How do you choose a new heating system?

Prudent

I have a baxi GF gas fire back boiler and run 7 radiators of it. I am not sure of its age, but I guess its fairly elderly. It is a gravity flow system.The radiators also look elderly and are possibly from 1974 when the house was built. They have no thermostats etc. There is one thermostat in the lounge. There are the usual tanks in loft and hot water tank in one bedroom.

During this severe cold the house isn't very warm, depite insulation. I have been considering replacing the system for a while, but am unsure of the options are. The only outside wall space I have available to mount a boiler is in upstairs bedrooms.

Does anyone know what my options would be and roughly how much I would need to budget? I like having the gas fire, so if this one came out would also like to replace it.

ormus

probably best to fit a modern combi boiler. it can be fitted in the bedroom.
get all the rads fitted with TRVs.
budget about 2k/3k.

and a new gas fire from about 100 quid ish at BQ etc...

Prudent

If I fit a combi boiler am I at risk of the outside pipe freezing? This has happened to a couple of my friends this weekend. As the boiler was downstairs they have been able to thaw the pipe by pouring over warm water. Harder upstairs!

Would this price include removal of the old system and hot water tank?

Canucklehead

Prudent wrote: »

I have a baxi GF gas fire back boiler and run 7 radiators of it. I am not sure of its age, but I guess its fairly elderly. It is a gravity flow system.The radiators also look elderly and are possibly from 1974 when the house was built. They have no thermostats etc. There is one thermostat in the lounge. There are the usual tanks in loft and hot water tank in one bedroom.

During this severe cold the house isn't very warm, depite insulation. I have been considering replacing the system for a while, but am unsure of the options are. The only outside wall space I have available to mount a boiler is in upstairs bedrooms.

Does anyone know what my options would be and roughly how much I would need to budget? I like having the gas fire, so if this one came out would also like to replace it.

Good evening: excellent advice on your heating options is available from the HHIC.

Costs will vary based on the standard of the specification and your location....perhaps folks in Scotland who have had recent installs could comment. A combi boiler is not a panacea.;)

HTH

Canucklehead

Prudent

Looking at the above link, it seems my boiler would be eligible for the scrappage scheme. I know for certain from a friend & neighbour it was in the house 17 years ago and may be a lot older than that.

The find an installer search is giving me installers up to 400 miles away.

ormus

be wary of any scrappage scheme offered to you. itll most likely be scam. just like the car scheme.
i expect BG will be making a big marketing ploy with the scrappage deal.

Prudent

Thanks ormus, I did wonder.

Canucklehead

Prudent wrote: »

Thanks ormus, I did wonder.

Hi...the Boiler Scrappage Scheme doesn't apply in Scotland...something to do with devolved administration I believe.

Canucklehead

Prudent

Well I guess we can't gain all the time. We are getting free prescriptions and have free personal care for the elderly etc, so do well in many ways.

Mankysteve

My parent live in north east Manchester one of the worse affected area by the recent weather and they've had no problems with the condensation pipe being blocked. I think it got more to do with aproate angle of pipe ect.

fluffymuffy

The condensing pipe doesn't have to discharge outside. As long as there's a 75mm trap it's fine to go into the soil pipe if it's inside.