Heat only boiler to combi upgrade

[Scott_D]

Definitely gas registered, how much would you have expected it to cost to convert to combi? Labour and parts?

I hope no corners are cut!

More than double your quote

 

[Millsy 82]

Definitely gas registered, how much would you have expected it to cost to convert to combi? Labour and parts?

I hope no corners are cut!

I've priced a few bbu out combi in airing cupboard and they have been coming in at around £2600-3000 with a 30kw combi.

If they are charging you £600 labour and materials then my guess is it's a cash job and they will be stealing from their bosses.

 

[ash121]

I'm going to get a few more quotes to upgrade the current setup, having second thoughts whether fitting a combi is the right thing to do

 

[Riley]

Your initial proposal is probably tolerable should you stick with the electric shower. However it’s overkill size wise fitting a boiler like that when your heat requirement is probably less than half the boilers capability plus you will get a much more satisfying shower or showers should you go down that route from an unvented cylinder (supplies allowing)

 

[ash121]

Your initial proposal is probably tolerable should you stick with the electric shower. However it’s overkill size wise fitting a boiler like that when your heat requirement is probably less than half the boilers capability plus you will get a much more satisfying shower or showers should you go down that route from an unvented cylinder (supplies allowing)

Although the boiler is oversized from a heating perspective, would it not modulate down to adjust?

The vogue has Up to 7:1 modulation, what does this mean?

 

[Riley]

The boiler can be range rated accordingly. But let’s not kid ourselves you are getting it for the hot water supply correct? You don’t know that your incoming mains pressure and flow are adequate to supply the boiler with what it needs. The thing with that is if it is adequate then why would you want a drop-in flow every time someone opens up a second outlet which is exactly what will happen with a combi boiler. This is where these high kilowattage combi boilers are a difficult decision. You would get one pretty good shower to outlets open is never going to happen

 

[ash121]

The boiler can be range rated accordingly. But let’s not kid ourselves you are getting it for the hot water supply correct? You don’t know that your incoming mains pressure and flow are adequate to supply the boiler with what it needs. The thing with that is if it is adequate then why would you want a drop-in flow every time someone opens up a second outlet which is exactly what will happen with a combi boiler. This is where these high kilowattage combi boilers are a difficult decision. You would get one pretty good shower to outlets open is never going to happen

Yep, definitely for the hot water supply, rather than the heating, in our previous house, we had a combi very rarely the bath/shower and kitchen taps would be used at the same time, this is the only time i recall a drop in water pressure. In light of our circumstances that's why i think a combi will also be suitable

 

[Millsy 82]

I agree with the above mate. I don’t like the idea of a combi in a 4 bed.

Not so much a combi in a 4 bed as I believe there are times it's acceptable to install a combi in a house that size. I know I'm in the minority on thinking that as we've been down that conversation before a couple of times.

Reason I dont really like them is because people think they are suitable for running 2 bathrooms at the same time. If you have 2 bathrooms and want to use them at the same time then get an unvented if you dont want to use them both at the same time then get a 30-35kw boiler.

 

[Riley]

I agree with the sentiment you are talking in your current situation but I don’t understand why you don’t future proof in case your family grows or you take on a lodger that sort of thing?? The combi boiler will not be sufficient for using both bathrooms or likely even the hot tap in the kitchen and the shower

 

[ash121]

Not so much a combi in a 4 bed as I believe there are times it's acceptable to install a combi in a house that size. I know I'm in the minority on thinking that as we've been down that conversation before a couple of times.

Reason I dont really like them is because people think they are suitable for running 2 bathrooms at the same time. If you have 2 bathrooms and want to use them at the same time then get an unvented if you dont want to use them both at the same time then get a 30-35kw boiler.

Its one bath and a separate electric shower in another room but definitely won't be used at the same time. Maybe on the odd rare occasion.

30-35kw vs going for the 40kw will there be any advantages?

