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combi boilers

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By *icecouple561 OP   Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex

tell me about them.

We're not getting one but someone I know is getting quotes and they all push them towards combi

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I don't know anything about them but we have one

Miss S x

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

they hear water and your radiators

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"tell me about them.

We're not getting one but someone I know is getting quotes and they all push them towards combi "

Disastrous. Morw trouble than they are worth.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"tell me about them.

We're not getting one but someone I know is getting quotes and they all push them towards combi

Disastrous. Morw trouble than they are worth. "

Adding to the fact they have a low water threshold

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By *onameyet2Man
over a year ago

chorley

Not sure there is an alternative for central heating/ hot water, nothing wrong with them and they are all pretty much the same inside.

You will pay more for Baxi or Worcester but they’re all the same

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By *onameyet2Man
over a year ago

chorley


"tell me about them.

We're not getting one but someone I know is getting quotes and they all push them towards combi

Disastrous. Morw trouble than they are worth. "

Can’t see why you say this as there are literally millions of them in use?

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By *olace50Man
over a year ago

Northamptonshire

Combi boilers are ok if the system is small and your only running one bathroom from it the only real problem with them is there hot water output it can take along time to run a bath because the boiler makes the hot water on demand and doesn’t store a great deal there a really efficient heating system though

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"tell me about them.

We're not getting one but someone I know is getting quotes and they all push them towards combi

Disastrous. Morw trouble than they are worth.

Can’t see why you say this as there are literally millions of them in use?"

Constantly breaking down and my opinion you have yours I have mine.

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By *erry bull1Man
over a year ago

doncaster

I e never had a problem with mine

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By *inkForLifeCouple
over a year ago

North Shields

You can get ones with storage tanks. I've got an Alpha Cd50 which has a tank inside it, can happily run two showers. Newer equivalent ones are floor mounted which might exclude them for most people due to space.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Combi boilers are ok if the system is small and your only running one bathroom from it the only real problem with them is there hot water output it can take along time to run a bath because the boiler makes the hot water on demand and doesn’t store a great deal there a really efficient heating system though "

Not if they are shared the water runs cold. Work has one that is shared.

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By *ickdasterdly51Man
over a year ago

Lingfield

Interesting comments. We decided to remain with our traditional tank system rather than choose a combi and I now regret it. Constant moaning from family members about how there is no hot water because the previous person has spent ages in the shower! At least with a combi you get nearly instantaneous hot water for as long as you like.

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By *2000ManMan
over a year ago

Worthing

Make sure you get a good local reliable engineer to service once a year...as with all boilers.

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By *eedsortingMan
over a year ago

Radley

We've had a combi for years now and love them. We only have one shower / bathroom though so not experienced the problems others seem to have. Love the always on hot water supply we get with it without the inefficiency of having to heat a water tank. If you can't afford to go for a Air Source heat pump or ground source then I would go for a combi every time.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Instant hot water when you need it

It’s like a kettle. Except it’s powered by gas. So it’s about 3x cheaper

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By *ean counterMan
over a year ago

Market Harborough/ Kettering

Just don't let the pressure drop below about 1.5 bar. I haven't a clue what that means but it's good advice anyway

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By *hugwelMan
over a year ago

Jersey

Gas Combi or Oil Combi.

They work well but check the make they are offered Vailant and Worcester Bosch are good.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Not sure there is an alternative for central heating/ hot water, nothing wrong with them and they are all pretty much the same inside.

You will pay more for Baxi or Worcester but they’re all the same"

Open fire with a back boiler will do water and central heating. I'm looking at one as a nicer alternative to my current gas boiler.

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By *icecouple561 OP   Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex

Ok. Thanks everyone.

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By *icecouple561 OP   Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex


"I don't know anything about them but we have one

Miss S x"

this made me laugh way more than it should

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By *ools and the brainCouple
over a year ago

couple, us we him her.

Alot less faffing about than a water tank.

Valiant all the way.

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By *ucka39Man
over a year ago

Newcastle

Have an ideal logic combi are pretty basic and used correctly by settings are ok my boiler before could've warmed up 3 house which i think was a baxi had a faulty part which later manufacturers changed the part from plastic to copper. Can last a lifetime if keep up with the service each year

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"I don't know anything about them but we have one

Miss S x

this made me laugh way more than it should"

Miss S x

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By *icecouple561 OP   Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex


"Alot less faffing about than a water tank.

Valiant all the way."

less faffing about to install you mean?

There are people willing to quote on line to install a combi next day without even looking at a property. Is it really that easy?

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By *icecouple561 OP   Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex


"I don't know anything about them but we have one

Miss S x

this made me laugh way more than it should

Miss S x"

its the kind of thing a friend of mine would say and she makes me laugh a lot.

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By *inky_couple2020Couple
over a year ago

North West


"Alot less faffing about than a water tank.

Valiant all the way.

less faffing about to install you mean?

There are people willing to quote on line to install a combi next day without even looking at a property. Is it really that easy?"

Pretty much. You just need a gas supply, a water supply and a suitable external wall to stick it on. It'll cost more if radiators need upgrading and lots of new pipework but if that's already in situ and it's a straight swap, it's easy. Dad's new combi was fitted in place of a very old combi in November, took less than 1/2 a day and that included some floor repairs because of the leak.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"I don't know anything about them but we have one

Miss S x

this made me laugh way more than it should

Miss S x

its the kind of thing a friend of mine would say and she makes me laugh a lot. "

One of them things isn't it

It would have me too.

Like yeah I have it, but do I know what it does/how to use it/anything about it? Heck no

Miss S x

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By *icecouple561 OP   Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex


"Alot less faffing about than a water tank.

Valiant all the way.

less faffing about to install you mean?

There are people willing to quote on line to install a combi next day without even looking at a property. Is it really that easy?

Pretty much. You just need a gas supply, a water supply and a suitable external wall to stick it on. It'll cost more if radiators need upgrading and lots of new pipework but if that's already in situ and it's a straight swap, it's easy. Dad's new combi was fitted in place of a very old combi in November, took less than 1/2 a day and that included some floor repairs because of the leak. "

ok, thank you

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By *hrek101Man
over a year ago

Herts


"Alot less faffing about than a water tank.

Valiant all the way.

less faffing about to install you mean?

There are people willing to quote on line to install a combi next day without even looking at a property. Is it really that easy?"

Yeah I had new two months after moving in and old shitty one packed up. Did research and opted for German made Viessman, 10 year guarantee . Superb reviews. Got great price online including installation. They ask for some pictures of current set and that was it. My installer was amazing, did such a super neat job.

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By *TG3Man
over a year ago

Dorchester


"they hear water and your radiators"
oh my very clever so what does it do when it hears water coming?

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By *usie pTV/TS
over a year ago

taunton

I think gas and oil boilers are due to be phased out in the next couple of years so you may want to get one soon or replace an old one, after that I guess most folks will have to go electric.

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By *atnip make me purrWoman
over a year ago

Reading

Good luck getting anything other than a combi.

