On 3 Feb 2006 06:48:39 -0800 someone who may be "Nis"
wrote this:-

I am thinking of changing my ancient back boiler heating system
(gravity based, pumped).

[snip]

The options that i have include
1) Converting to a fully pumped system. I asked one guy about likely
costs and he quoted me 'thousands'. Also, a fully pumped system won't
get me instant hot water although the new boiler would probably save
money on gas bills.

A new boiler and fully pumped system will not get you "instant" hot
water. However, if you have a properly insulated hot water cylinder
then hot water will always be available, unless the cylinder is
emptied of it. With a high recovery cylinder getting enough hot
water for a sink will only take say 10 minutes anyway.

2) Just bin the old back boiler and invest in a combi (or condensing
combi). However, since my property is 'large-ish' (3 bedroomed terrace,
with additional 2 bedrooms in loft, 1 bathroom) - i'm worried if a
combi can cope with it. I certainly dont want cold rooms in the loft!

A properly selected combination boiler will have no problem heating
all the rooms. The question is over hot water. How many people are
normally in the house? Do any of the bedrooms have basins/showers in
them? Do you plan more bathrooms or washing facilities in the
bedrooms? In a large household with lots of hot water use
combination boilers are often not the best option.

ps the best way of saving gas is to insulate the walls and loft, if
that has not been already done.


--
David Hansen, Edinburgh
I will *always* explain revoked encryption keys, unless RIP prevents me
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2000/00023--e.htm#54