On Wed, 24 Dec 2003 03:53:19 +0000, Dean wrote:

Over the years there have been many discussions raised in this NG
about the merits and demerits of combi boilers. I don't want to go
through them again except to note that the message about combi's that
seems to come through loud and clear is that a poorly performing combi
system is usually the result of not being spec'd correctly for the
job.

I'm not sure that has been said at lest by a majority of posters.
Probably something more like: "In all but the very biggest homes a combi
boiler will be adequate for the heating but you are well advised to buy
a quality unit."


The problem is that every plumber I have spoken to about replacing my
existing standard, vented system always starts out with "Have you
though about a combi". Never with "Well what do you want from your hot
water supply".

This is not the best way to run a heating business IMHO.


This leads me to believe that they want to foist something onto me
that generates the most profit. Therefore I mistrust combi systems
because I can't be sure that it will meet my needs rather than the
plumbers needs.

Yep, less work to install and much less external controls to wire up.


But that is not right at all. Anyone who has read the threads on this
NG will see that there are combi installations that are bad (usually
undersized for the job) and those that are good (those sized
correctly).

As a regular poster that has not been my impression, but it is possible
that I have skipped over the threads that looked like plain "to combi or
not to combi", since that is well covered in the FAQ.


The point I'm trying to make is where can I go to get a good,
impartial recommendation about the right kind of system, and what
specification that system should be? It's no good talking to a plumber
because all you will get (in my experience) will be "You want a combi,
gov! Sort you out a treat it will!" before they even know how many
bathrooms I have, or whether I have a washing machine and a
dishwasher, or how many people live there.

Try the main FAQ of uk.d-i-y

--
Ed Sirett - Property maintainer and registered gas fitter.
The FAQ for uk.diy is at www.diyfaq.org.uk
Gas fitting FAQ http://www.makewrite.demon.co.uk/GasFitting.html
Sealed CH FAQ http://www.makewrite.demon.co.uk/SealedCH.html