Gas central heating

Vikrum

Hi. I live in a 2 bed flat which runs completely on electricity and has never had gas for over 10 years (previously had but someone got it replaced). The flat has concrete flooring which I believe isn't easy for concealed looping for central heating. The cheapest option is surface looping which is not a great solution as it spoiles the whole decor.

My question is, is it a good idea to get a combi boiler first, connect it to mains water supply at the moment and later, if need be, get the heating loop and radiators as well (I am yet to experience winter in this flat so not sure of the heating). Or is it better to get both done at the same time due to cost differences.

Thanks
V

HappyMJ

Get it all done at the same time. Using electricity for hot water isn't that much more expensive than using gas especially if you are on E7...it's probably just pennies per month. Look at the E7 rates you can get and look at the price of gas they are very similar and in some cases E7 can be cheaper. Unfortunately you don't have all the hot water you want and if you run out that boost button will cost your standard day rate times 3 (3 being the kw rating of the immersion element) to reheat some top up water in 1 hour. You also need to take into account the maintenance costs of a gas boiler. Although an owner doesn't need a gas safety certificate each year you should in any case get it serviced every year which will cost around £50 per year completely wiping out any savings made by switching to gas from E7.

Vikrum

Thanks for the quick response HappyMJ. I should have clarified earlier (apologies), I was asking about the difference in installation/labour costs and not monthly expense. Though your points are valid. I am on E7 but recently got a new gas connection as my current storage tank is very old and is at the floor level hence, does not give good water pressure. Secondly, I would like to switch to gas hob than an electric one (which I currently have). So the decision to move to gas has already been taken. The question is whether to move to overall gas (water + hob + heating) in one go or in parts (water + hob first and then heating 'if' required as currently i have storage heaters and i recently moved in so dont know how well they are in this flat in terms of heating in winters) and the heating bit is a bit expensive as it will need drilling through walls to create the loop and most probably will be surface, which will show in all the rooms.

Thanks