Combi boiler or conventional?

[David1158]

I know I have to have a condensing boiler fitted now I need to replace my existing boiler but I have recently been told by a salesman for one of the larger gas suppliers that as my flat is 25 years old I should not consider a combi boiler. His reasoning is that combi boilers, because they take water directly from the main, increase the pressure and it may cause a leak to my underfloor pipes. Is this true or is he just trying to sell me a more expensive condensing conventional boiler?

[raysparx]

Hi David,

For once the salesman is telling the truth,if a joint is a little bit loose it could make it leak slightly,you will also find that tap washers might need replacing after a little while,the another down side to a combi is that you lose the hot water cylinder,so if the boiler ever goes wrong you won't have an immersion heater as back up for your hot water, hope this helps you,Ray

[pilotlight]

David, There are many things to be taken into consideration when deciding what type of system will be best for you, including the valid points that Ray has made.

The only part of the system that will be under mains pressure ( that was not before ) ,if you choose a combi will be the pipework to, and including, the hot draw-offs. The rest of the system will be set to approximately 1 bar pressure,( if you change to a "sealed system " ). You will not have a cylinder / immersion heater as back up, but most combi manufacturers now offer at least a 2 year guarantee with a same day / next day call-out.

Advantages of having a combi are that you are not paying to heat up water in the cylinder that you may not use, also the cupboard where the cylinder was sited can be put to other uses.

May I suggest that as your financial outlay will be quite substancial whichever system you decide upon, that you acquire 3 quotes from reputable heating installers, along with their advice, and make your selection from these.

Hope this helps.

[David1158]

Thanks Ray and Pilotlight I really appreciate your input which is very helpful towards making a decision. I am getting a few quotes and will very much take into consideration each of the points you both raise before making the final decision.

[/Dracula\]

Combi

[djc45]

one point to add if you go for a combi check the hot water flow rate as you need 12lt per min for a good flow of hot water in my view