Oil to Gas Central Heating

[Yorkie580]

We currently have Oil fired Central Heating but would like to change to Gas.

How much is it likely to cost and how do we actually get gas to the house (it's in the street but not our property).

Would we be better off to go via a Gas Compnay or an independent local corgi plumber?

Also, can the new system be plumbed into our current radiators or would they all have to be changed?

[Buenchico]

Radiators work independently of the way that the water in them is heated, so you shouldn't need to change them.

As with any work by tradesmen, I'd suggest getting an absolute minimum of three quotes. (Five would probably be better). This should include both large and small firms.

A good starting point, though, might be to find out how much it would cost to have a gas supply connected to your house. For this, you'll have no real choice other than to contact the local distribution company for your area. (You can't avoid using their services because they have to install the metering equipment). The majority of domestic connections, in mainland Great Britain, are provided by National Grid but there are four other regional companies. You can find out which company serves your area by consulting the map, here:
http://www.nationalgrid.com/uk/Gas/Connections /domestic/

Chris

[buildersmate]

This is going to be expensive so I'm curious to know why you want to do it. As Chris says, Transco have to connect the gas to the house - probably about �500. You will have to install a new boiler which means Building Regs approval for the work, which means you will have to fit a condensing boiler - more efficient but more expensive. Probably about �1200 including fitting.

[Yorkie580]

Sorry for the delay in saying thanks.... computer was broken.

Our main reasons for doing it are the increasing cost of oil and the fact that our Oil Tank is getting old and will need replacing at some point over the next couple of years.

We've just moved in and are planning on doing a lot of decorating work etc and wanted to get things like the plumbing & electrics done before hand.

[hushpuppy7]

Yorkie580

I find myself in the same position as you, what did you decide to do in the end? If you went down the Gas route how much did it cost and did you encounter any problems and do you have any tips?

regards

[Yorkie580]

Part one of two...
Sorry for the delayed update.... yes we did go for the gas route - we were forced into it when our tank split.

My uncle actually qualified as Corgi Registered at the beginning of last year so we paid no labour for the actual installation and I helped out as far as I could, but it cost us about �700. That was without the removal of the oil tank. With the help of a neighbour I drained off the dregs and disposed of it at the local tip - we were also able to do likewise with the tank although it had to be cleaned out and cut up first (soaked up oil with sand etc). I wish we'd paid a local company (our oil delivery company would have done it) to dismantle and dispose of the tank in the end. It would have cost about 6-700 but would have been well worth it in retrospect.

My advice would be to make sure you speak to a plumber you trust - and get quotes. When we phoned round we got some quoting us over the phone without even looking at it (very iffy in my opinion) and some that were so cheap we were doubtful as to what would happen. The other thing is that you are losing your whole heating/water supply for at least a day (if not more) so it may be worth carting your family off for a few days (my wife and daughter went to my parent's for the week). Also expect for things to go wrong. Putting in a new boiler to an old heating system doesn't always go well initially, and you may find that you are calling the plumber back.

Speak to the plumber - ask about pitfalls - a good and honest one will be up front and will expect to come back for problems - they will also plan a return visit in the costings (you may have to ask) in order to do a post installation check up.

[Yorkie580]

Part two...

Ask about what sort of boiler... they should be asking about your demands/household make-up to decide on the best system to install. We've got a combi system but we have to be careful about how many hot taps we have on due to the length of some of the pipe runs. Not really a problem unless you have all the taps on (which I tried) but a good plumber will talk you through everything.

Find out about gas supply. Check out: http://www.nationalgrid.com/uk/Gas/Connections /domestic/ to get a quote for installation and to check whether they will do it � and make sure you get gas laid on in plenty of time for the installation of the boiler.

We are pleased with our system and not having to worry about refills. Also the eyesore/smell has gone from the garden!