Getting a New Boiler, should i replace my radiators too?

Repolho

I haven't a clue about plumbing or any DIY really and there are obviously some very knowledgeable people in this forum so i am seeking some advice.



I am replacing my 1980s oil boiler with a new condensing boiler.I have gotten 2 quotes, one for €4,500 and one for €3,780 however the dearer one includes replacing all single rads (5) with doubles. I didn't ask for this, but it was just included on the quote. For comparison i asked the other supplier for the rads and said no need to do but if we wanted it would be €160/rad which would bring his quote up to €4,580.


Would it be worthwhile replacing the rads?
Also, any other jobs worth doing while i am at it?


Thanks in advance.

greasepalm

If you have ever taken off a rad the amount of rust in them is unreal.Are you getting a good reputable condenser boiler as others could answer better.

Wearb

Why doubles instead of singles? Is it to promote condensing on the new boiler?

I would really want to know why the rads are being replaced.

greasepalm

Still got a few doubles here in old house but modern rads are more hi tec and single.

Calahonda52

Wearb wrote: »

Why doubles instead of singles? Is it to promote condensing on the new boiler?

I would really want to know why the rads are being replaced.

I would say it has to do with the fact that the delta T on the CB will be close to 50 where's the delta T on the old was maybe 60 or even 65, so small rads.
I would say the plumber is doing him a favour.

However the system would need to be flushed 100% clean, before the new boiler gets hooked up

Repolho

greasepalm wrote: »

If you have ever taken off a rad the amount of rust in them is unreal.Are you getting a good reputable condenser boiler as others could answer better.

It's a Grant Vortex with EPH controls

boars

if you have a 1980's boiler, it's likely you have a 1980's plumbing system. I'm guessing the pipes are either 30mm or iron Gunbarrel. The 30mm piping is small and thin- and tend to get filled with gunk over the years, the Gunbarrel is pretty good- but tends to rust.

Getting a whole set of new radiators would make the world of difference- and the price you got quoted seems pretty decent- if it includes ripping out all the old piping.

source: I used to be a plumber who ripped out old heating systems and fit new ones.

Repolho

boars wrote: »

if you have a 1980's boiler, it's likely you have a 1980's plumbing system. I'm guessing the pipes are either 30mm or iron Gunbarrel. The 30mm piping is small and thin- and tend to get filled with gunk over the years, the Gunbarrel is pretty good- but tends to rust.

Getting a whole set of new radiators would make the world of difference- and the price you got quoted seems pretty decent- if it includes ripping out all the old piping.

source: I used to be a plumber who ripped out old heating systems and fit new ones.

There was no discussion of ripping out all the pipes so i dont think that is included but I will have to check and confirm.

greasepalm

Do plumbers still use copper pipes and fittings or go with cheaper plastic roll.

anheneti

greasepalm wrote: »

If you have ever taken off a rad the amount of rust in them is unreal.Are you getting a good reputable condenser boiler as others could answer better.

Their shouldn’t be any rust in a radiator, unless your heating system is faulty. Replacing a radiator in that case is treating the symptoms not the cause

Roadtoad

If its a 1980s system it may not have TRVs and zone control.

Now might be a good time to include these, or at least price them, if you have a spare penny or two.

Repolho

Roadtoad wrote: »

If its a 1980s system it may not have TRVs and zone control.

Now might be a good time to include these, or at least price them, if you have a spare penny or two.

Both quotes include separating the hot water (house is a bungalow) and also 5 TRVs. There are 9 rads in the house so I am not sure why they both quoted 5 TRVs - is this a requirement for SEAI grant maybe?

Repolho

Repolho wrote: »

Both quotes include separating the hot water (house is a bungalow) and also 5 TRVs. There are 9 rads in the house so I am not sure why they both quoted 5 TRVs - is this a requirement for SEAI grant maybe?

Are they older rads?
I'm getting a new oil system in this week and replacing 3 rads. They are old single panel ones. I've 10 on the system. The balance are newer ones. So not unusual.

Repolho

SouthWesterly wrote: »

Are they older rads?
I'm getting a new oil system in this week and replacing 3 rads. They are old single panel ones. I've 10 on the system. The balance are newer ones. So not unusual.

Yes, they are all the older type ones with no fins on the back on them.

Repolho

Repolho wrote: »

Yes, they are all the older type ones with no fins on the back on them.

That makes perfect sense then.