boiler and heating system advice

[alan baker]

hi
as my boiler is now 30 years old i have decided to upgrade .
i was advised to change this sytem so as to have a sealed radiator system and keep vented hot water ,what i would like to know is would a pressurised radiator system cause problems with leaks to the copper joints or should this be ok


many thanks......... alan

 

[Reg Man]

Sealed system is a good idea. Personally I would be looking very closely at the condition of the existing rads, radiator valves etc. Would probably change the rad valves anyway. Would definitely power flush the system. Sealed system will run about 1 bar which is equivalent to about 33ft head of pressure.

 

[happyflyer]

As Reg Man says the new working pressure on a sealed system will not be less than 1 bar or 15 psi, this will be probably twice what your system is working at now, about changing things, I go to friends houses I fitted central heating for them 40 years ago, Potterton rolled top radiators they are that old and they have never changed a radiator, you could do as Reg man says change all the radiator valves and if you do that, best take every radiator off the wall, take them outside and power flush them out, if you get the right man doing it he could test each radiator before you put it back on the wall. And while you are at it fitting the new boiler get a Magfilter fitted that will collect any magnetic sludge you missed. Are you going for a Combi or a conventional boiler ???

Tony

BTW you don't need to go with a sealed system, you can leave things as they are, still the flushing is a must.

 

[Mike Jackson]

First question I always ask before sealing a system is are there pipes in solid floors. If there are I won't pressurise it.

 

[plumber0808]

If your keeping vented hot water you might as well stick with tank fed heating, change the boiler, upgrade controls pump etc.

i wouldn't be too keen on pressurising a 30 year old system.

Maybe post the job up in the forum.

 

[happyflyer]

i wouldn't be too keen on pressurising a 30 year old system.

.

He as a point

 

[Mrs Tara Plumbi]

What they all said sounds good.

I want to add that if you can afford it you would be well advised to replace the old radiators too.

Briefly: Modern radiators are designed differently, use a lot less water to heat up so ultimately play a big part in reducing the cost of running your central heating.
you could read more here if you are interested
Plumbing, Heating and Air Movement News - Pham News - Its time to replace those ageing rads