Been recommended to have 'closed system' for Megaflow set-up

[Showerman41]

Further to my earlier post, the stat trouble returned and we had a plumber visit. Not our usual one, who was too busy, but another independent recommended by him (Gas Safe Register confirmed). He agreed it was the stat and has arranged for an electrician to fit a new one.

While here, he had a look at the system in airing cupboard (we'd cleared everything out) and said ours was an 'open' one and that a closed one should give more efficiency and get the radiators warmed up more quickly. He gave us a verbal estimate (we do appreciate the difference from a quote ), adding that he'd done a few houses on our 20-year-old development and it was about half a day's work.

Our question is - considering the cost and disruption involved, is the improvement likely to be more than marginal?

 

[Chuck]

Our question is - considering the cost and disruption involved, is the improvement likely to be more than marginal?

You may not notice much difference short term compared with a straightforward flush but the system should work better for longer due to reduced corrosion/sludge build up. Also, if there ever is a leak there will be no significant damage, typically not the case with an open system, and you'll get a clear indication. (The boiler pressure will drop and it won't fire.) For half-a-day's labour plus parts I'd get it done, but it won't be the most exciting monkey you've ever spent.

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Problem is I would get your system pressure tested first to see if you have any leaks

 

[Showerman41]

Thanks both.

The system was flushed in November 2014 when the new boiler (Baxi EcoBlue 16) was installed, so that should not be too bad. We saw how much gunge came out and the rads were a lot better afterwards. Our water supplier's hardness figures show "Calcium Carbonate 278mg/l; Calcium 111.2mg/l".

While those numbers don't mean a great deal to me, our kettle doesn't fur up anything like it did at our last house, so the plumber gets a decent mug of tea... As long as we remember to fill the kettle before he cuts off the water. From experience, they are very good at warning us...

 

[Chuck]

Our water supplier's hardness figures show "Calcium Carbonate 278mg/l; Calcium 111.2mg/l".

It's not the hardness of the water that matters. The system water in vented systems contains air dissolved (at the free surface in the expansion tank) and this is a major contributor to corrosion of the radiators and boiler.

 

[Showerman41]

Hi there - sorry I hadn't completed this story but Xmas, new year, relatives....

We went ahead with the conversion, which now incorporates a bright red Zilmet cylinder in the airing cupboard. It was a good tidy job and we noticed (imagined?) an immediate improvement in the warmth of the house, in that cold spots were much less evident. He also offered to install a Fernox TF1 Omega magnetic filter, which we agreed to as I had already read up on them. And all for less than he had estimated.

Good work, good price, happy customers.

PS: And thank you to the good folks on here who are so helpful.