Replacing gas boiler (grant aided)

shawnee

I built an extension to my house and added three rads. Since then my gas boiler (15 years old) hasn't really been able to heat all the rads. I had someone check it recently and he recommended replacement with one of the higher output and newer models. I am considering doing this with the grant scheme and putting zones etc on the heating controls. This would cost 2800 and grant would be 700. I could alternatively just replace the boiler and this would cost around 1700. The grant one looks the way to go. Any opinions would be appreciated.:p

Joey the lips

Get the boiler and the controls if you have the money. Its more efficient.

I am amazed how people are spending thousends on solar and alternatives and dont have efficent existing controls and boilers.

Having said that a lot of houses were only built in the last few years so even with the new efficiency it would not be worth changing the boiler.

However a lot of these builders never put in propper controls.

Upstairs/Downstairs Zone valves

Thermostats

TRV'S

ntpm

Full agreement with Joey the Lips.

I get askled about replacing older boiler with a condensing boiler.
You need to upgrade the electrical control with proper controls.


A boiler change out alone will not result in sufficient pay back period or significant efficiency increase.... ( if you include labour and material costs)....
You are sometimes better of leaving your older boiler in place and just get it properly serviced until it actual warrants replacement. ie. Breakdown / repair costs get exessive.

Be aware that not all elctrical uprades ( including "grant" aided contractors) have been completed with proper "boiler interlock". This is needed if you want the boiler to work efficiently and reduce fuel consumption.

cubix

What exactly does "boiler interlock" mean, thanks

JohnnieK

cubix wrote: »

What exactly does "boiler interlock" mean, thanks

A boiler interlock is basically a switched live that controls the boiler. This switched live comes from the actuator on the zone valves. The sequence of operation would be, (lets take a 2 channel programmer for example) Heating channel on the programmer comes on, sends power to the room stat. If the stat requires heat it sends power to the motor in the zone valve when this opens the valve it activates a micro switch and this sends power to the boiler and fires it. When the room stat is satisfied it switches off and kills the power to the zone valve and in turn the micro switch and then the boiler. The boiler will remain off until the room stat calls for heat again. If this was not in place the boiler would be cycling on and off on its own temp stat and that is when you are using more fuel than is necessary.

Hope this helps.

shawnee

Very helpful and thanks to all for your contributions !!:D