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By *ullyMan
over a year ago

Near Clacton

Hi, yes very efficient, space saving and economical. They are simple to program and control too. There are many kinds and many prices.

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By *ornucopiaMan
over a year ago

Bexley

Off hand, I can't think of any friends with one who haven't been let down by the things, usually at a very inconvenient time. Usually to do with pressure equalisation or similar.

All right if you can sort it out yourself but, otherwise, a nice regular meal ticket for the servicing people.

Nothing was simpler than my cast iron boiler. it might have been inefficient but the inefficiency took the form of heat released into the kitchen anyway. after using gas became a rip off because of all year round standing charges, I converted it to run on wood from my garden trees. It still warms the kitchen as well as providing an evening's worth of hot water round the radiators and the hot water cylinder. No electricity needed to control it when everything else around goes tits up.

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By *ornucopiaMan
over a year ago

Bexley


"Good luck getting anything other than a combi."

Like most things in life, it is what someone else, outside your control, decides you should have.

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By *UGGYBEAR2015Man
over a year ago

BRIDPORT


"Off hand, I can't think of any friends with one who haven't been let down by the things, usually at a very inconvenient time. Usually to do with pressure equalisation or similar.

All right if you can sort it out yourself but, otherwise, a nice regular meal ticket for the servicing people.

Nothing was simpler than my cast iron boiler. it might have been inefficient but the inefficiency took the form of heat released into the kitchen anyway. after using gas became a rip off because of all year round standing charges, I converted it to run on wood from my garden trees. It still warms the kitchen as well as providing an evening's worth of hot water round the radiators and the hot water cylinder. No electricity needed to control it when everything else around goes tits up."

My old Wilson Wallflame oil fired boiler did 30 years of service. We used to call it Concorde, the noise it made when it was fireing up

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By *ogan WillowCouple
over a year ago

Leeds

If you need a good supply, likely to need a few showers or baths, fit a tank as well.

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By *ools and the brainCouple
over a year ago

couple, us we him her.


"I think gas and oil boilers are due to be phased out in the next couple of years so you may want to get one soon or replace an old one, after that I guess most folks will have to go electric."

No the government are trying to force everyone to have a gound source heat pump.

Average cost of a system 14 grand and rising.

Yeah like the average person can afford that!

Add that to being forced to get an electric car which are way more expensive than a petrol or diesel alternative plus the cost of having a charge point fitted to your home.

Rip off Britain is going strong.

I guarantee that countries like the USA and France will not be forced to do this.

Why do we just roll over and take it?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"I think gas and oil boilers are due to be phased out in the next couple of years so you may want to get one soon or replace an old one, after that I guess most folks will have to go electric.

No the government are trying to force everyone to have a gound source heat pump.

Average cost of a system 14 grand and rising.

Yeah like the average person can afford that!

Add that to being forced to get an electric car which are way more expensive than a petrol or diesel alternative plus the cost of having a charge point fitted to your home.

Rip off Britain is going strong.

I guarantee that countries like the USA and France will not be forced to do this.

Why do we just roll over and take it?

"

The push towards electric boilers is coming and it’s a good one

You normal boiler uses 0% renewables

Your electric one will be able to use renewables

It’s a great step in helping the planet

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By *xfordjohnMan
over a year ago

Oxford

[Removed by poster at 12/01/24 21:41:30]

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By *xfordjohnMan
over a year ago

Oxford

Yes, you are right but it won't happen until the costs are the same or lower than for conventional kit.

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By *eronikapaulCouple
over a year ago

Reading

An instant hot water combi boiler is a great idea if you only have one bathroom, have lots of patience with running a bath or don't have a bath, and don't want to ever do the dishes while someone has a shower. Absolutely the ideal for singletons or small households. For a big household it can be irritating and stop start operation is not the most efficient way to run a gas boiler.

A traditional UK hot tank and header system is good for baths. If you have more than one bathroom fit a bigger hot water tank rather than a bigger boiler. Not so good for showers because the hot / cold balance is affected by multiple users and the shower pressure can be a bit feeble if your hot tank isn't high enough.

If affordable the best "luxury" option is a continental style pressurised hot water system. The hot tank runs at mains pressure so you get a powerful shower without a pump and multiple users do not affect each other. With a big enough boiler and a really well insulated tank for efficiency this is the business.

Absolutely not a plumber

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Break every five years right after the warranty runs out. Otherwise no issues.

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By *iamondsmiles.Woman
over a year ago

little house on the praire

My mum too has been getting quotes. She's decided to have one after advice

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By *JB1954Man
over a year ago

Reading

I last year around this time was speaking with a engineer who installs heat pumps.

Yes as a reply to this about installation cost of heat pumps. 14k is what engineer said to me for my house.

Then he said about to ensure heat pump gave efficient heat. What was needed in my house and approx cost.

My house is 3 bedroom semi detached house built in 1936 . It has cavity walls.

So would need cavity wall insulation done . Plus as rendered . Paintwork redone. Cost say 3k depending on what found to clear debris out .

Next was roof . This needs tiles removing and felt fitted . Approx cost 7k . ( new tiles ) . Plus inside of joists insulated. I do have loft insulation .

Now to do work. I would have to vacate house for about four / six weeks . Put furniture into storage and find somewhere to live. Plus as not at home food costs . Plus also as double glazing ten years old should be renewed also.

Then painting , decorating after work done.

So he estimated that . I would be lucky to get costs of around 30k or more.

As he said . No one says full cost of installing and heat pumps to ensure efficient heating ?

How many can afford such costs ?

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By *icecouple561 OP   Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex

thanks again everyone

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By *oubleswing2019Man
over a year ago

Colchester


"tell me about them.

We're not getting one but someone I know is getting quotes and they all push them towards combi "

That shit will fcuk you up.

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By *icecouple561 OP   Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex


"tell me about them.

We're not getting one but someone I know is getting quotes and they all push them towards combi

That shit will fcuk you up."

A combi boiler!

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By *ranny-CrumpetWoman
over a year ago

The Town by The Cross

Combi = Combination.

A hot water heater and radiator heating heater combined.

We switched to combi many years ago and I wouldn't be without mine.

Benefits is it takes up much less space.

Drawback ..... if it goes there is no hot water and no heating.

Luckily I have gas fires AND a shower too so I always get by in a breakdown AND i've had 2 breakdowns and each of those was way past the guaranteed lifetime of the boiler ......so really ..... no breakdowns just 'deaths' at a ripe old age

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By *ranny-CrumpetWoman
over a year ago

The Town by The Cross


"Break every five years right after the warranty runs out. Otherwise no issues."

I had my last one for over 20 years .... and decided not to go for repair but to renew.

I do buy good in the first place though and the one before that I had for about 16 years or more

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By *ools and the brainCouple
over a year ago

couple, us we him her.


"Break every five years right after the warranty runs out. Otherwise no issues.

I had my last one for over 20 years .... and decided not to go for repair but to renew.

I do buy good in the first place though and the one before that I had for about 16 years or more"

Our old Worcester combi was almost 30 years old before it expired.

Had a valiant fitted in 2013 been great have a service and maintenance plan with British gas for peace of mind.

Team Valiant GO

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By *ldbutrandyMan
over a year ago

West Midlands


"Combi = Combination.

A hot water heater and radiator heating heater combined.

We switched to combi many years ago and I wouldn't be without mine.

Benefits is it takes up much less space.

Drawback ..... if it goes there is no hot water and no heating.

Luckily I have gas fires AND a shower too so I always get by in a breakdown AND i've had 2 breakdowns and each of those was way past the guaranteed lifetime of the boiler ......so really ..... no breakdowns just 'deaths' at a ripe old age "

I'm sorry for your loss

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By *alandNitaCouple
over a year ago

Scunthorpe


"Combi boilers are ok if the system is small and your only running one bathroom from it the only real problem with them is there hot water output it can take along time to run a bath because the boiler makes the hot water on demand and doesn’t store a great deal there a really efficient heating system though

Not if they are shared the water runs cold. Work has one that is shared. "

Any boiler needs to be "right" for the job it's being asked to do. There are various sizes of combi boler available. I would assume that in the case that you've experienced, whoever has "designed" the system has not chosen the right boiler for the requirements.

In general, a combi boiler is best suited to small & average sized homes with only ONE BATHROOM, they're not the ideal choice for larger installations or for comercial use.

Cal

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By *ranny-CrumpetWoman
over a year ago

The Town by The Cross


"Combi = Combination.

A hot water heater and radiator heating heater combined.

We switched to combi many years ago and I wouldn't be without mine.

Benefits is it takes up much less space.

Drawback ..... if it goes there is no hot water and no heating.

Luckily I have gas fires AND a shower too so I always get by in a breakdown AND i've had 2 breakdowns and each of those was way past the guaranteed lifetime of the boiler ......so really ..... no breakdowns just 'deaths' at a ripe old age

I'm sorry for your loss "

Kind of you. I'm coping x

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By *oodmessMan
over a year ago

yumsville

Reading all this I'm wondering... if boilers are being phased out and the outlay for heat pumps is so much, along with added upheaval, why aren't solar panels being pushed more? The radiators will be switched to electric anyway - so the cost will be near equivalent if less over time? You can buy small instant hot water systems cheaply that fit under sinks or near showers, or quooker type faucets with the panels supplying the power?

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By *asycouple1971Couple
over a year ago

midlands

Got a worcester bosch one from BG about 15yrs ago.

A few problems that was fixed with the BG plan we had but had to cancel it as it got expensive.

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By *aaveeMan
over a year ago

Poole

The only downside is if they break down you don't have heating or hot water, unlike a conventional system where you have an immersion heater

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By *icecouple561 OP   Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex

For context this is for my dad. He's 96 and without putting too fine a point on it unlikely to be in need of heating for the long term. Longevity isn't so much if an issue therefore as reliability.

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By *asycouple1971Couple
over a year ago

midlands


"For context this is for my dad. He's 96 and without putting too fine a point on it unlikely to be in need of heating for the long term. Longevity isn't so much if an issue therefore as reliability. "

They are very expensive if you go with BG.

Shop around but get a good brand.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Reading all this I'm wondering... if boilers are being phased out and the outlay for heat pumps is so much, along with added upheaval, why aren't solar panels being pushed more? The radiators will be switched to electric anyway - so the cost will be near equivalent if less over time? You can buy small instant hot water systems cheaply that fit under sinks or near showers, or quooker type faucets with the panels supplying the power?

"

Solar on houses was kind of an idea that doesn’t work that well

Expensive to install, hard to maintain, low return on investment. And to make them even worthwhile you need a battery storage system.

The future is solar, but not solar on your roof. It’s solar farms

The same reason we don’t all put wind turbines in our garden

It’s better to size everything up at one point if distribution then try to scale everything down at each house

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By *icecouple561 OP   Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex


"The only downside is if they break down you don't have heating or hot water, unlike a conventional system where you have an immersion heater "

I assume you no longer have an airing cupboard either.

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By *icecouple561 OP   Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex


"For context this is for my dad. He's 96 and without putting too fine a point on it unlikely to be in need of heating for the long term. Longevity isn't so much if an issue therefore as reliability.

They are very expensive if you go with BG.

Shop around but get a good brand. "

Yes BG are expensive. They will also try to sell Hive to you, quite forcefully.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"The only downside is if they break down you don't have heating or hot water, unlike a conventional system where you have an immersion heater

I assume you no longer have an airing cupboard either.

"

Sadly, no. Most combi make heat on demand, as it’s needed, not stored. So no big warm tank to act as a heater for the cupboard

Some combis come with a tank, but they’re the bigger, more expensive ones

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By *icecouple561 OP   Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex


"The only downside is if they break down you don't have heating or hot water, unlike a conventional system where you have an immersion heater

I assume you no longer have an airing cupboard either.

Sadly, no. Most combi make heat on demand, as it’s needed, not stored. So no big warm tank to act as a heater for the cupboard

Some combis come with a tank, but they’re the bigger, more expensive ones "

We've explained all of this to my dad and he's not keen so he's opting for a conventional boiler. He lives in quite a large home and being left with no access to heating or hot water in case of a breakdown is a risk he doesn't want to take. He's also not too keen on change so it's a bit of a mission anyway

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By *oodmessMan
over a year ago

yumsville


"Reading all this I'm wondering... if boilers are being phased out and the outlay for heat pumps is so much, along with added upheaval, why aren't solar panels being pushed more? The radiators will be switched to electric anyway - so the cost will be near equivalent if less over time? You can buy small instant hot water systems cheaply that fit under sinks or near showers, or quooker type faucets with the panels supplying the power?

Solar on houses was kind of an idea that doesn’t work that well

Expensive to install, hard to maintain, low return on investment. And to make them even worthwhile you need a battery storage system.

The future is solar, but not solar on your roof. It’s solar farms

The same reason we don’t all put wind turbines in our garden

It’s better to size everything up at one point if distribution then try to scale everything down at each house "

I cant agree with the analogy. A turbine in your garden is impractical for a number of reasons. That aside, I know people with solar panels and had them for decades, they've paid for themselves. No I don't know about maintenance but they haven't replaced them. As a comparison cost to heat pumps they are a similar price (maybe less) and more gain, but without all the system tear out.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Reading all this I'm wondering... if boilers are being phased out and the outlay for heat pumps is so much, along with added upheaval, why aren't solar panels being pushed more? The radiators will be switched to electric anyway - so the cost will be near equivalent if less over time? You can buy small instant hot water systems cheaply that fit under sinks or near showers, or quooker type faucets with the panels supplying the power?

Solar on houses was kind of an idea that doesn’t work that well

Expensive to install, hard to maintain, low return on investment. And to make them even worthwhile you need a battery storage system.

The future is solar, but not solar on your roof. It’s solar farms

The same reason we don’t all put wind turbines in our garden

It’s better to size everything up at one point if distribution then try to scale everything down at each house

I cant agree with the analogy. A turbine in your garden is impractical for a number of reasons. That aside, I know people with solar panels and had them for decades, they've paid for themselves. No I don't know about maintenance but they haven't replaced them. As a comparison cost to heat pumps they are a similar price (maybe less) and more gain, but without all the system tear out."

