What to do???

[darms]

Hi all

I live in a 3 bed 1930’s semi in N.London which still has (from what I’m told) a Gravity fed system. Got a copper tank in an upstairs cupboard with a cold water tank and heating expansion tank in the loft. All 11 radiators in the property were replaced only 3 years ago for modern efficient ones.

The boiler is made by Potterton (floor mounted) and approx 9years old which is linked to a Waterside MC2500 water softener, which is connected to a pressure reducing valve. The main water coming into the property is via the new blue poly pipe (Installed 2 years ago)

I’ve been told that I should have the following work carried out

1. Replace the boiler for a more energy efficient self condensing boiler and move to the far side wall (in my kitchen). Convert from Gravity fed hot water to pressurised – all pipe work is under solid floor and will have to be extended.
2. Replace the old (25yrs plus) copper tank for a modern one and move it to the loft and free up the cupboard for storage.

I’ve also been warned away from going for a combi boiler as the property has solid floor throughout and access to any old heating pipe work will be very difficult (and therefore expensive).

Ok guys hope I’ve covered the background needed, on to my dilemma:-

1. Should I use the opportunity and have a Megaflow linked to a new self condensing boiler?
2. Can the Megaflow unit be installed in the loft? (Any negatives of doing so)
3. Can someone recommend a decent installer in N.London? (had one company in who just said what do you want and we’ll do it – no advice / recommendations or anything)

Sorry for all the questions….I’m lost when it comes to plumbing.

Thanks in advance
darms

 

[bengasman]

Converting to a sealed system is always good, the same goes for upgrading to something a bit more modern than gravity.
A bit unusual for a 9 year old floorstanding boiler to give up, would it be a british gas chap by any chance that told you about the need for a complete new system?

 

[darms]

Converting to a sealed system is always good, the same goes for upgrading to something a bit more modern than gravity.
A bit unusual for a 9 year old floorstanding boiler to give up, would it be a british gas chap by any chance that told you about the need for a complete new system?

The gravity system take forever to heat up the water, not mention my gas bill (ouch!)

As for my boiler its not packed up or anything like that. Rather put something before it does though......been told it sounds like it has a lot of scale in it. Spot on British Gas did recommend that, as have others.

Very confused what to do

 

[linkyplumb]

You could spend a lot less cash in converting it to a fully pumped system,and upgrading the heating and hot water controls.

 

[darms]

ok

If I just converted it to a fully pumped system and changed the controls (as you suggest) will it make reduce the amount of gas used to heat the water?

Or will it be best to have a newer 'self condensing' boiler fitted?

Think I need to have a chat with a decent plumber....... (any recommendations) ?????

 

[gas4you]

Can't see the problem with a good combi going in myself.

If you change to a new system boiler, the pipe work will be under the same pressure as with a combi, and the hot tap pipe work will be under mains pressure with the combi or megaflo.

You can put a megaflo in the loft, but chances are the roof trusses will need strengthening at least.

Have you had your water pressure and flow rate tested yet? You will need at least 20 l/min and 3 Bar to make a megaflo worthwhile.

How many bathrooms/showers do you have?

 

[darms]

Can't see the problem with a good combi going in myself.

Was told that if I went down the combi boiler route there is a chance that i could have a leak on the heathing system as the pipework is fairly old. With oak flooring and stone tiles on the entire ground floor its a risk that I should think about.

If you change to a new system boiler, the pipe work will be under the same pressure as with a combi, and the hot tap pipe work will be under mains pressure with the combi or megaflo.

Really? I was under the impression that if I changed my boiler to a newer more efficient one the heating system would not be given a higher pressure.

You can put a megaflo in the loft, but chances are the roof trusses will need strengthening at least.

Oh right..... could be more expensive then

Have you had your water pressure and flow rate tested yet? You will need at least 20 l/min and 3 Bar to make a megaflo worthwhile.

I'm getting approx 3 bar so recon its ok.

How many bathrooms/showers do you have?

got two bathrooms (one with a tub and the other with a shower)

 

[mickyg]

where abouts in north london are you?

 

[darms]

where abouts in north london are you?

Barnet

 

[D_Hailsham]

I live in a 3 bed 1930’s semi in N.London which still has (from what I’m told) a Gravity fed system. Got a copper tank in an upstairs cupboard with a cold water tank and heating expansion tank in the loft.

OK, the hot water to your tap is gravity fed, and possibly the cold water to WCs, hand basins etc.

Do you have a pump in the central heating circuit?

Is the hot water fed from a branch from the radiator circuit controlled by one or more motorized valves? Or is it on a separate circuit (gravity circulation)?

The boiler is made by Potterton (floor mounted) and approx 9 years old which is linked to a Waterside MC2500 water softener, which is connected to a pressure reducing valve.

Which Potterton?

Don't understand what the water softener is doing. Is it in the radiator or hot water cylinder circuit? Or what?

I've been told that I should have the following work carried out

What made you ask anyone about this? After all nobody, unless they are scrupulously honest and altruistic, is going to say:"You don't need to do anything , guv!"

Replace the boiler for a more energy efficient self condensing boiler

Yes it will be more efficient, but the cost of replacing the boiler will not be covered by the reduced gas bills. Much better to wait until you have to replace the boiler, i.e can't be repaired or will cost more to repair than replace.

move to the far side wall (in my kitchen)

Do you want to move it, e.g you are redoing the kitchen?

Convert from Gravity fed hot water to pressurised – all pipe work is under solid floor and will have to be extended.

Let's hope there is nothing wrong with the pipe work under the solid floor!

I’ve also been warned away from going for a combi boiler as the property has solid floor throughout and access to any old heating pipe work will be very difficult (and therefore expensive).

This recommendation conflicts with the previous one on pressurised hot water.

Replace the old (25yrs plus) copper tank for a modern one and move it to the loft and free up the cupboard for storage.

Replacing the cylinder is probably a good idea. The old one will be heavily furred up and probably only has a loose insulating jacket.

What are you trying to achieve?

 

[Deleted member 105431]

fit a rinnai twinflow; best of both worlds.

 

[Agile]

You could have a new heat only condensing boiler but on a non pressurised system and used to heat a new vented or unvented hot water system.

The cost of this for a vented cylinder would probably be about £2000. It would give you more efficient use of gas and fast reheat times.

Tony

 

[mickyg]

personally I'd wanna know what the boiler is before deciding its fate. 9yrs old is a baby for a floor stander. recovering a couple of thousand in gas savings is usually wishful thinking.

 

[bengasman]

If you want to save money on fuel bills, less half the money for a new boiler, spent on basic insulation and draft proofing will reap better results than replacing the boiler.

 

[darms]

Morning Guys

Had a plumber/heating specialist round last night who was very informative and honest (Finally!). He advised (as many of you have ) that there is no reason to change the boiler at this stage. However it would be an idea to install a megaflow system and to make use of the new blue poly pipe pressure and resolve a pressure issue in my downstairs bathroom.

He also recommended to have a industrial clean done of the system and conduct some type of test where they would increase the pressure on the system to approx 6bar and monitor for 24hrs. If then there were any leaks in the system to fix them, he assured me that there are many techniques available in fixing small leaks and not to worry - least disruption as possible.

He also stated that there would be no problem in installing the megaflow tank in the loft - (once again as some of you have said)

No indications on the cost as yet..... gonna wait and see. Expect it to be mega ££££..... hope it comes within my budget as I'd like to get both bathrooms renovated too.

Cheers Guys