Combi boiler/underfloor heating query

bar_1

Hi,
I have a query about boilers. Our old boiler (currently in the bathroom) seems to have packed up (the flame will no longer light). We have plans to do an extension and get under floor heating in the kitchen and bathroom (we have no central heating and don’t want it as the house isn’t that big).
We had a gas man come and look who suggested we get a combi boiler, hook it up to 2 radiators (which we can get second hand), set the boiler up in the kitchen as due to electrics it can’t go in the bathroom then when we are ready fit the under floor heating and get rid of the radiators. He seems to think we had to have radiators as the boiler needs an outlet for the hot water... However I don’t understand how does this work in the summer when you don’t need heating???
He estimated the cost of a boiler at £700. We obviously don’t want to go without hot water until we get the extension but don’t want to pay out loads now if it will need to be altered in 6 months. Also we don’t mind paying more for a boiler which is going to be more economical in the long run as we plan to stay where we are for some time.
Anyone got any suggestions or comments about the gas mans ideas?
Thanks

Cardew

mcptech wrote: »

Have you thought about solar thermal? That would offer the hot water you need and the high efficiency you are looking for. You’ll probably need I new twin coil cylinder but in the long run your looking at 70% of your annual hot water demand met for free. I Install and sale solar and underfloor heating so call me on spam spam spam

Not allowed on MSE - especially from solar salesmen spouting rubbish!

Read threads on solar and weep!!

Cheaper to heat water by burning £5 notes in winter.

Reported!

bar_1

too right cardew. nice to know options but the sales pitch was naughty.

Cardew

mcptech wrote: »

OK sales pitch was a bit cheeky. But you wanted possible solutions and I gave you one.

But to say it’s cheaper to burn fivers is complete rubbish, you obviously have no idea how heating and hot water systems work. I’d love for you to explain how it is more expensive in winter?

Fact solar generates free clean renewable energy whether it's Hot water or Electricity.

Take advantage of this and help your environment as well as your wallet!

Moneysaving advice

Firstly you are talking rubbish.

Secondly you have a vested interest - spam spam spam!

Reported

janken

I have heard much about solar water heating and heard it is difficult to recoup your investment.

I wish i had put underfloor heating when i built the house in 1990. I have many friends with it and it seems to be cheap to run and their houses are warm (North East of Scotland :cool: )- No wall space taken up with radiators. No cold spots in the room. My advice is to go for the underfloor heating. I checked it out to upgrade my home but it was prohibitivly expensive at the time. (5ish years ago). Since seeing your thread i will be rinvestigating this option.

bar_1

janken wrote: »

I have heard much about solar water heating and heard it is difficult to recoup your investment.

I wish i had put underfloor heating when i built the house in 1990. I have many friends with it and it seems to be cheap to run and their houses are warm (North East of Scotland :cool: )- No wall space taken up with radiators. No cold spots in the room. My advice is to go for the underfloor heating. I checked it out to upgrade my home but it was prohibitivly expensive at the time. (5ish years ago). Since seeing your thread i will be rinvestigating this option.

Hi Janken,

Just to clarify are you talking about gas or electric under floor heating?

Kristoflampie

I have to say that as a heating engineer my job concerns primarily gas, LPG and oil and I work in South East Scotland.
Houses are extremely few and far between that are fitted with solar mainly because in this part of the world the winter days are very short and summer days tho long are rarely outright sunshine hence very poor gain from solar systems..... They may save you some money in the summer but are always supplemented with a conventional heating and hot water system, even the chairman of Worcester Bosch has this arrangement!!........ and hes trying to be as green as possible with Ground source heating and solar fitted to his house...
Its such a matter of preference with customers, underfloor doesnt dry the washing or heat the towels, you cant park your bum on it, radiators take up space but are lovely and hot , you are the customer , you choose coz they both cost the same to run give or take a smidge........:money: