Help to identify heating system
- Thread starter Jonny Vee
- Start date
- Joined
- 22 Jan 2007
- Messages
- 8,340
- Reaction score
- 4,187
- Country
Not Really as you've only posted a picture of the water cylinder and a timer. I can tell you its "probably" a heat only boiler, open vented cylinder on a 3 port valve. But with no picture of the boiler we've no idea how old the boiler will be or how its operating.
Looking at it, its probably an old cylinder and likely the system will be too. Whether you want to change to a combi will depend on a number of factors.
1. If its old radiators and pipework, and its an open vented system (at a guess it is) a combi could apply 4 or 5 times the pressure on the system than you currently have which could cause leaks if the whole lots not renewed at the same time.
2. Are you more concerned about the performance of your hot water or saving space in the cupboard? A combi could clear the compartment an get rid of that cylinder, but will never equal the performance of a cylinder (water flow rate/temperature)
3. do you have enough mains pressure/flow rate for a combi or mains cylinder (unvented cylinder) to work correctly?
Personally I prefer to have a hot water cylinder than a combi, typically more reliable and had the advantage of electical immersion back up heater for the hot water should the boiler fail. But every house is different and what you actually want performance/efficiency wise go a long way to deciding what you should install if anything at all is needed at the moment, but a full assesment by a reputable installer will be required to see what the options are
Looking at it, its probably an old cylinder and likely the system will be too. Whether you want to change to a combi will depend on a number of factors.
1. If its old radiators and pipework, and its an open vented system (at a guess it is) a combi could apply 4 or 5 times the pressure on the system than you currently have which could cause leaks if the whole lots not renewed at the same time.
2. Are you more concerned about the performance of your hot water or saving space in the cupboard? A combi could clear the compartment an get rid of that cylinder, but will never equal the performance of a cylinder (water flow rate/temperature)
3. do you have enough mains pressure/flow rate for a combi or mains cylinder (unvented cylinder) to work correctly?
Personally I prefer to have a hot water cylinder than a combi, typically more reliable and had the advantage of electical immersion back up heater for the hot water should the boiler fail. But every house is different and what you actually want performance/efficiency wise go a long way to deciding what you should install if anything at all is needed at the moment, but a full assesment by a reputable installer will be required to see what the options are
- Joined
- 27 Jan 2008
- Messages
- 24,313
- Reaction score
- 2,777
- Location
- Llanfair Caereinion, Nr Welshpool
- Country
I would say Y Plan, likely both DHW and CH are controlled by the one motorised valve with a programmer to switch on/off as required.
However beyond that can't say.
I would agree with @ScottishGasMan personally I would fit a room thermostat which is programmable but much depends on house, boiler and life style.
However beyond that can't say.
I would agree with @ScottishGasMan personally I would fit a room thermostat which is programmable but much depends on house, boiler and life style.
you have a Y plan open vented system,whether you would be better with a combi completely depends on your Hot water requirements
Yeah, Thanks for your input, after checking what you suggest I can confirm is an open vented system with water tank on the loft.
My question now is because this is setting in the middle of a bedroom and planning to free some space upstairs. Would you suggest to go for a easy to fix combi boiler or unvented system?
I know if I have 2 bathroom the pressure drops etc etc.
the best option seems to be the unvented system. Does anyone know how big need to be the tank for a 3/4 bedroom and 2 bathroom house? I may think to stick it under the stair if tank does not need to be massive.
On a last note. What would be the cost increase moving from combi boiler to unvented system?
Energy efficiency? is the unvented system energy efficiency like combi boiler considering will use the boiler to warm the water and not the energy plug?
My question now is because this is setting in the middle of a bedroom and planning to free some space upstairs. Would you suggest to go for a easy to fix combi boiler or unvented system?
I know if I have 2 bathroom the pressure drops etc etc.
the best option seems to be the unvented system. Does anyone know how big need to be the tank for a 3/4 bedroom and 2 bathroom house? I may think to stick it under the stair if tank does not need to be massive.
On a last note. What would be the cost increase moving from combi boiler to unvented system?
Energy efficiency? is the unvented system energy efficiency like combi boiler considering will use the boiler to warm the water and not the energy plug?