On Thu, 17 Jun 2004 21:20:48 +0100, "Colin eclipse 2"
wrote:

I know - done to death.. A customer has asked me this question. I have come
up with the following list. Any other thoughts - sensible ones.. no need to
start a debate about the merits - just need a list!

Conventional
Pros
Stored hot water - so water (hot and cold) available if mains supply
fails
Immersion heater backup - hot water if boiler or gas fails
Warm airing cupboard
Cons
Cylinder needs replacement (in this case to comply with building regs)
Storing hot water not as energy efficient
More complex controls
More costly than combi to install


Combi
Pros
High pressure showers without pumps
Only heats hot water you use
No stored water (flooding issue)
Frees cupboard space
Cons
slower bath filling
No warm airing cupboard




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Conventional wins hands down for me,especially in higher demand
situations.. It seems to me that storing hot water isnt really a big
issue becuase of the turnover rate, i.e not stored for a great length
of time. Well insulated storage vessels and lagging plus possible use
of plastic piping would lower heat losses even more. Compare this to
lower flow rates and wastage of water run off and for a family
home,its conventional all the time,preferably pressurised stored
system.

Just my views for what they are worth.