2 Zone Heating System

asadm · Dec 2, 2015

Hi All,

Let me start by stating that I am not a plumber. I should add that I have laid the piping and installed the radiators on a combi system previously...

With that in place, I am looking to have a new modern and efficient heating and hot water system in my house. The house is a shell at the moment as I am having ceiling boards removed and the house re-plastered. It seems an opportune time to re-plumb and install the most appropriate system. I have a combi system at present.

I have 3 bathrooms and two young kids, so water consumtion will be well contended! For this reason, I have discounted a combi and started to lean towards a system boiler with an unvented cylinder. Additionally, I plan to have a heating zone for upstairs and a seperate one for downstairs. Finally, I plan to lay a "trunk" with 22mm for the flow and return which goes as close as possible to the rads and then tees off into 15mm to feed the rads.

First question - is this an efficient, modern and suitable system? Should I be considering anything else?

Second question - assuming you agree on the above, do my two zones need their own flow and returns? i.e. a separate flow and return set for upstairs rads and a separate set for downstairs or can both upstairs and downstairs share the same return pipe but need a separate flow pipe which will have a zone fitted to it?

I look forward to your responses. Thanks in advance!

asadm · Dec 7, 2015

Hi,
I am preferring the option to co-locate the boiler and cylinder and will go with this unless you guys advise otherwise. The Gas and Water mains enters the garage and will be very easy to run across to the selected destination.
One further question for you pros if I may please: If I have all the rads connected up and flow and returns terminated where the boiler and cylinder will be situated, how much should I budget for the installation of the boiler and cylinder. I would estimate that a day would be ample to bring the gas and water provision to this location, especially as I am having all ceilings removed prior to the plastering. I am detached and the selected location is an external wall. I am hoping that this covers of the main variables.
I will pay for all materials and therefore only interested in labour costs.

stevetheplumber · Dec 7, 2015

to give a price even roughly we need to know where yopu are? usually best to run the gas external

Scott_D · Dec 7, 2015

What are you doing? What do you want the plumber to do?

asadm · Dec 8, 2015

Hi Steve, I am based in Aylesbury. I am hoping this along with the information I have provided gives a good basis for an estimation. I look forward to your response.

asadm · Dec 9, 2015

Hi ScottD,

I will provide two sets of flows and returns at the location where the cylinder and boiler will be installed. These will be connected to the appropriate radiators.
I will pay for all materials.
I need plumber to install boiler and cylinder at this location (and associated components). This backs to an external wall which can be used for flu. Gas supply and water mains are nearby and it's inconceivable that extending these to the required area would take the plumber more than a day.

I would appreciate your estimation on the labour cost.