 

[Riley]

I know I’m playing devil‘s advocate but what’s the point in buying a house with two bathrooms if you’re never going to use them both you might as well have bought somewhere smaller, I know that’s not the point in question but you seem to be trying to use every argument to justify a combi boiler when we are giving you the honest opinion that it’s not the best answer for your property. I realise your mate is giving you a good deal on it but don’t undersell your home for the sake of saving a few quid as you may find you’ll be ripping it all out and changing it in the future

 

[ash121]

I know I’m playing devil‘s advocate but what’s the point in buying a house with two bathrooms if you’re never going to use them both you might as well have bought somewhere smaller, I know that’s not the point in question but you seem to be trying to use every argument to justify a combi boiler when we are giving you the honest opinion that it’s not the best answer for your property. I realise your mate is giving you a good deal on it but don’t undersell your home for the sake of saving a few quid as you may find you’ll be ripping it all out and changing it in the future

I totally see your point, in the future we are planning on converting the loft so wouldn't want any tanks, i presume there are tanks in the loft? Is there a solution/setup where i just have the cylinder and boiler?

 

[Riley]

Yes that’s exactly the one we have been telling you about

 

[Riley]

Seal your heating system - f&e tank goes
Install an unvented cylinder - cold water storage tank goes

 

[ash121]

Seal your heating system - f&e tank goes
Install an unvented cylinder - cold water storage tank goes

Ah ok, can you explain further when you say seal the heating system, what's needed to do that?

So i can get rid of both tanks in the loft? And get an unvented cylinder?

Can you recommend an unvented cylinder and boiler?

Is there alot of alterations to the pipe work to do this? Any idea of costs?

What's the maintenance compared to a combi?

 

[Millsy 82]

Its one bath and a separate electric shower in another room but definitely won't be used at the same time. Maybe on the odd rare occasion.

30-35kw vs going for the 40kw will there be any advantages?

In my opinion unless you are going to be trying to run 2 taps at a time most people wouldnt notice they are getting 13/14ltrs a min compared to 16. Yes your bath may take longer to run by 2/3 minutes but every time you use a basin etc you wont be using it to it's full potential.

As you have said you are looking to extend my advice would be to go down the unvented cylinder route. Gets rid of you tanks in the loft gives you the best hot water.

 

[ash121]

Im swaying to go with an unvented cylinder, this is new territory for me? I didn't know i could remove the tanks in the loft

Can you recommend a cylinder? What size do i go for? What brand? Whats the difference between direct and indirect?

 

[Millsy 82]

Im swaying to go with an unvented cylinder, this is new territory for me? I didn't know i could remove the tanks in the loft

Can you recommend a cylinder? What size do i go for? What brand? Whats the difference between direct and indirect?

Get a few quotes and they will advise you. You need someone who holds qualifications in both gas boilers and unvented cylinders.

 

[Harvest Fields]

Get a few quotes and they will advise you. You need someone who holds qualifications in both gas boilers and unvented cylinders.

As above. Good words spoken.

 

[Riley]

Do your research as well how an unvented cylinder works Unvented Cylinders explained

 

[ash121]

Guys hate to say this, but appreciate all the advice, going with the unvented option will cost me considerably more, so will be going with the combi.

Just read this review on screwfix on the vogue c32 which is reassuring

Ive had this boiler installed just about 3 months now and couldnt be happier with it.
Its extremely capable and very functional considering the cheaper price tag it comes with.
It looks very modern which is exactly what we wanted and is very user friendly with its colour display and easy controls.
It has many useful energy saving functions like its ability to modulate higher and have a pre-heat function to always keep the water hot for your demands, saving on wasted water.
If installed with the approved filter aswell you get an extended warranty of 10 years which is really good. Obviously you have to have it serviced every year to maintain it aswell.
We have recently installed a new bathroom suite and built a wetroom both with VERY high flow demanding taps and shower heads.
The boiler is more than comfortable in keeping up with both flow demand and evenly maintaining water temperature.
Overall i would say this is a great boiler with many perks and is fit for any 3/4 bed house with 1 or 2 bathrooms. "

 

[Riley]

But it won’t be capable if your mains isn’t up to it. And I hate to say it but that last sentence about serving a house with 2 bathrooms makes me think it’s someone from Ideal that’s posted it.

 

[Riley]

Actually re-reading it I’d say definitely someone selling them has written that

 

[Harvest Fields]

As above the last sentence sounds like it written by someone that isn’t a genuine home owner looking to upgrade a system.

 

[ash121]

Is there any way i can test the mains flow myself?