New gas boiler/ heating advice please!!

charliee_3

Hi, we are in the process of buying a 4 bed house with gas warm air heating. The boiler is very old, but working. We want to update it but don't know if we would be better replacing the whole system to radiators and a combi-boiler, or just updating the warm air boiler to a newer more efficient model?
yes the cost of replacing the whole system is higher (guessing about £4k as opposed to about £2 for just the boiler) but will we be better off in the long run?
is there anything else we need to take into account that we havent considered?

thanks!!!

Canucklehead

Hi

Look in to replacing the unit .
Find a warm air qualified Corgi on their website. (soon to be Gas Safe Register)


Corgi Guy.

jimexbox

I replaced a warm air system primarily because there was no heating ducts to a bedroom, bathroom and hallway. Your 4k estimate for a 4 bed is on the low side. I think you would be looking nearer 6k.

It put a lot of folk off buying the house I eventually bought, so I got it for a good price, which more than covered the new GCH cost. Plus when you do come to sell it definitely makes a sale easier. Most people expect a wet radiator system, though some people swear by warm air.

charliee_3

thanks for your replies.. i don't think there are any ducts in the bedrooms, etc and i like the "free' benefit of being able to dry clothes on radiators which makes me err towards changing it for a complete new system, but the cost..eeek.... i have had a rough quote for a 3 bed at under 3k, so i am hoping that it will come in around 4k.. especially as i am planning to knock through and make a bigger main bedroom, so it will be 3 beds anyway..

i think in the long run it is easier to change the whole system and as you say it will be a more attractive re-sale feature than a new warmair boiler as they arent exactly the fashion nowadays.. although i have read they are one of the most efficient systems if you have a new boiler... i dont know.. i was hoping someone could tell me which is more efficient!!!???

anyone else have thoughts on this??

see i LIKE warm air.. its nice and warm, but i like radiators as you can dry your clothes on them.. but which is best?? theres only 1 way to find out..... FIIIIIIIGGGGHT!!!!! :rotfl:

Canucklehead

Hi

You may have noticed the rise in questions on MSE about mould and condensation in houses. The more insulation , double glazing and draught excluding that is installed the more you bottle up the moisture in your home .
Warm air c/h will help , more so if you include heat recovery in the package.
That's why I suggested that you find someone who can install a new one for you.
Check out the Johnson and Starley web site. (not a very well presented website IMO but it's a start.)
You might regret binning one of the best methods of keeping your house fresh and well aired.

Corgi Guy.
PS.
Drying clothes on a rad will making the condensation problem worse.

charliee_3

hmmm.. yes, I agree about the condensation.. we have a dehumidifier running pretty much 24/7 in our current house as it just gets so wet in here..we have a double glazed bay window which is prety much a lake most of the time.
am i right in saying thougb that if i replace the warm air boiler i will also need to replace the old looking hot water boiler in the kitcen or are there ones nowadays that can do both jobs? its a very tough choice.. and is there any sensible way round the not having any ducts in the bedrooms/ bathroom except leaving the doors open all the time?
it seems to be 6 of 1 and half a dozen of another.. maybe once we are more sure of the sale i'll get a gas engineer round to have a look...

Canucklehead

Hi

Research,research,research..
Then get the Corgi in.
By the time you get to this point you will probably be looking for a Gas Safe Registered installer. April 1st. Quite appropriate really as the whole Corgi to G.S.R. thing is a bit of a joke.

Corgi Guy.