End of life Greenslave - suggestions?

[John_Heaton]

Excellent idea. Can you help with the question I asked about the choice of an oil boiler type?

 

[kimbo]

If you were to get rid of the combi first and replace it with a condensing heat only boiler with an unvented cylinder, this would be the best system you could have.
The problems you are having with the current one is typical of one that age and indeed combis are more troublesome than ordinary boilers. The trouble with renting the property the tenants tend not to look after the boiler, they just run it until it packs up. I seem to remember seeing a comparison in an oil magazine of all the different options for heating compared to oil and considering the outlay of all the other options I think oil still comes out on top.

 

[kimbo]

To give you an example I look after some holiday cottages 3 have combis and 3 have heat only boilers. I have never been to any heat only boiler breakdowns but I have been to lots of breakdowns for the combis, the breakdowns are usually items that have failed that are peculiar to the combis, as you say the problems arrive on changeover, I do call outs at weekends and evenings in these cases if I am available.

 

[John_Heaton]

Well, thank you all for your input. I'm away now to learn about condensing heat only boilers with an unvented cylinder. Sounds a standard solution which is "always a good thing".

 

[kimbo]

I am near you if you want any advice.

 

[John_Heaton]

So you are. Recently found someone in Kingsbridge who will do weekend, evenings. 3 weeks ago I'd have bitten your hand off. Not that you'd want to work on my current boiler though! Its been a right pita. Thanks for the offer. I'll PM you for details if that's ok.

 

[WHPES]

Would recommend a Grant Utility boiler as they are pretty rock solid. Avoid Firebird, Warmflow, Worcester or Grandee with the proverbial end of the stick. Have a look at the Grantuk website - loads on alternative energy systems and thermal stores too. Grant do multiple heat source systems designed so they can all be easily tied together.

If you're going for a total refurb, consider an underfloor heating system. (always plan out your bathroom first so you know where is safe to make holes in the floor later to mount WC, basin etc)