Megaflo query

11fernsroad

We plan to install an unvented hotwater cylinder 300L
We already have a combi 38CDi
1.which one should I go for -direct or indirect?
2.Cylinder to be installed next to mains with electric socket and access to drainage pipe very next to it-so how much would it cost for installation?
3.Other any bits I need to buy to get it all working?
4.Any reliable yet affordable bran anybody could suggest?

Johnandabby

My first question would always be why? What are you trying to achieve?


It's not a typical arrangement, as you would normally have either a hot water cylinder OR a combi boiler. My guess is that you'll have a lot of confused plumbers when you start talking to them about costs...


1) A direct cylinder is heated by electric immersion, while an indirect is heated by a coil connected to the boiler - given that you have a boiler already, much cheaper to have an indirect cylinder. But you really need to speak to an installer about storage capacity, unvented/unvented, mains pressurised, mains pressure and cold water pipe size etc - it's not a guessing game.
2) It will really depend on how pipework alterations are required to plumb back into your hot water pipework to the bathrooms, kitchen etc.
3) The cylinder coil would have to be connected as a separate heating circuit, so would need a control valve - it would be best to leave any parts for the plumber to get if you don't understand it.
4) You quote the Megaflo brand in your post, but not worth the extra money IMHO. Telford Tempest or Ariston Aquabravo are good mid-range brands.


But you really need to speak to a plumber about the options.


For example, if you're looking at this to run 2 showers at once, then this may not achieve it for all the expense.

11fernsroad

Johnandabby wrote: »

My first question would always be why? What are you trying to achieve?


It's not a typical arrangement, as you would normally have either a hot water cylinder OR a combi boiler. My guess is that you'll have a lot of confused plumbers when you start talking to them about costs...


1) A direct cylinder is heated by electric immersion, while an indirect is heated by a coil connected to the boiler - given that you have a boiler already, much cheaper to have an indirect cylinder. But you really need to speak to an installer about storage capacity, unvented/unvented, mains pressurised, mains pressure and cold water pipe size etc - it's not a guessing game.
2) It will really depend on how pipework alterations are required to plumb back into your hot water pipework to the bathrooms, kitchen etc.
3) The cylinder coil would have to be connected as a separate heating circuit, so would need a control valve - it would be best to leave any parts for the plumber to get if you don't understand it.
4) You quote the Megaflo brand in your post, but not worth the extra money IMHO. Telford Tempest or Ariston Aquabravo are good mid-range brands.


But you really need to speak to a plumber about the options.


For example, if you're looking at this to run 2 showers at once, then this may not achieve it for all the expense.

Hi
Thanks for the inputs.
do you mean to say that installing an unvented hot water cylinder would not be sufficient to give me good flow in 2-3 showers at the same time?
coz the dealers seem to promise that.
We are now thinking in terms of Telford Tempest 300L

Owain_Moneysaver

11fernsroad wrote: »

Hi
Thanks for the inputs.
do you mean to say that installing an unvented hot water cylinder would not be sufficient to give me good flow in 2-3 showers at the same time?

You need to test the flow available from your cold main.

Unvented cylinders must only be installed by plumbers with an Unvented Hot Water qualification and must be inspected/serviced annually.

mandm65

[FONT=&quot]Johnandabby made good points, If you are looking for a budget cylinder then do consider main, It comes out of the same factory as the Megaflo/Santon and made of same materials . Downside is that it comes with 2 years warranty (you have to registered the unit), believe Megaflo now has a lifetime warranty. [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Like Johnandabby said you really have to ask Megaflo really worth the extra ££? [/FONT]

Johnandabby

11fernsroad wrote: »

Hi
Thanks for the inputs.
do you mean to say that installing an unvented hot water cylinder would not be sufficient to give me good flow in 2-3 showers at the same time?
coz the dealers seem to promise that.
We are now thinking in terms of Telford Tempest 300L

The dealer says whatever you want to hear to make the sale, but without coming to your home and measuring your mains pressure they cant guarantee jack. It's all about water pressure.

As a start get an installer to come and have a look, and test your mains pressure. Also ways of boosting the pressure if you have space and money.

11fernsroad

Johnandabby wrote: »

The dealer says whatever you want to hear to make the sale, but without coming to your home and measuring your mains pressure they cant guarantee jack. It's all about water pressure.

As a start get an installer to come and have a look, and test your mains pressure. Also ways of boosting the pressure if you have space and money.

Hi
we had a dealer come across and tested the flow and pressure of mains and was happy with them.But the quote is bit too steep (for installation of Megaflow/other unvented cylinder)
The proposed cylinder location is in garage with an outside wall next to it and mains water very near to it and have electric socket near by.Combi is just about 4 metres away

Mr_Ted

11fernsroad wrote: »

We plan to install an unvented hotwater cylinder 300L
We already have a combi 38CDi

PLEASE NOTE

You CANNOT connect an unvented cylinder hot water outlet supply to a Combi hot water system, it will back pressure the Combi Boiler!

Get some advise from a professional

Plumber90

You can fit an unvented to a combi, you dont connect it to the hot water side though

Johnandabby

11fernsroad wrote: »

Hi
we had a dealer come across and tested the flow and pressure of mains and was happy with them.But the quote is bit too steep (for installation of Megaflow/other unvented cylinder)
The proposed cylinder location is in garage with an outside wall next to it and mains water very near to it and have electric socket near by.Combi is just about 4 metres away

Unheated garage? Then the cylinder will use more energy keeping itself hot than if it was indoors. Not a good idea IMHO to put it in an unheated space.

Mr_Ted

Plumber90 wrote: »

You can fit an unvented to a combi, you dont connect it to the hot water side though

To clarify!

You CANNOT connect the hot water "outlet supply" from an unvented cylinder to ANY hot water "outlet supply" that is fed by the combi already

You would also require additional expense for additional controls to even connect to the combi heating side!

So whats the point in having a seperate system for hot water just to supply a minimum of hot water outlets?

In my opinion combi's are not the best option at anytime, to little hot water supply, too many problems, and the loss of both hot water and heating when the boiler goes down, which is far to often for my likes.

At least with a cylinder of any sort if the boiler goes down there's always an immersion heater!

Get rid of the combi