Fair enough, either way they aren’t practical compared to the alternatives

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"The only downside is if they break down you don't have heating or hot water, unlike a conventional system where you have an immersion heater

I assume you no longer have an airing cupboard either.

Sadly, no. Most combi make heat on demand, as it’s needed, not stored. So no big warm tank to act as a heater for the cupboard

Some combis come with a tank, but they’re the bigger, more expensive ones

We've explained all of this to my dad and he's not keen so he's opting for a conventional boiler. He lives in quite a large home and being left with no access to heating or hot water in case of a breakdown is a risk he doesn't want to take. He's also not too keen on change so it's a bit of a mission anyway "

Usually you’ll install a little electric tube heater in the airing cupboard to keep it warm enough to use as one

But yeah, sadly the risk of losing all heat is a bit much for some

Plus, if it’s a big house, a big combi might be needed

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By *icecouple561 OP   Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex


"The only downside is if they break down you don't have heating or hot water, unlike a conventional system where you have an immersion heater

I assume you no longer have an airing cupboard either.

Sadly, no. Most combi make heat on demand, as it’s needed, not stored. So no big warm tank to act as a heater for the cupboard

Some combis come with a tank, but they’re the bigger, more expensive ones

We've explained all of this to my dad and he's not keen so he's opting for a conventional boiler. He lives in quite a large home and being left with no access to heating or hot water in case of a breakdown is a risk he doesn't want to take. He's also not too keen on change so it's a bit of a mission anyway

Usually you’ll install a little electric tube heater in the airing cupboard to keep it warm enough to use as one

But yeah, sadly the risk of losing all heat is a bit much for some

Plus, if it’s a big house, a big combi might be needed "

He does have open fires but I'm trying to avoid him carrying coal and chopping fire wood. Although he does do that currently he won't be able to continue for ever.

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By *irty-pairCouple
over a year ago

Essex

We have a Worcester, which has been good so far. It replaced a knackered Ferrolli, which are regarded as terrible.

They’re an efficient use of space, but it’s worth noting that it’ll fire up every time you want a little bit of warm water (washing hands etc). A conventional boiler with a tank can be run in the morning and may well have enough to see you through the day. Both have advantages, but anecdotally, conventional boilers seem to last longer.

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By *oodmessMan
over a year ago

yumsville


"The only downside is if they break down you don't have heating or hot water, unlike a conventional system where you have an immersion heater

I assume you no longer have an airing cupboard either.

Sadly, no. Most combi make heat on demand, as it’s needed, not stored. So no big warm tank to act as a heater for the cupboard

Some combis come with a tank, but they’re the bigger, more expensive ones

We've explained all of this to my dad and he's not keen so he's opting for a conventional boiler. He lives in quite a large home and being left with no access to heating or hot water in case of a breakdown is a risk he doesn't want to take. He's also not too keen on change so it's a bit of a mission anyway

Usually you’ll install a little electric tube heater in the airing cupboard to keep it warm enough to use as one

But yeah, sadly the risk of losing all heat is a bit much for some

Plus, if it’s a big house, a big combi might be needed

He does have open fires but I'm trying to avoid him carrying coal and chopping fire wood. Although he does do that currently he won't be able to continue for ever. "

I was going to ask how he heats his house as you said heating isn't as important. I'd think whichever is opted for it'll be a good £3.5k. If radiators need upgrading probably more as things like thermostats all add to cost. Heating in old age is a priority, illnesses can come on pretty quick and are harder to shift

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By *icecouple561 OP   Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex


"The only downside is if they break down you don't have heating or hot water, unlike a conventional system where you have an immersion heater

I assume you no longer have an airing cupboard either.

Sadly, no. Most combi make heat on demand, as it’s needed, not stored. So no big warm tank to act as a heater for the cupboard

Some combis come with a tank, but they’re the bigger, more expensive ones

We've explained all of this to my dad and he's not keen so he's opting for a conventional boiler. He lives in quite a large home and being left with no access to heating or hot water in case of a breakdown is a risk he doesn't want to take. He's also not too keen on change so it's a bit of a mission anyway

Usually you’ll install a little electric tube heater in the airing cupboard to keep it warm enough to use as one

But yeah, sadly the risk of losing all heat is a bit much for some

Plus, if it’s a big house, a big combi might be needed

He does have open fires but I'm trying to avoid him carrying coal and chopping fire wood. Although he does do that currently he won't be able to continue for ever.

I was going to ask how he heats his house as you said heating isn't as important. I'd think whichever is opted for it'll be a good £3.5k. If radiators need upgrading probably more as things like thermostats all add to cost. Heating in old age is a priority, illnesses can come on pretty quick and are harder to shift"

Heating is very important to him he currently has an old conventional back boiler that's on its last legs. He does have the alternative of open fires as I said but at night the house gets very cold and the bedroom fireplaces haven't been used since about 1970 even if he could lug a coal bucket up there .

He needs constant heat and constant hot water with minimum fuss. He also insists on an airing cupboard.

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By *oodmessMan
over a year ago

yumsville

It's a bit of can't do good for doing bad this as, if he stops using the open fires the chimneys will be a source of cold. It's another head scratch on how to prevent him using them

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By *icecouple561 OP   Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex


"It's a bit of can't do good for doing bad this as, if he stops using the open fires the chimneys will be a source of cold. It's another head scratch on how to prevent him using them"

I wouldn't try to prevent him using them. It's a balancing act between maintaining someone's independence, respecting their dignity and pride and trying to keep them safe.

Being the child of a very elderly parent who's of mostly sound mind but increasingly doesn't understand the modern world is a case of sitting back and watching while being ready to step in when needed.

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By *rHotNottsMan
over a year ago

Dubai & Nottingham

They are good for single person or maybe 2 in a smallish space like a well insulated terraced house or flat.

For bigger spaces and families with higher usage they can a really bad idea, and work them hard they will need to be replaced every 2-3 years

.

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By *ornym66Man
over a year ago

Col /ips

I'm looking at going for a basic combo oil boiler but my m8 plummer told me to go for a Worcester ??

Which is better

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By *ornym66Man
over a year ago

Col /ips

Sorry baxi boiler

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By *rHotNottsMan
over a year ago

Dubai & Nottingham


"It's a bit of can't do good for doing bad this as, if he stops using the open fires the chimneys will be a source of cold. It's another head scratch on how to prevent him using them

I wouldn't try to prevent him using them. It's a balancing act between maintaining someone's independence, respecting their dignity and pride and trying to keep them safe.

Being the child of a very elderly parent who's of mostly sound mind but increasingly doesn't understand the modern world is a case of sitting back and watching while being ready to step in when needed. "

Uk culture is a strange thing. Most people abroad I know have the responsibility / duty to take care of the old so they make the decisions as a family.

I think sometimes we value an old person’s independence above their physical and emotional needs - I know when I’m old I’d be extremely happy in a nice warm granny flat in the garden being taken care of by kids, grandkids and in-laws. And I would feel guilty - it’s the duty of children to look after their parents

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By *ldbutrandyMan
over a year ago

West Midlands


"It's a bit of can't do good for doing bad this as, if he stops using the open fires the chimneys will be a source of cold. It's another head scratch on how to prevent him using them

I wouldn't try to prevent him using them. It's a balancing act between maintaining someone's independence, respecting their dignity and pride and trying to keep them safe.

Being the child of a very elderly parent who's of mostly sound mind but increasingly doesn't understand the modern world is a case of sitting back and watching while being ready to step in when needed.

Uk culture is a strange thing. Most people abroad I know have the responsibility / duty to take care of the old so they make the decisions as a family.

I think sometimes we value an old person’s independence above their physical and emotional needs - I know when I’m old I’d be extremely happy in a nice warm granny flat in the garden being taken care of by kids, grandkids and in-laws. And I would feel guilty - it’s the duty of children to look after their parents "

Sitting here , popcorn at ready

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By *icecouple561 OP   Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex


"It's a bit of can't do good for doing bad this as, if he stops using the open fires the chimneys will be a source of cold. It's another head scratch on how to prevent him using them

I wouldn't try to prevent him using them. It's a balancing act between maintaining someone's independence, respecting their dignity and pride and trying to keep them safe.

Being the child of a very elderly parent who's of mostly sound mind but increasingly doesn't understand the modern world is a case of sitting back and watching while being ready to step in when needed.

Uk culture is a strange thing. Most people abroad I know have the responsibility / duty to take care of the old so they make the decisions as a family.

I think sometimes we value an old person’s independence above their physical and emotional needs - I know when I’m old I’d be extremely happy in a nice warm granny flat in the garden being taken care of by kids, grandkids and in-laws. And I would feel guilty - it’s the duty of children to look after their parents "

If that's what you want that's great. It isn't what my father wants. We take care of him as far as he'll allow us.

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By *icecouple561 OP   Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex


"It's a bit of can't do good for doing bad this as, if he stops using the open fires the chimneys will be a source of cold. It's another head scratch on how to prevent him using them

I wouldn't try to prevent him using them. It's a balancing act between maintaining someone's independence, respecting their dignity and pride and trying to keep them safe.

Being the child of a very elderly parent who's of mostly sound mind but increasingly doesn't understand the modern world is a case of sitting back and watching while being ready to step in when needed.

Uk culture is a strange thing. Most people abroad I know have the responsibility / duty to take care of the old so they make the decisions as a family.

I think sometimes we value an old person’s independence above their physical and emotional needs - I know when I’m old I’d be extremely happy in a nice warm granny flat in the garden being taken care of by kids, grandkids and in-laws. And I would feel guilty - it’s the duty of children to look after their parents

Sitting here , popcorn at ready "

I think 'depending on their previous relationship ' it is the duty of children to look after their parents. However treating old people as if they're incapable of making decisions or independent thought is patronising and insulting

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

That’s what’s great about fab. Opinions on Combi boilers can turn quickly into “are you sure you’re looking after your elderly father correctly based on my limit knowledge”

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By *icecouple561 OP   Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex


"That’s what’s great about fab. Opinions on Combi boilers can turn quickly into “are you sure you’re looking after your elderly father correctly based on my limit knowledge” "

.

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By *ilverjagMan
over a year ago

swansea

Check you might be able to get a grant or a free installation, especially if you are an unpaid carer. One of my tenants on housing benefit got a full replacement central heating system and boiler installed totally free of charge. All I had to do as the property owner was give my permission for the work to go ahead. I'm not sure if it just applies to Wales though, but worth checking out.

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By *icecouple561 OP   Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex


"Check you might be able to get a grant or a free installation, especially if you are an unpaid carer. One of my tenants on housing benefit got a full replacement central heating system and boiler installed totally free of charge. All I had to do as the property owner was give my permission for the work to go ahead. I'm not sure if it just applies to Wales though, but worth checking out. "

Thanks I will

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By *ickeyblueeyes7Man
over a year ago

newport


"Alot less faffing about than a water tank.

Valiant all the way.

less faffing about to install you mean?

There are people willing to quote on line to install a combi next day without even looking at a property. Is it really that easy?

Pretty much. You just need a gas supply, a water supply and a suitable external wall to stick it on. It'll cost more if radiators need upgrading and lots of new pipework but if that's already in situ and it's a straight swap, it's easy. Dad's new combi was fitted in place of a very old combi in November, took less than 1/2 a day and that included some floor repairs because of the leak. "

Don’t even need an outside wall, ours is in the airing cupboard on the landing which is not an outside wall but is vented through the ceiling and roof

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By *ugby 123Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

O o O oo


"For context this is for my dad. He's 96 and without putting too fine a point on it unlikely to be in need of heating for the long term. Longevity isn't so much if an issue therefore as reliability. "

We had the last one in a different house for 11 years, it broke down once ( we have home breakdown cover for various things that came free at the time with the buildings and content insurance so it cost us nothing to fix ) It could well still be working.

We put one in in our last house and didn't have any bother with it. I am not going to jinx anything by mentioning the one we inherited in this house just in case, but this has been in for a few years

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By *ugby 123Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

O o O oo

PS just saw your comment about your dad worrying about being without water etc. You can buy an add on to your house insurance ( most times they say it is free ) that comes out for roof/ electric/ drains/ boiler repairs etc. They will send people the same day and fix if they can there and then.

If you do get charged for it it works out a lot cheaper than paying for a service plan or appliance repair plan that I have seen. Our last one was for £30

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By *he Silver FuxMan
over a year ago

Uttoxeter

Combi boiler if it’s a small flat, 1 to 2 occupancy, nobody there during the day and you don’t have room for hot water storage tank. I like powerful hot showers. Never found a combi-boiler that delivers the volume of instant high pressure hot water that folks want unless paying £1000’s.

A condensing system boiler and a tank always first choice. The heat loss from the storage tank (efficient modern ones are heavily insulated) is great for a linen cupboard and contributes to heating the house anyway - it isn’t ‘wasted’.

One thing to consider if you are in a hard water area is that the combi boiler heat exchanger will need replacing frequently. The manufacturers never reveal that you will lose 10 to 20% of hot water delivery capacity they claim within a month as the mineral deposits coat the internals of the heat exchangers reducing heat transfer. Their performance figures are based on brand new condition.

90% of call outs for lack of hot water I have had are combi boilers with clogged heat exchangers. Call out, parts, an 1 hour labour and knowing I’ll be back in a year is great for me. For customers maintenance costs wipe out any savings made compared to a system boiler. It’s about cost of through life ownership- not just purchase / installation.

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By *icecouple561 OP   Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex


"PS just saw your comment about your dad worrying about being without water etc. You can buy an add on to your house insurance ( most times they say it is free ) that comes out for roof/ electric/ drains/ boiler repairs etc. They will send people the same day and fix if they can there and then.

If you do get charged for it it works out a lot cheaper than paying for a service plan or appliance repair plan that I have seen. Our last one was for £30"

He has a British gas policy that covers his heating. They know his system well .

This whole discussion has come about because BG have given him quite an expensive quote and tried quite aggressively to get him to have Hive.

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By *icecouple561 OP   Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex


"Combi boiler if it’s a small flat, 1 to 2 occupancy, nobody there during the day and you don’t have room for hot water storage tank. I like powerful hot showers. Never found a combi-boiler that delivers the volume of instant high pressure hot water that folks want unless paying £1000’s.

A condensing system boiler and a tank always first choice. The heat loss from the storage tank (efficient modern ones are heavily insulated) is great for a linen cupboard and contributes to heating the house anyway - it isn’t ‘wasted’.

One thing to consider if you are in a hard water area is that the combi boiler heat exchanger will need replacing frequently. The manufacturers never reveal that you will lose 10 to 20% of hot water delivery capacity they claim within a month as the mineral deposits coat the internals of the heat exchangers reducing heat transfer. Their performance figures are based on brand new condition.

90% of call outs for lack of hot water I have had are combi boilers with clogged heat exchangers. Call out, parts, an 1 hour labour and knowing I’ll be back in a year is great for me. For customers maintenance costs wipe out any savings made compared to a system boiler. It’s about cost of through life ownership- not just purchase / installation."

That's interesting because this whole area is hard water.

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By *he Silver FuxMan
over a year ago

Uttoxeter


"Combi boiler if it’s a small flat, 1 to 2 occupancy, nobody there during the day and you don’t have room for hot water storage tank. I like powerful hot showers. Never found a combi-boiler that delivers the volume of instant high pressure hot water that folks want unless paying £1000’s.

A condensing system boiler and a tank always first choice. The heat loss from the storage tank (efficient modern ones are heavily insulated) is great for a linen cupboard and contributes to heating the house anyway - it isn’t ‘wasted’.

One thing to consider if you are in a hard water area is that the combi boiler heat exchanger will need replacing frequently. The manufacturers never reveal that you will lose 10 to 20% of hot water delivery capacity they claim within a month as the mineral deposits coat the internals of the heat exchangers reducing heat transfer. Their performance figures are based on brand new condition.

90% of call outs for lack of hot water I have had are combi boilers with clogged heat exchangers. Call out, parts, an 1 hour labour and knowing I’ll be back in a year is great for me. For customers maintenance costs wipe out any savings made compared to a system boiler. It’s about cost of through life ownership- not just purchase / installation.

That's interesting because this whole area is hard water."

If your kettle furs up then that is going to be the coating on the inside of the combi heat exchanger (it’s an insulator so reduces the amount of heat the boiler can put into the passing water) - they have flat plates / narrow channels to be compact enough to fit inside the boiler unit - these narrow water channels clog up reducing flow rate as well as cutting down on heat transfer..

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By *oodmessMan
over a year ago

yumsville

I have a system filter attached to mine, not sure what it does - if it's for hard water or general filtration but it's been running solid heating a fairly large house without issue

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By *inky_couple2020Couple
over a year ago

North West


"Combi boiler if it’s a small flat, 1 to 2 occupancy, nobody there during the day and you don’t have room for hot water storage tank. I like powerful hot showers. Never found a combi-boiler that delivers the volume of instant high pressure hot water that folks want unless paying £1000’s.

A condensing system boiler and a tank always first choice. The heat loss from the storage tank (efficient modern ones are heavily insulated) is great for a linen cupboard and contributes to heating the house anyway - it isn’t ‘wasted’.

One thing to consider if you are in a hard water area is that the combi boiler heat exchanger will need replacing frequently. The manufacturers never reveal that you will lose 10 to 20% of hot water delivery capacity they claim within a month as the mineral deposits coat the internals of the heat exchangers reducing heat transfer. Their performance figures are based on brand new condition.

90% of call outs for lack of hot water I have had are combi boilers with clogged heat exchangers. Call out, parts, an 1 hour labour and knowing I’ll be back in a year is great for me. For customers maintenance costs wipe out any savings made compared to a system boiler. It’s about cost of through life ownership- not just purchase / installation."

Is there any way to avoid the mineral clogging issue? We're in a hard water area for the first time ever

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By *oquars19458Man
over a year ago

sheffield


"Interesting comments. We decided to remain with our traditional tank system rather than choose a combi and I now regret it. Constant moaning from family members about how there is no hot water because the previous person has spent ages in the shower! At least with a combi you get nearly instantaneous hot water for as long as you like. "

Keep your old boiler as long as you can, think about an electric shower?

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By *929Man
over a year ago

bedlington

Just make sure get big enough one for house go overboard if needed, the old couple who owned my house prior to me were stitched up by British Gas fitted entire heating system with far too small boiler probably charged twice as much as should and the boiler was twatfull took nearly an hour to get a lukewarm bath (found this out after fitting large double end bath) had already paid for boiler relocated to garage (before moving in so didn’t know how shit it was) had to then rip out and get new

Baxi been the best of lot most other brands had spent more time broken down

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By *andyfloss2000Woman
over a year ago

ashford

Would love a combi boiler! I'm due a new boiler! I'm in council housing I did ask if could have one but they said they don't put those in shame! X

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By *ugby 123Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

O o O oo


"PS just saw your comment about your dad worrying about being without water etc. You can buy an add on to your house insurance ( most times they say it is free ) that comes out for roof/ electric/ drains/ boiler repairs etc. They will send people the same day and fix if they can there and then.

If you do get charged for it it works out a lot cheaper than paying for a service plan or appliance repair plan that I have seen. Our last one was for £30

He has a British gas policy that covers his heating. They know his system well .

This whole discussion has come about because BG have given him quite an expensive quote and tried quite aggressively to get him to have Hive. "

Yeah they tried that with the MIL who is close to your dads age, he also slagged off the last customer for making him late ( which is off putting ) then slagged off the competition ( which is also off putting ) while pushing the Hive even above the boiler change.

When we didn't look interested at the hive he was pushing he then got it up on his phone to show us what we were missing out on, then noticed his CH was on when it shouldn't be so got distracted trying to turn it off and hadn't noticed Mr R had opened the front door for him to leave. On another note their boiler plans are expensive to what you can get instead ( like the on his house insurance option ) but if he is anything like the MIL then he will think we have to go with BG because "we can trust them "

Me personally, if the old one is still working and he is happy with it, I would keep it.

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By *he ass man 666Man
over a year ago

paradise city

No problem with mine gas it over a year saves a lot £££ hot water on demand not like my old back boiler that took forever to heat a tank of water

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By *obilebottomMan
over a year ago

All over

They try this all the time . I warn them as soon as they walk through the door. You are here to just service the boiler that works fine. Try anything else and you are out of the door. Also share that I had one of them reported before when he tried to tell me I had to flush thr whole system at neay a cost of a grand when there was nothing wrong. I get the odd glare but works.

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By *icecouple561 OP   Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex


"PS just saw your comment about your dad worrying about being without water etc. You can buy an add on to your house insurance ( most times they say it is free ) that comes out for roof/ electric/ drains/ boiler repairs etc. They will send people the same day and fix if they can there and then.

If you do get charged for it it works out a lot cheaper than paying for a service plan or appliance repair plan that I have seen. Our last one was for £30

He has a British gas policy that covers his heating. They know his system well .

This whole discussion has come about because BG have given him quite an expensive quote and tried quite aggressively to get him to have Hive.

Yeah they tried that with the MIL who is close to your dads age, he also slagged off the last customer for making him late ( which is off putting ) then slagged off the competition ( which is also off putting ) while pushing the Hive even above the boiler change.

When we didn't look interested at the hive he was pushing he then got it up on his phone to show us what we were missing out on, then noticed his CH was on when it shouldn't be so got distracted trying to turn it off and hadn't noticed Mr R had opened the front door for him to leave. On another note their boiler plans are expensive to what you can get instead ( like the on his house insurance option ) but if he is anything like the MIL then he will think we have to go with BG because "we can trust them "

Me personally, if the old one is still working and he is happy with it, I would keep it. "

at Mr R opening the front door.

He does need a new one really. There's an intermittent fault and it sometimes doesn't come in in the morning.

I'll look at his insurances to see if he can get it cheaper. If he'll let me

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By *ugby 123Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

O o O oo

lol good luck, it took us four years , now she mentions how much money she is saving and tells us how to do it

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By *icecouple561 OP   Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex


"lol good luck, it took us four years , now she mentions how much money she is saving and tells us how to do it "

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By *oodmessMan
over a year ago

yumsville


"PS just saw your comment about your dad worrying about being without water etc. You can buy an add on to your house insurance ( most times they say it is free ) that comes out for roof/ electric/ drains/ boiler repairs etc. They will send people the same day and fix if they can there and then.

If you do get charged for it it works out a lot cheaper than paying for a service plan or appliance repair plan that I have seen. Our last one was for £30

He has a British gas policy that covers his heating. They know his system well .

This whole discussion has come about because BG have given him quite an expensive quote and tried quite aggressively to get him to have Hive.

Yeah they tried that with the MIL who is close to your dads age, he also slagged off the last customer for making him late ( which is off putting ) then slagged off the competition ( which is also off putting ) while pushing the Hive even above the boiler change.

When we didn't look interested at the hive he was pushing he then got it up on his phone to show us what we were missing out on, then noticed his CH was on when it shouldn't be so got distracted trying to turn it off and hadn't noticed Mr R had opened the front door for him to leave. On another note their boiler plans are expensive to what you can get instead ( like the on his house insurance option ) but if he is anything like the MIL then he will think we have to go with BG because "we can trust them "

Me personally, if the old one is still working and he is happy with it, I would keep it.

at Mr R opening the front door.

He does need a new one really. There's an intermittent fault and it sometimes doesn't come in in the morning.

I'll look at his insurances to see if he can get it cheaper. If he'll let me "

Combis heat houses/rooms by thermostats. If he's going to put logs on a fire you're going to pay a good amount of money for it not coming on as the house will already be part hot. It's why I mentioned earlier about preventing him from using the chimney. Blocking it up is a bit dangerous, taking it down is expensive, but the heat from radiators and a fire circulates differently. Getting a combi will only work if a fire isn't used (but the chimney will be a source of cold) which given his age I doubt he'll stop doing.

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By *he Silver FuxMan
over a year ago

Uttoxeter


"Combi boiler if it’s a small flat, 1 to 2 occupancy, nobody there during the day and you don’t have room for hot water storage tank. I like powerful hot showers. Never found a combi-boiler that delivers the volume of instant high pressure hot water that folks want unless paying £1000’s.

A condensing system boiler and a tank always first choice. The heat loss from the storage tank (efficient modern ones are heavily insulated) is great for a linen cupboard and contributes to heating the house anyway - it isn’t ‘wasted’.

One thing to consider if you are in a hard water area is that the combi boiler heat exchanger will need replacing frequently. The manufacturers never reveal that you will lose 10 to 20% of hot water delivery capacity they claim within a month as the mineral deposits coat the internals of the heat exchangers reducing heat transfer. Their performance figures are based on brand new condition.

90% of call outs for lack of hot water I have had are combi boilers with clogged heat exchangers. Call out, parts, an 1 hour labour and knowing I’ll be back in a year is great for me. For customers maintenance costs wipe out any savings made compared to a system boiler. It’s about cost of through life ownership- not just purchase / installation.

Is there any way to avoid the mineral clogging issue? We're in a hard water area for the first time ever "

Unfortunately no, the size of a water softener (mineral filter) that can filter water at the rate being used for a shower or filling a bath is almost as tall as a hot water tank…

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By *bi HaiveMan
Forum Mod
over a year ago

Cheeseville, Somerset

Have one in the new flat and it's great. I can turn a switch and it'll just run the hot water, no heating at all, so as soon as its warmer that'll be done.

No issue with instant hot water for showers and it copes easily with a bath. I love it. Much better than having to wait an eternity because someone's emptied the tank of hot water while you've been at work all day.

No idea on suitability for houses and families, but for a single or couple in a flat they're great.

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By *inky_couple2020Couple
over a year ago

North West


"Combi boiler if it’s a small flat, 1 to 2 occupancy, nobody there during the day and you don’t have room for hot water storage tank. I like powerful hot showers. Never found a combi-boiler that delivers the volume of instant high pressure hot water that folks want unless paying £1000’s.

A condensing system boiler and a tank always first choice. The heat loss from the storage tank (efficient modern ones are heavily insulated) is great for a linen cupboard and contributes to heating the house anyway - it isn’t ‘wasted’.

One thing to consider if you are in a hard water area is that the combi boiler heat exchanger will need replacing frequently. The manufacturers never reveal that you will lose 10 to 20% of hot water delivery capacity they claim within a month as the mineral deposits coat the internals of the heat exchangers reducing heat transfer. Their performance figures are based on brand new condition.

90% of call outs for lack of hot water I have had are combi boilers with clogged heat exchangers. Call out, parts, an 1 hour labour and knowing I’ll be back in a year is great for me. For customers maintenance costs wipe out any savings made compared to a system boiler. It’s about cost of through life ownership- not just purchase / installation.

Is there any way to avoid the mineral clogging issue? We're in a hard water area for the first time ever

Unfortunately no, the size of a water softener (mineral filter) that can filter water at the rate being used for a shower or filling a bath is almost as tall as a hot water tank…"

Poop. The hard water is the only thing I dislike about our new house

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By *eronikapaulCouple
over a year ago

Reading

If you have very hard water consider getting water softener to protect all of the pipework and the boiler. Especially if you have a combi because as said by others the heat exchanger will scale up. I fitted ours in half an afternoon for a total cost of about £500...and I am genuinely not a plumber

By the way, "nicecouple" you sound like really lovely children and your dad is fortunate.

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By *inky_couple2020Couple
over a year ago

North West


"They are good for single person or maybe 2 in a smallish space like a well insulated terraced house or flat.

For bigger spaces and families with higher usage they can a really bad idea, and work them hard they will need to be replaced every 2-3 years

.

"

Every 2-3 years for a combi? What nonsense. Our previous house, a 3 double bedroomed house, with 4 adults and a child living in it, had a Worcestershire Bosch combi that had done 7 years service when we moved out, had recently been serviced and everything A-okay. I'd expect it to last 10-15 years plus.

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By *ornucopiaMan
over a year ago

Bexley

I've certainly experienced people I have known getting conned into replacing them after very few years.

Usually because water or, more likely condensation, has ruined a circuit board and allegedly 'it will be cheaper to replace the entire boiler'. Usually with the pipe work needing an expensive re-route as well.

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By *itygamesMan
over a year ago

UK

a regular/standard boiler means tank in loft, emersion heater , gas boiler.so basically you can have constant heating but you cant have constant hot water.

With a combi constant hot water and constant heat.

Not as expensive as you think , ive just converted from standard to combi fixed price 2400 quid.

huge benefit includes they take tank in loft away so more space , they take emersion/tank away , huge airing cupboard has now become a cupboard.

combi is a win win deal.

all come with 10 year warranty , just google fixed price combi boilers.

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By *dd_soxMan
over a year ago

Suffolk


"Reading all this I'm wondering... if boilers are being phased out and the outlay for heat pumps is so much, along with added upheaval, why aren't solar panels being pushed more? The radiators will be switched to electric anyway - so the cost will be near equivalent if less over time? You can buy small instant hot water systems cheaply that fit under sinks or near showers, or quooker type faucets with the panels supplying the power?

Solar on houses was kind of an idea that doesn’t work that well

Expensive to install, hard to maintain, low return on investment. And to make them even worthwhile you need a battery storage system.

The future is solar, but not solar on your roof. It’s solar farms

The same reason we don’t all put wind turbines in our garden

It’s better to size everything up at one point if distribution then try to scale everything down at each house "

I have 7 solar panels. Cost 8k, annual income 1.1k, 25 year contract. I also have battery storage. If I could install a turbine, I would - but needs to be 10m from a property

Gas CH - so I've no real control over the costs. Until the cost of energy spiralled, PV income offset all energy costs.

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By *929Man
over a year ago

bedlington


"They are good for single person or maybe 2 in a smallish space like a well insulated terraced house or flat.

For bigger spaces and families with higher usage they can a really bad idea, and work them hard they will need to be replaced every 2-3 years

.

Every 2-3 years for a combi? What nonsense. Our previous house, a 3 double bedroomed house, with 4 adults and a child living in it, had a Worcestershire Bosch combi that had done 7 years service when we moved out, had recently been serviced and everything A-okay. I'd expect it to last 10-15 years plus."

Haha exactly had mine going on ten years now, 4 bed house with 5 people in( 4 in recent years) it’s had one part replaced in that time a small valve (I forgot it’s name) was leaking part was less than a tenner changed it myself otherwise it’s been faultless

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

[Removed by poster at 13/01/24 22:23:16]

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

What a load of crap at the misinformation you have written.

If its bigger house then a Get a bigger capacity boiler, its not rocket science. Its a smaller house, get a smaller capacity boiler. The Amount of Occupants is not relevant, the rads in any size house get heated the same and hot water is on demand for as long as needed to whoever needs it whatever time of day.

No combi boiler will need to be replaced at 2/3 years old. Unless the gas man was useless. But it’s ok if he was, Because most if not all now come with 10 years warranty as standard. Some longer. The Majority of boilers go 20-25 with ease before they need replacement.

An old tank system was good 50 years ago and cost a fortune to heat basically just a big kettle that ran out of water after a bath that was shared between a household. (Disgusting)

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By *MisschiefxTV/TS
over a year ago

London

I keep reading this as "combi bolters"

Such a nerd...

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By *icecouple561 OP   Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex


"I keep reading this as "combi bolters"

Such a nerd..."

Oh I just had to Google that . My dad definitely doesn't want one of those

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By *ig1gaz1Man
over a year ago

bradford

A hive system is not good for the elderly and to be honest here they should be reported for hard selling to the elderly. ( as bad as cold calling with the hard sell )

the elderly are better off with just a room stat and on/off switch something simple to use.

a hive unit is not that.

combi boilers you wont find a simple boiler as they are all eco boilers

Replace your non condensing boiler with a condensing boiler

To be honest here ive seen the old cast iron boilers out last any new boiler 50-70 years and still in working condition when removed from the property

whilst simple they wasnt energy efficent but factor in 3x new boiler to the old boiler and there priced roughly the same

whilst hive has its good point by phoning home to turn on the boiler before you get there ( theres other ways you can do it instead of hive )

it dosnt factor in that you need to close and open your valves yearly so they dont get stuck in one place ( balancing your system )

turning off your outer walls just to heat certain rooms just adds more to warming the place up as your warming up more cold spaces as you enter and leave the rooms. your better off airing them, rad set at 3

lowering your boiler heat stat is a waste of time as the boiler shuts down as up to boiler temp not house temp

another eco con just like the smart meter

mid in autumn and spring whilst winter is full on high

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By *luerooMan
over a year ago

Bridgwater

had a worecester bosch combi installed 12 months ago for under £3000. well pleased with it and no trouble when running a bath.

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By *usie pTV/TS
over a year ago

taunton

This forum sent me off doing a little bit of research and the conclusion I have come to that unless you want to make a very big investment then you had better get a new boiler pronto while you can. Heat pumps in existing older buildings look like an absolute waste of time, is anyone running any type of heat pump?.

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By *icecouple561 OP   Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex

I arranged for a local guy to have a look at dad's boiler. He's confident that he can repair it, contrary to everything British Gas have said.

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By *ornucopiaMan
over a year ago

Bexley


"I arranged for a local guy to have a look at dad's boiler. He's confident that he can repair it, contrary to everything British Gas have said.

"

Using a reliable, recommended, skilled, local person is usually the best way.

If they are good value, it is to everyone's benefit.

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By *obilebottomMan
over a year ago

All over


"I arranged for a local guy to have a look at dad's boiler. He's confident that he can repair it, contrary to everything British Gas have said.

"

they say anything that makes it easier snd more progitable for them really. Good news.

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By *icecouple561 OP   Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex


"I arranged for a local guy to have a look at dad's boiler. He's confident that he can repair it, contrary to everything British Gas have said.

they say anything that makes it easier snd more progitable for them really. Good news."

I think you're right. Its awful really

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By *icecouple561 OP   Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex


"I arranged for a local guy to have a look at dad's boiler. He's confident that he can repair it, contrary to everything British Gas have said.

Using a reliable, recommended, skilled, local person is usually the best way.

If they are good value, it is to everyone's benefit."

yes it seems so.

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By *orny-DJMan
over a year ago

Leigh-on-Sea

Just recently replaced a combi boiler that was about 19 years old, with a new one.

They've been around for a while now and definitely more efficient than what came before

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By *allerthanaverage79Man
over a year ago

Ayrshire

Not gonna comment on boiler types, only to say bunny's are the worst.

And why would one breaking down be an issue, gives an opportunity for someone to say "I'm here to fix the plumbing!"

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