What kind of boiler do I have?

[Steveuk]

Hi. I have just moved into a new property and thought I had a combo boiler but not sure. There are three parts to the system (other than the radiators) and wondered if someone could identify what system it is. The boiler is a condenser as per regs (built after 2005) but not sure what main type. Just hope someone can tell me what it is.

Have attached some photos.

 

[Dotty]

Ideal Icos with an unvented cylinder.

 

[Dotty]

Much betterer than a combi!

 

[Steveuk]

Much betterer than a combi!

Oh right. Wow. Thanks for such a quick response. So that is better than a combi? Thats good.

I have no idea about plumbing, but in a very basic nut shell...
a) Does this boiler heat the water when you need it (like how I have heard a combi works) or does it heat it as per the timer and then store it somewhere?

b) If it does heat it as it goes, what is the big tank and the two little tanks for upstairs? (lay man terms please lol)

 

[Scott_1979]

No it's not instantaneous hot water like you would get from a combi. You preheat and store water in the cylinder and it will come out high pressure better than a combi. The tanks upstairs are propbably from the old system as I'm assuming your heating is now a slealed system as is your water. Due to the red expansion vessel in your photo which is used for heating expansion.

 

[Steveuk]

Sorry, I used the wrong word, when I meant tanks I meant the white big cylinder and the the red and white expansion tanks. The house is only 8 years old and this is the original setup.

I want to install one of those 'in the ceiling' square rainfall shower heads and I was told I may have pressure issues (when I thought it was a combi) but do you think the pressure would be ok with that setup?

Thanks for your help by the way. Electrics, DIY, I'm fine... plumbing... not a clue!

 

[Scott_1979]

An unvented cylinder would not be installed if your pressure wasn't good. It shouldn't be an issue providing everything was checked properly before installing

 

[Steveuk]

Awesome. Thank you. And I suppose even if it wasn't, I could just add a pump couldn't I?

 

[Scott_1979]

You have a high pressure system you won't need a shower pump, they are designed for low pressure systems

 

[Steveuk]

Okie dokie. Thank you for your help.

 

[Radioman]

Surprised the boys have not mentioned that if you employ anybody to work on the system they MUST have a G3 certification and suitable liability insurance, also your system must be serviced every 12 months by a qualified G3 engineer. It is a criminal offence for unqualified persons to tamper with an un vented system.

 

[Dotty]

Surprised the boys have not mentioned that if you employ anybody to work on the system they MUST have a G3 certification and suitable liability insurance, also your system must be serviced every 12 months by a qualified G3 engineer. It is a criminal offence for unqualified persons to tamper with an un vented system.

We were warming up to that...

 

[Billy Bob Bob]

Also get the icos serviced regularly,they melt if neglected