can be run surface mounted either just under ceiling or above skirting board. My stepdaughters flat has pipework exposed like that, although it does look somewhat unsightly running round the walls, it was the cheapest option for the landlord. Bear in mind if vulnerable people are using the flat the exposed pipework could be at a high temperature.