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Something else to consider, my first combi boiler that went fut, I asked the (commercial) rep what the anticipated lifespan for the particular model was.
Eight years...
The complexity required to achieve the required efficiencies for domestic boilers reduces their economic life expectancy. From memory (commercial) condensing boilers are predicted as 15 years (domestic probably less). With PCB and fan failures it’s not the same as atmospherics with bimetallic strips....
And I’m with ransos, you never going to get 100%.
Correct - even with commercial boilers in new systems (ie ones that are designed for condensing operation) there is always a lot of condense draining out of the flue drains.
Inlaws have lpg bottled gas in a 1930s poorly insulated house occupied by two 80yo, dread to think how much it costs them.
Quite a timely thread as we used our first lpg tank during the night and I had the other bottle turned off so I could see how long it actually lasted. We have been living in the static for exactly week today but had the heating on a week earlier to dry out paint etc. The controls are no way optimised (going to get a Nest thermostat) and the insulation is shocking but I can now see that those saying 47kg lpg tanks are expensive to be right! I have just bought 2 new rads and a towel rail rad (dual fuel) to put in but now wondering if I should just install some electric heaters instead. We have a 50A supply so have replaced the cooker with a 12A oven and induction hob.
for the record the new build is going to be heat pump with underfloor heating, triple glazing etc. We have 3 acres of south facing land so plenty of room for the outside piping.
We have 3 acres of south facing land so plenty of room for the outside piping.
Lucky you, hope you are going to keep us updated with your build so we can make constructive comments as you go 😉
Something else to consider, my first combi boiler that went fut, I asked the (commercial) rep what the anticipated lifespan for the particular model was.
Eight years…
Exactly. The financial and environmental cost of this is crazy. Don't forget you also have to service the thing annually as well to get that 8 years and any kind of warranty.
When I self build I'm not having gas - the economics and environmental cost just doesn't add up in my head when you can indulate to great standards.
When I self build I’m not having gas – the economics and environmental cost just doesn’t add up in my head when you can indulate to great standards.
This is one reason I'm having a solar array put on the roof in January and my name's on the list for a powerwall.
My next boiler won't be oil. And ironically one of the main high pressure pipeline supplying you lot with gas is the reason I can't have gas as they won't cross over it with gas lines for such few houses.
Re existing tanks, I recently had a replacement oil boiler installed, the plumbers comment from his Oftec inspector was 90% of installations don't meet current regs, if its basically sound and no work is done on the tank installation, then leave that part of the certification form blank and move on.
Tank in question is in a far corner of the garden up against wood boundary fence (surrounded by other gardens). New tanks are expensive, so that was a relief really.
There was a big push to get the new "blue flame" low NOx boilers, but I decided not worth as a lot of extra money, even if that gets a 10 year gaurantee. (Grant Vortex Pro)