Combi DHW flow rate - sufficient?

ey_up

Had the fourth chap around today and after explaining our requirements he's been the first to suggest a traditional system with cylinder. Thats 3 for combi and one for traditional so far. He did say the traditional system would be much more expensive (as a seperate cylinder required and a more complicated install) but said we would save in the long run as its less complicated boiler and usually a simpler fix if things go wrong. Only downside is we would "have" to place the cylinder were the existing one is in the small bed room. Unfortunately doesnt look like another suitable place we can put it.

So many different opinions its a nightmare. Will be interesting to see the quote when it comes.

Another two more quotes go though so will be interesting to see what else is suggested.

Another question has come along though. Better to go for copper or plastic piping?

macman

So what about the flow rate and pressure? This will ultimately determine what your options are.

C_Mababejive

Could you retain existing cylinder if useable and lag it? Did you explore the possibility of a pressurised hot water cylinder which could be sited elsewhere (though more expensive) ? If you retain existing cylinder and fit a "system" boiler,it wont be much more..i dont think

HappyMJ

ey_up wrote: »

Another question has come along though. Better to go for copper or plastic piping?

Copper or plastic piping? I personally like the copper but you will get higher heat losses with it. Plastic piping will have lower heat losses and is less likely to burst being slightly flexible. It's up to you on that one.

You said earlier you were thinking about getting solar. Solar thermal is only compatible with stored hot water. It's very economic. You will get free hot water all summer and most of spring and autumn. You can even turn the boiler off for more than 6 months of the year.

It's much better than Solar PV which you have to be home for and using electricity to be worthwhile, turning on an electric heater to use the free electricity in the middle of summer is not going to happen and there only so many loads of washing that can be done in the middle of the day.

ey_up

macman wrote: »

So what about the flow rate and pressure? This will ultimately determine what your options are.

The chap around yesterday said he would come back to check the pressure. First one to have even mentioned it!

ey_up

C_Mababejive wrote: »

Could you retain existing cylinder if useable and lag it? Did you explore the possibility of a pressurised hot water cylinder which could be sited elsewhere (though more expensive) ? If you retain existing cylinder and fit a "system" boiler,it wont be much more..i dont think

I had thought about using the old one but the suggestion so far is that it would be better to get a new one. Again pressurised sounds a good solution but funds are limiting this I think. I still wait for the quote however. Atleast the most recent plumber/gas engineer is providing various options and costings. As I mentioned, the rest have all gone down the combi option route.

Have another booked in two further booked in next week so will see what they suggest.

fun and games

Appreciate all the responses. Cheers