Condensing/combi boiler vs. pipework question
FOlks
Quick boiler question... I currently have a Saunier Duval combi boiler installed in my house. The install dates from 1987, i.e. before I lived there. It has been running fine, although possibly not terribly efficiently of late (my perception). At a recent routine service, the engineer (the same company as I've used for some years) says that the boiler will need some fairly major parts replacing: heat exchanger, pump etc, which will cost a few hundred quid. I was expecting this. He then looks at the pipework leading in and out of the boiler, and tells me that it is actually the wrong size (15 mil instead of a larger size- maybe 22mil?) and points to the various step-down pipe adaptors fitted there to enable just that fact. I actually knew about this already, since another engineer from the same company had told me the same thing some years ago, so I am not too surprised to hear it again. My question is this. Is the wrong size pipework a major problem; should I have the current boiler repaired or should I have it replaced, and in the latter case, would I have to have a condensing boiler fitted rather than another combi? I believe there are new regulations about boiler efficiency coming into force next Spring? One more thing. Bear in mind I will probably move house next year. tia Dave P |
Condensing/combi boiler vs. pipework question
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Condensing/combi boiler vs. pipework question
He then looks at the pipework leading in and out of the boiler,
and tells me that it is actually the wrong size (15 mil instead of a larger size- maybe 22mil?) IIRC, 15mm is good for around 6kW, which will just about run a flat or a well insulated small house. Should the official requirement be greater than 15mm, it won't just stop working, but may get a little noisy, as you'll have to turn the pump speed up to compensate for the losses. This causes the water to rush faster and may disturb the smooth flow of the water, causing greater amount of noise than may be desiried. Provided that all the radiators heat up well, even in the depths of winter, and the noise isn't too bad, there is no real need to go repiping. would I have to have a condensing boiler fitted rather than another combi? Not yet, although they are usually recommended. Also, as condensing boilers are typically designed for a greater temperature difference between flow and return, they can shift more power into the same size pipe runs, so may alleviate the pipe sizing issues, particularly if the radiators are oversized, allowing a 70/50 system, instead of the conventional 82/70. You may be getting confused about the term "combi". The "combiness" of a boiler is unrelated to its condensing nature. You would need to replace with a condensing combi boiler. However, as you are moving out soon, you may find it financially more beneficial to pick some cheap bottom of the range traditional combi and hope it lasts until you move. Christian. |
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