Install the app
How to install the app on iOS

Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.

Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.

Welcome to the forum. Although you can post in any forum, the USA forum is here in case of local regs or laws

Apr 9, 2019
2
0
1
Member Type
DIY or Homeowner
Hello

Hoping for a bit of advice on how to upgrade my central heating.

I've currently got a conventional LPG boiler which I think must be about 20 years old (aprox age of house) which I'm planning on upgrading when our kitchen is done.

Where I get confused is what to replace it with. I would prefer a combi so I don't waste heated water but I don't know if a combi will be suitable as it will need to cope heating a 4 bed house. The house has hot water taps in the kitchen, downstairs toilet, upstairs bathroom and en-suite. It will also need to provide hot water on demand for two showers located upstairs.

Can a combi cope with this hot water demand? What if both showers are being used at the same time with the heating on?

As part of the upgrade I was going to replace all radiators in the house with larger oversized radiators in preparation for installing an ASHP sometime in the future (we don't want to use LPG if we can use an alternative).

Could a combi be used in conjunction with an ASHP or do they just not go together? Ideally the combi could use a small amount of LPG to provide hot water and the ASHP could take care of heating requirements.

Thanks!
 
The combi won't cope with multiple demands.
As for using an ASHP, that probably won't cope with the heating demands either.
But you could combine the ASHP with a boiler that will heat a storage cylinder that would give you adequate hot water and heating.

You need someone who knows what they are doing and also have a substantial budget for what you want
 
  • Agree
Reactions: Riley
Thanks very much for your reply.

It sounds like I should be going for a system boiler if that gives me the option of 'bolting on' an ASHP sometime in the future. At least I can get the tanks removed from the attic.

I had a plumber come and fix a boiler breakdown recently who recommended I look into getting a combi so it's hard knowing who trust.

If anybody can recommend a good plumber in the Congleton area, that would be great!
 
Any plumber that offers a Combi option for your set up I would stay clear of
 
Hybrid type of ASHP. It has Gas also. You really need to insulate your house everywhere and upsize all of your radiators. ASHP fun at a 48 degree flow temperature at best. It will have a cylinder reheat every 10 days to ward off bacteria
 
Last edited:

Official Sponsors of Plumbers Talk

Similar plumbing topics

We recommend City Plumbing Supplies, BES, and Plumbing Superstore for all plumbing supplies.