Considering Oil to Gas Conversion

BookGeek

Hi Everyone

Hoping someone with more experience than myself will be able to help.
I've recently purchased my first home, a 3 bed detached built in 1975. It currently has oil heating, which I'm used to as any other property I have lived in has been oil. However, I've been considering switching to gas, not just for the supposed cost savings but also because:

- The oil boiler is in the integrated garage, a section of which has been blocked off to house it. This also has an ancient downstairs W/C, but it has been finished as an afterthought. Switching to gas means I would be able to convert this into a usable utility room and W/C space finished to a higher standard. The oil boiler is also at least 10-15 years old, so ultimately has a lifespan anyway.
- The water tank in the roof space is metal. No issues so far (touch wood!) but it was highlighted in my Home Buyer's Survey that this should be changed to the new plastic type as the metal ones are known to become problematic with age.
- The hot water tank is in a cupboard that encroaches into the main bathroom quite a bit. Not a huge issue, but in the long-term I would consider a bathroom remodel with a larger shower and the removal of this would allow for it.
- Removal of oil tank from the garden. Again, not a massive issue but in the long-term doing some work to tidy up the garden and getting rid of the oil tank would be a benefit.

I have already checked and there is gas available in my area. The install would appear to be in the region of £2k-£2.5k. I am not eligible for any of the schemes that pay a percentage of the costs, but the supplier is willing to provide interest free monthly payments.

Also, it doesn't appear that the house has cavity wall insulation. I initially thought I would get this done for sure, but the house does heat up well. Not toasty, but comfortable. It has air bricks and seems to be well ventilated and I haven't seen any condensation - would getting cavity wall insulation potentially cause problems? Lots of the radiators are singles and without vents so I know upgrading those could make a big/good enough difference.

Any thoughts much appreciated!

Thanks

Cardew

As you are removing the hot water tank, you are presumably thinking of getting a Combi boiler?



In which case do you need a cold water tank? For a combi you need a high enough mains water pressure.


I believe Thermostatic Radiator Valves(TRV) are now mandatory on new instalations.



I am surprised a 1975 built house does not have cavity wall insulation?? I think it is essential.


As a general principle get 'goodies' included in the instalation e.g. portable remote room programmer, CH in two zones etc. It is much cheaper than retrofitting.


Do not skimp on the boiler, there are several with a 10 year warranty.


In situ radiators will require system flushing - some - e.g. British gas charge many hundreds of pounds, others much less.

BookGeek

Thanks for your reply!

Cardew wrote: »

As you are removing the hot water tank, you are presumably thinking of getting a Combi boiler?
Yes, it will be a Combi install. A previous landlord is a gas engineer (all checks carried out on him) so he will be doing all of the work. He's actually suggested putting the new boiler in the roof space!

In which case do you need a cold water tank? For a combi you need a high enough mains water pressure.

I believe Thermostatic Radiator Valves(TRV) are now mandatory on new instalations.
All of my radiators already have these, which is good. But with them being singles and without vents they're not the most effective.

I am surprised a 1975 built house does not have cavity wall insulation?? I think it is essential.

I haven't had this confirmed. I know it hasn't been retrofitted as there aren't any tell tale plugged drill holes in the walls from where it would have been put in.

As a general principle get 'goodies' included in the instalation e.g. portable remote room programmer, CH in two zones etc. It is much cheaper than retrofitting.
Great idea, thanks! I'll be trying to get as much included as possible.

Do not skimp on the boiler, there are several with a 10 year warranty.

In situ radiators will require system flushing - some - e.g. British gas charge many hundreds of pounds, others much less.

This is included in the price of the install. I was pre-warned also that in some cases small leaks can spring up because the system is running under higher pressure than it would be currently. I was told most installations are fine, but occasionally an installations happens in a slightly older property that results in some minor repairs needing done... finger's crossed!

Cardew

So if Combi is in roof space there is sufficient water pressure to negate the need for a cold water tank.


Some properties around mid 70's were built with cavity wall insulation included, sometimes with solid insulation(like Kingspan) inserted.


Another 'goody' on a compatible boiler is 'weather compensation'. - it automatically adjusts CH water temperature in line with ambient temperature. See
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQcGn_BpLqk