Upgrading to Combi Boiler

[SteveGill]

Hi Folks, first post so please be gentle

I have an Ideal Classic boiler which was installed in 1999, along with a hot water tank. As the boiler is getting old, and I'd like to reclaim the space the hot water tank is taking, I'm looking at a combi boiler.

Its a 4 bedroom house in Livingston, Scotland. There is 1 shower, 1 bath/shower, 3 basins, a sink in the kitchen and a sink in the utility room. The boiler is in the utility room on an external wall and the flue goes straight outside from the back of the boiler. The mains pressure is extremely good, but I couldn't say the litres per min, I'm going to check that when I get home tonight. The gas meter is at the front of the house, I couldn't say the pipe size though.

From internet research (dangerous I know) and a phone call to Valliant it looks like the 937 would do what I'm looking for. It is rare that two showers, or a bath and shower would be happening at the same time but it is possible. I want to make sure that when someone runs the hot tap the shower doesn't run cold, I presume nowadays that's not a problem?

Anyway, does anyone know where I should start looking to get this bought and installed? Should I contact British Gas and ask them to quote? I'd prefer a local specialist if possible. Any ideas on what I should budget for this work?

Many thanks for any advice as well.

 

[Agile]

The 937 does give a good flow rate for a SHORT time!

We always tell customers that they should not expect a combi to be able to supply more than one outlet at a time!

I would never recommend a combi for a house with more than one shower/bath. You are far better with a cylinder! But its your ( bad ) choice as its your house.

It mostly depends on the number of people there! For one it would be OK unless the washing machine is being used.

Tony

 

[gas4you]

I certainly wouldn't ask BG to quote unless you have won the lottery (Sorry BG guys).

Get a local recommended independant installer to quote.

From your post of your hot water usage the 937 would just about deliver 2 'slow' showers together, but I would not say you could have a shower whilst a bath is being run.

If this is likely to happen then an unvented cylinder and system boiler would be your best option.

What ever you choose, you need to have your cold mains pressure and flow rate checked first.

You will need at least 20 l/min and 3 Bar to get the full benefit of either of these

 

[oilman]

A combi is not an "upgrade", it is a boiler suitable for SOME situations, but these are far fewer than the number of combies installed. You have no backup for hot water with a combi. No boiler - no hot water. With a tank you will have backup.