boiler advice needed for totally non plumber

[telmand]

I have a 4 bed/2 bath house with large loft extension with 3rd bathroom - 8 people- parents /grown up children x 3 and 10 year olds x 3 in house and large hot water consumption. At the moment I have a potterton boiler(22years old) with cylinder/rads which serves main house, I then have a gloworm combi boiler (5years old) which serves loft/bathroom and conservatory ( don't ask too long to explain why but at the time mainly financial), any way I am thinking of replacing potterton and ideally would like to get rid of cylinder so I can put a shower in it's place - I have been reading about alpha boilers - would this replace both boilers and be sufficient for at least two showers to run together along with washing machine which is never off any help or advice would be greatly appreciated

 

[Mike Jackson]

With amount of usage you're looking at I wouldn't recommend a combi. Possibly upgrade to an unvented cylinder and sealed system but make sure you've got a good flow rate into the property.

washing machine is best run on cold fill only for maximum economy.

Mike

 

[migoplumber]

best bet in my opinion is a system boiler with unvented cylinder, secondary return on hot water. maybe spend a bit more on cylinder so you have the optional extra of solar heating being added on at a later date, depending finances. etc.
many types of boiler on market, have a flick through a couple of manufactures websites.
ring a local, recommended plumber, ask his opinion, have things clear in your head that you want to ask him. post your thoughts and we can advise you from there.

good luck
shaun

 

[davetheplumber]

Looking at your potential usage demand don't entertain a combi. Make sure you have a good sized incoming main and install an unvented system with a secondary return. It's even worth upgrading your main to avoid dissapointment!

 

[telmand]

Hi - thanks chaps for all your replies I have had a couple of plumbers look at the house and they are both recommending a megaflow tank 210 litres , and then each one a worcestor 30kw or valliant 37kw which would you say is best - also I have radiators approx 25 years old with ?? twin entry is that the right term (2 pipes going in the same hole ) one is saying re pipe and fit thermostats on them all - the other is saying might as well fit new radiators - but just the ones that might need thermostats eg bedrooms any thoughts on that

 

[Mike Jackson]

It all depends on the condition of the existing rads. If they are in good nick I would repipe and fit TRVs. If they are a bit rot then new rads is the way forward.

Mike