Any advice on how to save on costs when replacing heating system?

1122abc

Currently have a one pipe system in a 2 bed, 1 bath mid terrace house in west London. There are four single panel radiators. One (bedroom) has been cold for 25 years. One (bathroom) works ok. The other two fluctuate between lukewarm and cold (they are one or the other, bedroom and living room above/below each other). 

Had a plumber come out who has recommended to install combi boiler, replace all existing pipework in the house and also the radiators.

I’ve been reading around about how to save costs but honestly I’m not that savvy. It’s my mum’s property and she’s getting on a bit (70y). 

Would appreciate any advice on where/if we can save on amount work and costs?

Browntoa

If it's copper piping then a power flush is all that's necessary in my opinion. That will clear the pipework before installing the boiler and radiators 

I'd agree with changing the radiators though, will save money in the long run 

I'd also get 2 or 3 more quotes 

1122abc

Browntoa said:

If it's copper piping then a power flush is all that's necessary in my opinion. That will clear the pipework before installing the boiler and radiators 

I'd agree with changing the radiators though, will save money in the long run 

I'd also get 2 or 3 more quotes 

Thank you for your reply!

Not sure if the pipes are copper but I believe I can check with a magnet?

Will a modern boiler struggle in a one pipe system along with old smaller pipes throughout the house? I understand that the major pipe from the boiler to the ? flue needs to be larger and it is currently too small. Re-piping the entire house seems like a big job and want to avoid if not 100% necessary (plus added cost of course). 

FreeBear

A two pipe system is much more efficient than a single, so I would budget for a full replumb regardless. Main feed & return in 22mm copper, with short runs of 15mm to each radiator. Plan the run of piping so that notching of joists is avoided (or re-use existing notches). In a well insulated, draught free house, there is no real need to hang radiators under windows, so this gives you more flexibility on where the pipes go. That said, an old London terrace with an aging owner probably hasn't had much done to it in the last few years....

It is also well worth fitting new radiators throughout along with TRVs. Run the numbers through this calculator - https://www.stelrad.com/basic-heat-loss-calculator/ - And use a Delta T of 40°C or even 30°C. This will recommend much larger radiators than are currently fitted or even what the plumber suggests. But going oversized means you can run at a much lower flow temperature and get a higher efficiency. With new pipes & radiators, you won't need to waste money on a power flush. The extra work will cost more, but is worth it - Replumbed my heating system last year and went from a 1980s vintage Baxi back boiler to a shiny new combi - Place is a lot warmer as a result.

Rather than installing a gas boiler, I'd strongly recommend looking at a heat pump. With the government Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant of £7500, the cost should come in pretty close to a conventional gas boiler. If you use some of the online quotes, when it asks "do you currently have central heating", say no - Going from a single to twin pipe system is to all intents a new install. Out of interest, I punched a few numbers in to Eon, and it came back with a price of £2212, but it doesn't look like they cover London. So give Octopus a try.

Risteard

1122abc said:

Browntoa said:

If it's copper piping then a power flush is all that's necessary in my opinion. That will clear the pipework before installing the boiler and radiators 

I'd agree with changing the radiators though, will save money in the long run 

I'd also get 2 or 3 more quotes 

Thank you for your reply!

Not sure if the pipes are copper but I believe I can check with a magnet?

Will a modern boiler struggle in a one pipe system along with old smaller pipes throughout the house? I understand that the major pipe from the boiler to the ? flue needs to be larger and it is currently too small. Re-piping the entire house seems like a big job and want to avoid if not 100% necessary (plus added cost of course). 

Copper is non-ferrous so a magnet wouldn't attract/repel.

Murmansk

My advice would be to avoid British Gas as they are massively expensive. I think a lot of older people tend to think they are the best because of the name