Time for a new boiler (thread)

robatwork

It's time to replace my Suprima 50 (complete with refurb PCB of course).

I live in a very hard water area, and heating specialist #1 (having seen how sludgy my heating water is) has recommended a magnetic filter, plus chemical inhibitor, together with a Baxi ecoblue advance and new pump. I saw a few threads previously mention a combination or gravity filter - something I should consider?

Also heard something about a government regulation regarding thermostatic radiator valves - that installers will insist on these being present come winter, or they won't install a new boiler. Is this right?

dggar

robatwork wrote: »

It's time to replace my Suprima 50 (complete with refurb PCB of course).

...............

Also heard something about a government regulation regarding thermostatic radiator valves - that installers will insist on these being present come winter, or they won't install a new boiler. Is this right?

Do you have an official source for this? I thought the whole point of TRVs is you adjust them yourself for your own comfort.

Alex1983

I think it's part L building regs. Says you need trv's and room stats.

robatwork

Oh HE1 (heating eng 1) also gave me the option of a Megaflow system upgrade too. I had this in a previous residence and it's great having mains cold water at all the taps. I do realise this puts the pipes under a bit more stress as they are then working at 3 bar - is it worth the risk in your experience?

Also please let me know if the Baxi is any good or other models I should look at around 13-19kW

thanks!

PS I couldn't find the legislation, but lots of recommendations as to why TRVs are a great idea.

Alex1983

Unvented hot water is great and well worth the investment, mega flows are very good and come with, I think 25 year warranty.

I wouldn't fit the baxi, they've made far too many bad boilers over the years for me to trust one in my own house but that's just my opinion. I fitted a vaillant 630 in my house a couple of years back, I think the vaillants are very good quality boilers with a long run of very reliable boilers. You'd get them from 11kw up to 37kw.

Are you making the heating system sealed.

Why are you changing the suprima they are very good realiable boilers, is it just the sludge if so get it flushed and filter fitted and leave as is.

robatwork

Alex1983 wrote: »

Are you making the heating system sealed.

Why are you changing the suprima they are very good realiable boilers, is it just the sludge if so get it flushed and filter fitted and leave as is.

Thanks - and I am not sure if I am making the heating system sealed - if I go for the megaflow then I presume that's a yes, but it's not definite.

The suprima just doesn't seem to stay lit for more than a few minutes - keeps going into flashing green mode which means
"Boiler Temperature Control Satisfied". This happened yesterday when I put the heating on full to test it, and the rads weren't even warm. It's already had one refurb PCB. I guess it could just be the pump and rads are so slushed up the water isn't getting through quickly enough?

The idea of TRVs in the bedrooms appeals to me - not sure how long they take to pay for themselves....

Alex1983

You wouldn't definitely have to have it pressurised if you have the mega flow, more common that they are but you could have it on a open vented system.

Would be suspect of pump definitely.

You probably would take a long time to see repayment on trv's but would make it more comfortable and controllable so I would. Have you got a room thermostat, you'll see better repayment on that if you haven't got one.

robatwork

Alex1983 wrote: »

You probably would take a long time to see repayment on trv's but would make it more comfortable and controllable so I would. Have you got a room thermostat, you'll see better repayment on that if you haven't got one.

Pump was new less than 2 years ago, and no, just one thermostat in the hallway. Not familiar with the room thermostats - are they in addition to the TRVs or instead of? Seems overkill having both. Would they be in every room? Sounds like a major upgrade of the control panel and plenty of wiring....

Alex1983

No you have the one in the hallway that's fine.

If the system is that dirty it may well of done the pump again. Changing the boiler won't necessarily cure your problems, you will need it flushed regardless.

southcoastrgi

Personally I like Baxi & I'm not keen on Vailliant, you can buy a cheaper unvented cylinder than a megaflow with the same 25 yr warentee (subject to a annual service), a room stat is required as a boiler interlock, trv's are highly recommended & make a lot of sense, the system def sounds like it needs flushing

robatwork

southcoastrgi wrote: »

Personally I like Baxi & I'm not keen on Vailliant, you can buy a cheaper unvented cylinder than a megaflow with the same 25 yr warentee (subject to a annual service), a room stat is required as a boiler interlock, trv's are highly recommended & make a lot of sense, the system def sounds like it needs flushing

I trust your judgement - what cylinder would you put in your own house that's a megaflow equivalent?

ta