Replacement boiler or combi

[Sanke]

Hi guys
Need a bit of help please Recently went with GS engineer to service a customers boiler Upon checking we found a hole in the top of the casing so the boiler was capped off to be replaced. I have sent him a quote based on a direct replacement for his existing boiler but improving controls/prog etc & insulated all exposed pipes in airing cupboard. I have just called to discover that he is now considering installing a combi boiler instead as the quote from this is similar to mine. It is a large 5 bed house with family bathroom & ensuite. I have explained to him that upon conversion the running costs will be extreme due to the long pipe runs etc (he is also on water meter) Do you guys agree that he would be better sticking to existing system, or combi ? If sticking has anyvbody got any links/written info to support the argument ?
Thanks guys

 

[doitmyself]

I have just called to discover that he is now considering installing a combi boiler instead as the quote from this is similar to mine. It is a large 5 bed house with family bathroom & ensuite.

A combi boiler with that number of outlets is not advisable, unless the incoming flow rate is well over 20 litres/sec with a decent dynamic pressure. Find out if the other installer measured the flow rate and what it is. Point out that a combi boiler takes all hot and cold water direct from the mains. So turning on the washing machine/dishwasher while someone is having a shower will affect the temperature/flow rate in the shower. Even flushing the loo will have an effect.

 

[GrahamM]

More or less re-iterating doitmyself above. If you have the flowrate and a small to medium demand for hot water then a large combi may suffice. If there is times when water may be required in both bathrooms and kitchen at same time then the combi will be waste of time. Is there a bath in use?
System all the way. Don't have any link to hand on info. to substantiate this but google should through some up.

 

[Sanke]

Hi guys
Thanks for replying. I have already replied to my customer with approx 20 points against the installation of a combi All along the lines as above, so we will have to see. He has a bath (corner bath in family bathroom) shower in ensuite, & a shower in shower room downstairs There are only two people generally in the house which is why he was thinking of going along this route My quote replaces his boiler, programmer, pump (had leak on old one hence damage to boiler), motorised valves, cylinder & room stat, & insulated all exposed pipes in airing cupboard To me & by the look of ot yourselves this would be the better way to go
Thanks
Steve

 

[Centralheatking]

Your customer would be nuts to contemplate a combi with the size of house he has and the potential demands
We have seen a nunber of unhappy homeowners who have been 'advised' to have a combi - usually because the
engineer quoting only knows about combis.

Print out this thread and show him/her what we think and have experience of.

centralheatking

 

[pauls]

i would prefer a system boiler with unvented cylinder or upgrade to unvented in future date

 

[Toddyplumb]

It depends on what the customer wants !As paul says above the unvented would be my preference. However I know of plenty of 4/5 beds 1bath +ensuite with a combi and the customers are happy. We have superb pressure and flow in our area. All you can do is advise , why not give them a quote for a combi if that is what they want. Obviously check flows and pressures first