Boiler and Central Heating - Where to start!

Heyman_2

Hi there,

I am hoping some of the more knowledgeable folk here can help me out with this -

We have been in our 1930s 3-bed Semi for 2 years now, have already had the place rewired and Council inspected etc on the electrics side. I'm now looking at the boiler/central heating situation.

We are running a New World Stowaway 411 Back boiler with Hot water cylinder, loft tanks, 4 rads downstairs and 4 rads upstairs. I know from research that this boiler is very old indeed (stopped production in 1972!!) but it all works and only problems in the last couple of years have been severe kettling after a few hours of being on.

I am thinking though, that this will need sorting out so thinking of taking the plunge this year with a new installation. The question is - do I need to do this, what do I need doing (i.e. full replacement of everything e.g. rads pipework too etc), and how much should I expect to pay as I'm down South in Essex?!!!

Your comments greatly appreciated!!

star1_2

The easy answer (I’m afraid) is get some plumbers to look at your installation and quote for "what they would recommend", this could range from boiler replacement through to a new system (depending on the configuration, age etc).... or just some modifications to keep your existing system going and to fix any minor issues that exist. Look at the range of suggestions and quotes you get and decide.

In case you're contemplating trying to keep the old back-boiler going, remember that new boilers are far more efficient ....

I took the plunge approx 6 wks ago a replaced an old (under spec'd) boiler that couldn’t cope with the extension that had been added to the house etc, it was old, non-condensing and kept "tripping out", due to it being on almost-permanently to cope with the heating demand, and cost loads to run. I fitted a new condensing Valliant (expensive brand) boiler (I've done quite allot of plumbing in the past, but got a Corgi guy to connect the gas/commission), it's defiantly quitter, the house is warmer and looks like the meter isn’t "spinning around so-much" ;-)

Although it's cost me approx £1200 to replace, I’m expecting a pay-back on saving on running costs (compared to the old boiler) in 4-6 years !

IMHO (for a 3 bed semi) – a mid-range boiler (providing the rest of the system/controls are all ok), all fitted (no work yourself) – will probably set you back around £2k+, if you need to replace rads, pipework, tanks, controls too, expect it to cost you (installed) - £4.5k+

Prices and quality of installation can vary significantly – so get recommendations and quotes for what might be required.

Good luck ….

Canucklehead

Good morning: If the BBU is safe and functioning then put money aside each month now for the replacement. Annual servicing by a RGI recommended to you by a source you trust and a CO alarm are in order. If you haven't yet , take advantage of the subsidies available and have the property insulated.

Btw..conversion from a BBU to a combi can be very expensive indeed....check out the other posts on this forum.

HTH

Canucklehead

Heyman_2

Many thanks for your contributions.

star1 - I suspect I'll be looking at the latter of your two estimated costings, although I take your point that's its best to just get someone in for some recommendations.

Canucklehead - this seems like good advice too, yes I've looked around the forum and found varying quotes for this kind of work.

I think we have extra complications over and above a standard install, i.e. -

• Shower is being driven by gravity feeds from hot water tank and cold water tank. I'm guessing we'd need to replace this with a cold water feed from the mains for a new electric shower, which would also need to be purchased, fitted and all making good done on the bathroom tiling!!!
• Everything is OLD. Gas meter, plumbing, rads - all 30 years+ I reckon.

So I don't think we can just get part of it done unfortunately. Guess I'd better start saving my pennies :rolleyes:

dwarvenassassin

Do not forget that Central Heating systems require Electricity and this falls within Part P of the building regs and needs doing properly with all the correct certification etc.
Your chosen plumbing firm may be able to do this for you without having to employ a seperate Electrician but check that they are regsitered to do so. Don't assume scheme membership allows it, check their scope of registration. Some can, some cannot.