Very high usage

Mister_G

I would hope that part of the combi install will be a power flush.

coffeehound

Best to get a mixer shower installed too, so that you aren't usiing electricity to heat your shower.

gardian8

Talldave wrote: »

If the radiators are full of sludge that would account for the heating taking a long time to get going.

Personally I would never fit a combi boiler. Why spend money downgrading to a setup where you'll be twiddling your thumbs waiting hours for hot water to appear?

I am getting a new Baxi 836 boiler fitted, had combi's in my last 2 houses and the water is very fast at heating up and coming out the taps, not sure what you mean about waiting hours for hot water to appear? Its more or less instant or I am missing your point?

Mister_G wrote: »

I would hope that part of the combi install will be a power flush.

he is putting some cleaning stuff in they system and will draw it out a few days later using a machine connected to each radiator. also getting a magnetic filter as well.

coffeehound wrote: »

Best to get a mixer shower installed too, so that you aren't usiing electricity to heat your shower.

I have got one, just need to get it fitted and the shower screen put up my ever growing to do list... We are getting a new en suite as well which will have a shower ran from the boiler

Talldave

gardian8 wrote: »

I am getting a new Baxi 836 boiler fitted, had combi's in my last 2 houses and the water is very fast at heating up and coming out the taps, not sure what you mean about waiting hours for hot water to appear? Its more or less instant or I am missing your point?

No you got it. Maybe I've been unlucky with the combis I've experienced. The most recent was in a flat a couple of years ago. Sure the gas consumption went down with the combi, but water consumption rocketed as we stood staring at water flowing, waiting for some heat! Overall, it cost more as the increased water cost far exceeded the gas saving.

G_M

gardian8 wrote: »

I do not think we have an immersion heater. The boiler that is downstairs in the utility heats the water in the tank in the airing cupboard and the water is replaced by the header tanks in the loft - thats how it was explained to me by the sellers friend.

Are you sure? It is quite usual for the hot water cylinder in the airing cupboard to have a back-up means of heating the water: an immersion. If so, and if it's switched on, that will be constantly using a lot of electricity!

Is there an electric switch in or near the airing cupboard? Also look at the top of the cylinder (tank): is there an electrical contraption like this?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=td3SuGeTefM

I agree trying to heat a conservatory in winter is bonkers unless it's an ultra-modern insulated design.

Have you checked the attic? However much or little insulation is there, double it! Cheap and easy DIY (though messy).
https://www.wickes.co.uk/Products/Building-Materials/Insulation/Loft-Insulation/c/1000270

gardian8

New boiler went in last night so no more tanks in the loft or airing cupbord. They nee d to come back one day next week to drain all the radiators with a machine and tn fill it all back up, its so much warmer now and no need for the extra heat sources

Talldave

gardian8 wrote: »

New boiler went in last night so no more tanks in the loft or airing cupbord. They nee d to come back one day next week to drain all the radiators with a machine and tn fill it all back up, its so much warmer now and no need for the extra heat sources

Weird way of working - necessitating the system being drained twice?

The lovely warmth is down to it being a new boiler, not the fact it's a combi with no tanks though.

G_M

So at the moment the old, grungy water from the last 20 yeaes is circulating through your nice new boiler, causing who knows what damage and invalidating the warranty.........