Combi Boiler Advice

timotei11

Hi all,

We're renovating the bathroom and are happy with everything.
However, we are also looking to replace our 13 year oil boiler.

I was simply going to get a new boiler, but I've been recommended a combi boiler on the basis of hot water on demand and a few other little things.

I've been quoted 2,200 euro to remove old boiler and fit the combi system.

House has one bathroom and in total it has 7 radiators.

Also, pressure is poor and plumber has suggested a pump to increase water flow - are these effective with combi systems.

Any advice on any of this is welcome.

Thanks.

timotei11

timotei11 wrote: »

Hi all,

We're renovating the bathroom and are happy with everything.
However, we are also looking to replace our 13 year oil boiler.

I was simply going to get a new boiler, but I've been recommended a combi boiler on the basis of hot water on demand and a few other little things.

I've been quoted 2,200 euro to remove old boiler and fit the combi system.

House has one bathroom and in total it has 7 radiators.

Also, pressure is poor and plumber has suggested a pump to increase water flow - are these effective with combi systems.

Any advice on any of this is welcome.

Thanks.

Combis are very fashionable and simplistic to fit so at times they're fitted for the wrong reasons which can end in tears.

When designing a system it's always best to start with your hot water needs, installation requirements and costs.

If your happy with stored hot water then why change, spend the money on proper controls and a decent boiler with a long warranty and a magnetic filter.

Usually combi's are chosen to free up space in a home or for cheaper installation cost.

I would always test the mains and if I had a weak water mains I wouldn't fit a combi as its not suitable IMO, the whole point of fitting a combi is to free up the space taken by the stored hot water, but to make combi's work usually you have to now store cold water(breaktank) somewhere requiring space and then pump it


Couple of other points: with stored hot water you have a secondary hot water source via the immersion if the boiler ever breaks, with a combi you don't so a electric shower is something to think about as a back up. The gas supply would need to be looked at as combi's tend to have a bigger demand than a system boiler.

So long story short if a combi is fitted correctly and it meets your needs you'll be very happy but if it's not done right it'll drive you craked, Gary.

antoinolachtnai

A combi boiler is not permitted by the Dublin bylaws to be directly connected to the mains.

It is also illegal to fit a pressure pump directly to the mains without the permission of the City Council. The reason is simply that your use of it may affect neighbours' supplies. You can always feed the pump from a tank, but that obviously takes up space.

Does this all matter? A lot of days, it might not, but if something happens that results in the pressure being turned down in the area (as happened last year) then things are going to stop working and you might be asked to remove the pump if it causes disruption.

A pressure pump also makes the whole installation a good bit more complicated and expensive. I would wonder whether it would really be cheaper than plumbing it with a tank.

master of all

'A combi boiler is not permitted by the Dublin bylaws to be directly connected to the mains.'

Really? Please, give more info re it. Never knew about and was discussing a combi with a friend recently. Thanks

master of all

Gary is so right about combis. Been there, done that.

Stayed without hot water for 2 weeks one Christmas, unreal.
Also, if anyone is taking a shower, you should not touch any other tap in the house, as it would change the water pressure immediately ... & its not so pleasant for the one in the shower, believe me


It saves space though & its brilliant when you try to use every available inch in a small house, to make the best of the space. This way you are avoiding the storage water tank on the attic. Also, its very comfy having an instant hot water.

If it suits you, go for it, but I would recommend hear what Gary says

antoinolachtnai

http://www.dublincity.ie/SiteCollectionDocuments/Dublin_City_Council_Waterworks_Regulations.pdf

rule 59 and, I think, 40.