Quote for pressurized cylinder, rip off?

ravendude

Hi there,

I'm wondering how much one could expect to pay to replace and install an immersion cylinder with a newer stainless steel pressurized variety, approx 300 liters and solar ready (not putting in panels, just future proofing). I was told that these days, there's not a huge difference in price between the newer one and the older copper one (c 100 euro), so may as well put in the newer type just in case we want solar in the future.

The work would involve moving the new one a couple feet away from where the old one was (and repipe to there obviously), still within the same hot press.
I got a quote there of nearly 1700euro including VAT which sounds very excessive altogether to me, - but I'm not sure how much these things typically cost.

Thanks..

heinbloed

I'm wondering how much one could expect to pay to replace and install an immersion cylinder with a newer pressurized variety, approx 300 liters and solar ready ....

Name the make and model and we (or you) can check the www. for prices.

Pressurised tanks are considerable more expensive (and shorter lasting) than non-pressurised tanks. Drain-back ST-systems (again: cheaper and longer lasting) need no pressurised tank. That's the reason why Dublin isn't paying for them.
See

http://www.zenrenewables.ie/domestic-endusers/zen-renewables/zen-news/dublin-city-council/

http://www.zenrenewables.com/technology/solar-thermal-energy/drain-back-system/

And the Dutch tax payer isn't willing anymore to fork out for pressurised systems as well:

http://www.solarthermalworld.org/node/3241

The least efficient installations (€/kWh thermal energy) are sold to the least informed.


ZEN is by far not the only provider for cheap hot water solutions, there are many more out there.

ravendude

heinbloed wrote: »

Name the make and model and we (or you) can check the www. for prices.

Pressurised tanks are considerable more expensive (and shorter lasting) than non-pressurised tanks.
...
...

Will find out the make/model from him.
Was told the difference in price wasn't that huge anymore (used to be apparently), and was actually told it should last longer.
Think I do need to do some research!

Outkast_IRE

ravendude wrote: »

Will find out the make/model from him.
Was told the difference in price wasn't that huge anymore (used to be apparently), and was actually told it should last longer.
Think I do need to do some research!

What hes heinbloed is talking about is the type of solar system you install afterwards to connect to the cylinder.

just go away and get the name and price for the cylinder and associated gear, see if all the necessary fittings are included in that price such as pressure vessel etc then post it here.

ravendude

Outkast_IRE wrote: »

What hes heinbloed is talking about is the type of solar system you install afterwards to connect to the cylinder.

just go away and get the name and price for the cylinder and associated gear, see if all the necessary fittings are included in that price such as pressure vessel etc then post it here.

Will do, - but I'm actually not specifically interested in going solar, - its just a case of we may as well be solar compatible if there's not much difference in price, say 100 or 200 euro, just in case we decide to go there in the future. Any more than difference and I'd just stay with a standard solution.

I guess, another follow-on question would be, - how much would one expect to pay for a fairly standard (copper presumeably) 300l cylinder replacement, including moving it a couple of feet? I heard people mention figures like 600/700 euro for this, - seems like a big difference with the c1700 euro quote.

Thanks again...

Outkast_IRE

ravendude wrote: »

Will do, - but I'm actually not specifically interested in going solar, - its just a case of we may as well be solar compatible if there's not much difference in price, say 100 or 200 euro, just in case we decide to go there in the future. Any more than difference and I'd just stay with a standard solution.

I guess, another follow-on question would be, - how much would one expect to pay for a fairly standard (copper presumeably) 300l cylinder replacement, including moving it a couple of feet? I heard people mention figures like 600/700 euro for this, - seems like a big difference with the c1700 euro quote.

Thanks again...

when you go pressurised there is a nice amount of additional work as you need a pressure vessel as well as pressure release valves , possibly a pressure reducing valve, depending on what way the house is set up you may need a pump .

Its very hard to tell you if the quote is fair without more information , but yes changing to another copper cylidner vented will always be cheaper than going pressurised.

mad m

Also from what I was told when getting a 300litre steel cylinder is to re-inforce your platform (Joists) as a fully filled cylinder is some weight...

Joey the lips

The typical cost of a standard 300 ltr cylinder is 200-300 euro.

The typical cost of a stainless steel pressurised cylinder is 900-1200 euro

Then you need a mains booster pump and usually a storage tank to pump in but the plumber will assess for this.

Put simple. to install a standard cylinder costs 1000 euro

to install a pressurised cost 2500

These are the figures i work with. I am amazed people dont think it costs much more. There is also underlying things. Going pressurised usually highlights flaws in the current system.

Micky Dolenz

You can have a pressurised system and solar with a copper cylinder.

OP, get as many prices as you can. Read the detail. Then decide.

heinbloed

You can have pressurised DHW and ... a plastic thermal storage cylinder. Cheaper and more efficient, copper is an expensive but good thermal conductor.
And it decays, rusts very quickly. A plastic thermal storage does away with inhibitors and sacrifying anodes, see the links provided. Expenses saved and efficiency increased.