Parkray coal fire / back boiler

[ShaneUK1975]

I am currently in the process of buying a house, and it has come to light that the central heating for the house is controlled via a coal fire in the living room.

After researching online about this, I discovered that some of these systems also control the hot water.... and have found out today, that is the case for this house - the seller has advised "there is a Parkray coal fire with a back boiler. When the fire is lit, it heats up the water for the heating and the hot water The fire does have to be lit for hot water".

Is this an easy "change" (by a professional, not by me!)? And is it an expensive thing to do?

Having to put a fire on to get hot water for a bath (there is currently no shower!) is obviously not ideal! Especially in the height of summer! Also, once the fire is lit - how long would it take to get hot water?

This isn't something I have ever come across before, so what else do I need to be aware of/consider?

 

[lostinthelight]

The parkray usually heat a copper tank in the airing cupboard for hot tap water but theres usually an immersion heater in the tank for when the fires not lit

 

[Terrywookfit]

You would use an immersion heater in summer.

Not a cheap conversion .

 

[ShaneUK1975]

You would use an immersion heater in summer.

Not a cheap conversion .

Apparently, there is no immersion heater! Hot water is only via the fire!

 

[Terrywookfit]

If you have a Boss on cylinder its an easy fit.

 

[Nige F]

As above - there must be a boss in the cylinder - the last one I saw without an immersion boss was in our 1950 Council House - when I was a nipper . You had to have an open fire in the living room lit to get hot water, !