Changing boiler: do I get a replacement or a combi?
Anonymous user 03/03/2024 - 2.55 PM
I have a mews house, ,12 to 14 years old from Lang Holmes. The house is on two levels, 2 bedrooms, lounge diner open planned with small kitchen of dining room at front of house with hallway on the other side of wall. The boiler has been condemned due to rust in the box of the boiler, by British Gas support services.
I have the option to have a replacement boiler, which is grade a or b or to go to combi boiler which is more expensive (As the watertank will be removed and more pipes added). My water tank is fine only the boiler needs changing and the whole system I am told needs flushing.
What are the benefits from spending more money on a combi for a small property like mine. I have radiators, by front door hallway, lounge and dining room, one in each bedroom x 2 and towel radiator in bathroom.
Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?
Dear Mr Davies.
My first piece of advise is to get several quotes on the work. You can get a top quality installation from an independent fitter for a lot less money.
There are many benefits of going combi. low running costs, unlimited instant
hot water, you gain storage space where the hot water cylinder was. A high pressure shower.
You can usually change to a combi for around £2000.00.
Were you to keep to your existing setup you can get the job done for
around £1800.00.
I hope this is of use to you.
Best regards
Nigel Bass
The advantages would be more cupboard space, on demand hot water and only paying for the water you are using, instead of heating a stored tank.
You need to have a flow rate and standing pressure test done on your cold water main, to see what kind of performance you could expect
People often over size the combi for the property to get more hot water, on some you can then alter the power of the heating to suit your system, or the new Vaillant will do this automatically
On the downside you would have the extra cost of install, no stored water in an emergency ( water main works etc) you can't sensibly boost the power on a small property, you can only get out what your cold main can supply.
You could pump your existing system if you wanted to.
They are designed for one tap operation, and so if you are having a shower and someone opens a tap your shower can go cold, unless you had enough supply and one of the very big combis or storage combis with a blending valve.
Your size property only requires a 24 kw boiler to satisfy the heating demand but then you wouldn't get a great hot water performance
Kind regards
Terry
As long as your aware of all of this you can make an informed choice.
