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Alan987 · Joined: 29 Oct 2007 Posts: 9 Location: Dublin

Hi

I have just bought a new house which is 30 years old. I am planning on replacing the heating system and was wondering is there a particular system that you would recommend?
The new house at present has a hot water cylinder and an immersion and i would like to keep this set up.
Also is there any advantage to solder fittings as opposed to compression fittings.

Thanks in advance.
Alan.

Yellowman · Joined: 03 Jan 2008 Posts: 66 Location: Sussex

When you say replacing, is it really necessary?

Perhaps look at what budget you have and what you want to achieve from your properties plumbing and heating setup.

I mean what do you already have? A system powerflush, boiler upgrade and motorisation upgrade (if none already) may be suffice for what you want. Do you have Thermostatic Radiator Valves? Thgese should be fitted IMO if not already.

On the other hand of the scale you can start looking into unvented cylinders which gives mains pressure on both hot and cold water supplis to the house. Still maintains the immersion etc. Your starting to look at alot of money though. Bear in mind the mains would need checking as well, which is not sufficient to supply your dwelling you start looking into accumulators which are big tanks that store water at pressure to suppliment incoming mains supply.

Alan987 · Joined: 29 Oct 2007 Posts: 9 Location: Dublin

Hi

We will be decorating from top to bottom, so as it's 30 years old i don't want to have to pull up all the new floors in a few years time. The pipe work is old gun barrel and the boiler looks like it's on it's last legs. Whats better gas or oil fired? Solder or compression joints.

Thanks

thescruff · Moderator Joined: 03 May 2003 Posts: 4416 Location: Bath

Gas is still considerably cheaper than OIL.

solder fitting are by far the neatest and again considerably cheaper than compression.

Alan987 · Joined: 29 Oct 2007 Posts: 9 Location: Dublin

Hi

Am i best to get rid of the gun barrel now? After 30 years is it liable to start causing problems. Is there any advantage over a header tank system as opposed to mains filled?

Thanks

thescruff · Moderator Joined: 03 May 2003 Posts: 4416 Location: Bath

A sealed system is the best for an new system.

I would consider getting rid of the steel pipes simply because new boiler are rubbish and the water needs to be super clean.