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Electric only flat - Unvented hot water cylinder not used for over 6 months - other options?

Alex8517
Alex8517 Posts: 3 Newbie
edited 3 December 2018 at 12:55PM in Energy
Hi

I just bought a 2 bed flat, and there is a Santon premier plus - Model PP170E unvented hot water cylinder already installed.

The flat was build in 2004, so I guess the UV cylinder is about 14 years old, and one of the immersion heater is broken, looks like the electrics are burned out, I can see slight burned mark on the controls of the immersion heater and the fuse in the switch is also burned.

I am not sure how long its has been broken, since before I bought the flat, it was empty for over 6 months.

My question is, considering the point below - correct me if i am wrong

- UV cylinder hasn't been use for over 6 months which means bacteria has developed and I read it will need professional care to disinfect.
- Cost of labour to fix, disinfect and do a full check up.
- System is old and will need to replaced with the next 5 years?
- system might not been maintain annually or at all for years.

Would it be better to go with one of the options below - rather than having the System repair and serviced.

options:
1. install a new Unvented hot water system.
2. Install a new electric boiler - no need for a combi

Cost is a factor in all of this but more importantly, I want to have a system that is safe to use and would give me least amount of issues in the future.

Please let me know if there are any other options.

Thank you.

Comments

  • System
    System Posts: 178,390 Community Admin
    10,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    2014 or 2004?
    This is a system account and does not represent a real person. To contact the Forum Team email forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com
  • Sorry, it was build in 2004
  • System
    System Posts: 178,390 Community Admin
    10,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    edited 3 December 2018 at 1:58PM
    OK. Your UV cylinder is not that old. If an immersion heater has burnt out then this is easily replaced. I wouldn’t too much about bacteria. All a plumber needs to do is drain it down and refill. If you then heat the cylinder to 60C then any risk should be eliminated. I would call a couple of G3 annotated plumbers and ask them to quote for all the work that is needed.

    If the two quotes are markedly different in the scope of work/price then get a third plumber in.

    A G3 annotation is needed to work on an unvented cylinder.

    PS. The manufacturer clearly has faith in its products as the cylinder has a 30 year parts and labour warranty. The immersion heater would not be seen as being part of the cylinder.
    This is a system account and does not represent a real person. To contact the Forum Team email forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com
  • Ok, thanks for the help.
This discussion has been closed.
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