Central heating and hot water query

Grenage

I'm surprised it's noisy enough to irritate the neighbours, mount is installed much the same way and it's fairly quiet.

Beeblebr0x

ThisIsWeird said:

Isn't there a flow control on your actual shower? If so, what does the pump do when you turn it down?

Only the usual rotary/temperature control.

Beeblebr0x

Grenage said:

I'm surprised it's noisy enough to irritate the neighbours, mount is installed much the same way and it's fairly quiet.

I don't believe it's that noisy (66Db), but loud enough to notice.

ThisIsWeird

Beeblebr0x said:

ThisIsWeird said:

Isn't there a flow control on your actual shower? If so, what does the pump do when you turn it down?

Only the usual rotary/temperature control.

So only fully on or off?

Is it not a bit too powerful? Would you want it turned down a bit?

Beeblebr0x

It's one of the lower pressure pumps. I don't think the pump itself can be adjusted.

ThisIsWeird

Beeblebr0x said:

It's one of the lower pressure pumps. I don't think the pump itself can be adjusted.

I meant by actually restricting the output flow. 
Many shower mixers have adjustable flow rates as well as the obvious temp control, so a pump would need to be able to cope with this. I just wondered if such pumps respond by reducing power, or do they just keep on chugging!
If your shower performance is 'full-on', more than you actually want or need, then turning this down might result in a much quieter pump, which would be a lot cheaper and easier than converting your system to high pressure.
Can you get the make and model of the pump?

Beeblebr0x

I'm not sure about the output flow. I'll get back to you later about the pump details.

ThisIsWeird

Beeblebr0x said:

I'm not sure about the output flow. I'll get back to you later about the pump details.

https://product-selection.grundfos.com/uk/products/shower-pumps/str2-20-cn-98950220?

Seems like a decent pump. I don't think the actual pump speed varies, so if demand - flow - is reduced, it'll just keep going against the restriction.

Is your only issue that the noise affects your neighbour? Otherwise it's all fine? I'm sure the soundproofing - both through vibration and air - could be reduced if so.

Beeblebr0x

Thanks for looking up the details. If I could go back in time I'd have had a combi installed when we had the extension built.

ThisIsWeird

Beeblebr0x said:

Thanks for looking up the details. If I could go back in time I'd have had a combi installed when we had the extension built.

Putting it simply, going 'combi' will likely be as 'cheap' a change as going unvented hot cylinder.
So the main Q is probably, do I want a stored water system? Eg, will I be fitting PV panels (which could keep the cylinder hot), or might I go ASHP in the future?