Replace boiler only or entire CH system ?

Dick_here

We've got a Baxi back boiler in the fireplace which we'd like replaced with something more modern and efficient, but the central heating is on a one pipe system. Is it worth just replacing the boiler or should the entire system and radiators etc be done at the same time ? Any idea of the difference in costs if both are possible options ? Thanks.

DVardysShadow

Personally, I would break the job into 2 parts

• Change from 1 pipe to 2 pipe
• Change the boiler

It depends on what your perception is as to how the system is inefficient of course. But I would think that the 1 pipe system is the biggest issue and I don't think that leaving the 1 pipe system and changing the boiler is going to do much for you.

While you are about it, you can fit thermostatic radiator valves if you don't have them already - and you can have to pipework arranged to suit a new boiler position. Probably your next system will be a combi - which won't be so good with a 1 pipe system anyway - and you will then end up altering you HW system. If you start by changing the boiler, you will bring all of the work down on yourself at once.

This may squeeze more life out of your back boiler - in my previous place I had one and found it quite efficient once it had decent plumbing to work into.

Dick_here

So does changing from 1 to 2 pipe mean changing all the radiators, piping etc ? Any idea of a rough cost of this for a 7 radiator system (in a bungalow) ?

Prudent

Thank you both. I am facing the same question.

DVardysShadow

!!!!!!_here wrote: »

So does changing from 1 to 2 pipe mean changing all the radiators, piping etc ? Any idea of a rough cost of this for a 7 radiator system (in a bungalow) ?

Cost is subject to so much variation depending on the specifics of your house, so I won't venture. Decide what you want to do, get quotes.

You can do an easy change to 2 pipe by running a second pipe along the same path as the single pipe, with a few alterations at the ends of the run. This probably will give you some easy options for putting in a new boiler in a different location. If the rads are OK for size and condition, they could stay. But single pipe indicates that the system is quite old, so they may be due a change, particularly if the system has not been treated and maintained with corrosion inhibitor.

keystone

I'm with post # 2 - sort out the piping and rads (if reqd) first and then think about the boiler.

Don't forget you can add floorboard removal and subsequent replacement to get at the pipes!

Cheers

Dick_here

keystone wrote: »

I'm with post # 2 - sort out the piping and rads (if reqd) first and then think about the boiler.

Don't forget you can add floorboard removal and subsequent replacement to get at the pipes!

Cheers

Thanks ! Is that something that would be part of the main job or would it require a separate tradesman ?

I don't think we've any pipes under the floorboards at present though anyway, it all seems to come down from the loft by pipe and alongside and through skirting boards from room to room !

buglawton

Might be worth hanging on until proper details of the Boiler Scrappage Scheme are announced:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/8403593.stm

keystone

!!!!!!_here wrote: »

Thanks ! Is that something that would be part of the main job or would it require a separate tradesman ?

No the plumber would do it normally.

I don't think we've any pipes under the floorboards at present though anyway, it all seems to come down from the loft by pipe and alongside and through skirting boards from room to room !

Oh well you be doubling up on pipes run on the surface then going to a two pipe system and in that case none would be under the floor. If it were me I'd be looking at getting them under the floor though I think.

Cheers

Dick_here

Has anyone any idea of cost for either doing the lot or just changing from a 1 pipe system and leaving the boiler for now ?