Gas Vrs Electric combi boilers :which is cheaper to run ??

Shogun32

Hi, should have introduced myself really

As i said they were only as an example. I'm currently posting from my phone so gathering exact figures without downloading large PDF files is quiet hard to do, but the figures are more than likely over estimated like you said.

Also you would be surprised at how much power this PC takes...but that's a discussion for another time

Cardew

The problem with specifications in manuals is they tend to give a worse case scenario, to cover themselves legally.

On the subject of PC power consumption there have been loads of posts on PC power consumption and between 100W and 120W is about average.

If you 'Google' Gaming PC power consumption you will find that again power consumption is not that high, except on booting up and some 'spikes' in certain games.

new2012

What about gas pilot lights?

I have 2, one for hot water and one for the heating.

Hot water one uses 3 kWh gas a day and the heating one uses 5 kWh a day.

That's 8 kWh a day in the winter costing about 30p a day.

And the heating, although it is gas, consumes 150 watts of electricity an hour.

Cardew

new2012 wrote: »

What about gas pilot lights?

I have 2, one for hot water and one for the heating.

Hot water one uses 3 kWh gas a day and the heating one uses 5 kWh a day.

That's 8 kWh a day in the winter costing about 30p a day.

And the heating, although it is gas, consumes 150 watts of electricity an hour.

There are a number of threads about pilot light consumption and indeed your consumption is quite typical. - Which is why modern boilers don't have pilot lights.

I suppose you can console yourself that much of the year the gas won't be wasted as it still heats the house.

I suspect the pump accounts for most of the 150 watts?

new2012

I suspect the pump accounts for most of the 150 watts

Don't have a pump, it is warm air, so a dirty great big fan

bentaxle

Having checked the threads I can find no info re boiler change, I have a Potterton Kingfisher II fitted about 20 years ago, it works very well the only repair being a new thermo coupler about 10 years ago, I am now considering changing to a combi however, as a friend pointed out boilers such as the one I have can go on for years where as combi's need constant attention or at least once a year, my boiler appears to be 65/70% efficient, so I am now reconsidering the whole idea, and it looks like leaving as is, when taking into account initial installation and servicing costs as opposed to any possible gains, and as been pointed out to me, why fix it when it aint broken!
I would be interested in any views on the subject as I am still slightly open to persuasion.

Cardew

bentaxle wrote: »

Having checked the threads I can find no info re boiler change, I have a Potterton Kingfisher II fitted about 20 years ago, it works very well the only repair being a new thermo coupler about 10 years ago, I am now considering changing to a combi however, as a friend pointed out boilers such as the one I have can go on for years where as combi's need constant attention or at least once a year, my boiler appears to be 65/70% efficient, so I am now reconsidering the whole idea, and it looks like leaving as is, when taking into account initial installation and servicing costs as opposed to any possible gains, and as been pointed out to me, why fix it when it aint broken!
I would be interested in any views on the subject as I am still slightly open to persuasion.

Welcome to the forum.

There are actually loads of threads discussing exactly the point you raise; this being the latest:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3838395

The overwhelming concensus of opinion is never change a working boiler for 'economic' reasons.

There is also a further debate on the pros and cons of getting a combi against sticking with your current system of a Hot Water tank.

bentaxle

Cardew thank you for the link, I have spent ages trying to find a link on this site re boilers, the sub headings in the index are not that clear..
I have decided to stay with my existing system, revamping it a bit with a Fernox total magnetic filter and new two way valves as the old ones have started to weep a bit, I thought it might be worth renewing the pump as I am having to change a couple of pipe runs to incorporate the filter unit, what do you reckon?

Cardew

It might be a little late in the day to bother about a magnetic filter if the system has been running 20 years.

When you eventually have to get a new boiler, the system will need to be flushed and then a filter fitted.

However there are some knowlegeable and helpful Gas fitters on this forum who will give far better advice than myself on filters.

smellsmum

Help to anyone who can.....

I have recently bought a house with two open fires, one with a back boiler which heats the water and an immersion heater. There is no gas in the village and space is short at the rear of the house so not keen on oil tank or gas bottles but I really need to get some form of central heating. I am really confused about the whole thing.....