Wireless room thermostat advice please

macman

diywhynot wrote: »

Is there an echo in here?;)

More like 'great minds think alike'...

CrazyM101

macman wrote: »

Combis always require a trade-off of flow rate versus temp. A higher temp setting reduces the flow rate. So in winter, when it has more work to do, the flow rate decreases.
I'm not trying to put you off having a combi, but do consider all the factors and then decide for yourself. A lot of people on here seem to let the installer decide, which they cannot possibly do if they don't ask the right questions.

Thanks, it certainly makes sense. We're in a situation where we need an extra wc and we can't afford to move right now, neither can we afford the 35-45k that's been quoted for a loft conversion (in London). Suppose we could move the immersion tank into the loft (and free up the cupboard space) but we will probably be charged the same plumbing costs for labour.

Changing to a combi will hopefully save us money in the long run and may also make the house easier to sell when the time comes.

Thanks

daveyjp

If you have a flow rate of 16 litres per minute it would be well worth paying the extra to get a 14 litre per minute combi, which will be rated at about 30kw.

We have noticed no change in flow even when it is close to freezing outside and the water temp set at about 50 degrees.

macman

mumin999 wrote: »

Thanks, it certainly makes sense. We're in a situation where we need an extra wc and we can't afford to move right now, neither can we afford the 35-45k that's been quoted for a loft conversion (in London). Suppose we could move the immersion tank into the loft (and free up the cupboard space) but we will probably be charged the same plumbing costs for labour.

Changing to a combi will hopefully save us money in the long run and may also make the house easier to sell when the time comes.

Thanks

Why (to both points)? A combi costs no less to run, and I can't imagine a combi making a property more appealing than a conventional boiler. A lot of people want an airing cupboard.

CrazyM101

macman wrote: »

Why (to both points)? A combi costs no less to run, and I can't imagine a combi making a property more appealing than a conventional boiler. A lot of people want an airing cupboard.

Hmmm... I would imagine a new combi with its energy efficient condensing ability coupled with a room thermostat and programmer should hopefully save money compared to a conventional open vented system with only a timer (our current system). But I didn't mention this before so you were'nt to know.

I meant to say that the addition of an extra wc in the house should add to the appeal as well as solving our immediate problem of only having one bathroom when we reclaim and convert the cupboard space (after switching to a combi).

I'm finding the whole topic very frustrating to be honest but want to make the best decision possible.

What would you do given my requirements?

CrazyM101

daveyjp wrote: »

If you have a flow rate of 16 litres per minute it would be well worth paying the extra to get a 14 litre per minute combi, which will be rated at about 30kw.

We have noticed no change in flow even when it is close to freezing outside and the water temp set at about 50 degrees.

Ok, I started looking at 24kw models e.g. Worcester 24i, then updated to 28kw after reading about the low flow rate of the former. Which model and brand of boiler do you have and what is your honest opinion of it?

CrazyM101

I see that Vaillant are offering 7 year guarantees on some of their range, their T&C's below have this one clause which if I read correctly means that if I were to sell the house the guarantee stops, is this correct or have I read it wrong?

● The guarantee applies to the boiler at the installation address, and is not transferable with a change of the homeowner.

www . vaillantthinksahead . co . uk/terms-conditions/ (can't post links)

vm2pensioner

mumin999 wrote: »

Hi all, thanks for all the replies, it seems that the Honeywell is a firm favorite amongst not just MSE members but general public as well.

I've not looked at the British Gas options but to be honest I don't trust them so will never use their costly services!

I'm quite surprsed that the Worcester Bosch units I mentioned don't seem to be widely used/reviewed but I guess if everyone's done their homework then they would go with the most effective solution.

So off I go looking for a shiny new Honeywell thermostat!

To answer the last question, we are replacing a Potterton Netaheat 10/16 Electronic. It has never missed a beat in the 7 years we've been in this house and must be at least 20 years old! Only reason for changing it is to remove the tank in the store room and use the space for a new cloakroom!

Leave the Potterton alone - keep it if possible- much more reliable than modern condensing boilers.

macman

mumin999 wrote: »

Hmmm... I would imagine a new combi with its energy efficient condensing ability coupled with a room thermostat and programmer should hopefully save money compared to a conventional open vented system with only a timer (our current system). But I didn't mention this before so you were'nt to know.

I meant to say that the addition of an extra wc in the house should add to the appeal as well as solving our immediate problem of only having one bathroom when we reclaim and convert the cupboard space (after switching to a combi).

I'm finding the whole topic very frustrating to be honest but want to make the best decision possible.

What would you do given my requirements?

Yes, of course a modern condensing combi will be more efficient than an old conventional boiler. But it won't be any more efficient than a modern conventional condensing boiler, which is your other option. You'll have the same updated controls on either system.
What I would do is ask your RGI to test that the flow and gas pressure are even suitable for a combi (if he suggested a combi without checking that, it's time to get a new RGI), and then discuss which is the best option given your property and lifestyle.

ollski

In theory a combi is more efficient than a conventional system as you are purely heating the water you use rather than topping up the stored water temperature as it goes unused. Usage, timings and lagging (general heat loss) are all variables of course. Also if you are on a water meter this saving may be even more negligable.