Upgrading/replacing a large inefficient internal oil combi boiler

Deedsie

Hi,

Looking for some advice or recommendations on what would be the best approach to replacing a large inefficient internal oil combi boiler.

The hot water tank is built into the boiler which is located in a basement. There is a water storage tank in the attic.

No hot press in the house or anything like that.

It's still working at the moment and no issues other than it's very inefficient. We have used quite a lot of oil this winter. So it is something that definitely will need to be upgraded in due course. Be great to hear some ideas or suggestions

Deedsie

Just wanted to attach a few photos of the boiler as it might help people understand what I am trying to describe as I am sure I have to wording all wrong.

Thanks for anyone who could give me some direction on this.

As can be seen in the photos the boiler is a GeminoX Megalithe 45S.

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Lenar3556

I’d be slow to take that out unless there is something wrong with it.

A new condensing oil boiler might offer a net efficiency benefit of 7-10% but that would be the height of it.

A good service, flush, and review of the heating system by an experienced heating technician would likely make more or an impact than replacing the boiler alone.

Deedsie

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120520416#Comment_120520416

Presumably these boilers have an estimated lifespan? More than anything I am trying to plan for down the line when it will have to be replaced/modernised?

Someone mentioned to me that the burner that is currently on it is too small and that could be part of the oil burning inefficiency of the current set up? Does that make sense?

Wearb

That burner looks relatively new. Was it not changed for one of the same output as original one?

Deedsie

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120520552#Comment_120520552

We only moved into this house December 2022 so have been gradually getting our bearings. A few other things had to be prioritised.

I had intended for ages to enquire here what people might think in general about the boiler. Only getting around to it now.

But in answer to your question I have no idea what burner was on it previously as that was there they day we got the keys etc

We have been surprised and concerned at how much oil we have gotten through in the 4 months since we moved in.

It heats up the water extremely hot and we dont really use very much of it. Electric shower is mostly used.

Wearb

That's a large boiler. It's either a very big house or the demand for domestic hot water was great, at the time of install.

What's the house area (size) and BER? How much oil have you used in those 4 months?

Deedsie

BER is C3 and yes it is a big house. About 4000 square foot.

We dont use a massive part of it and the radiators are turned off where not in use.

There are a lot of other issues we are in the process of dealing with that would contribute to heat escaping. Poor windows and doors etc, attic insulation will need to be redone in time. But dont want to do that until I know our long term plan for heating, solar panel installation etc

I dont know how many litres of oil but we have prob used about €1000 plus worth in 4 months. Granted they were winter months.

Wearb

That's a big house and with a c3 rating you might not see a huge improvement in any heating upgrade. €1000 sounds reasonable for that size (I know you said you don't heat it all) My advice is to make sure that you have your current boiler tuned and setup properly, then start on your insulation. After you have gone as far as you can with insulation, air-tightness etc., I would then make a decision on the heat source.

Deedsie

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120521256#Comment_120521256

Yes it is a big house, there is a basement section and a garage which really adds to the square footage. But we basically use this area as an inverted attic for storage and the garage is the shed.

I think we basically need to get an expert to come in and make a plan on what we should be aiming to do over time. That's what I was asking about here really, what could we use to replace the current boiler long term.

We defo want to install solar panels at some stage so would like that to be part of the solution.

Who do you call to consult on these things?

Windows and doors will be done by the end of June. That should have a major impact as the current ones are of poor quality and are not fitted very well.

It really should reduce how often we need to switch the boiler on next winter.

There is some attic insulation it's just not anywhere near today's standards.

Thanks