What type of hot water system should I go for?

Question

My hot water system broke down recently and I'll have to replace it.

Should I go for a combi-boiler, immersion heater, other? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each system?

I live in a 3-storey, 3-bedroom terraced house with my wife, and a stepdaughter who is with us 50% of the time.

Should I have 2 separate, small boilers, one for ground floor (washing up, handwashing) and one for top floor (bathroom)? The reason I ask is that I'm wondering how much heat I'm losing by pumping hot water up & down 3 floors?

Any advice much appreciated.

Answer 1

It really depends on usage and how much you want to spend. A combi boiler is efficient and only heats the water you need and also heats your central heating, the water from the taps is at mains water pressure (or there abouts) there are no tanks in the loft and no need for an airing cupboard.

A vented hot water storage cylinder will store heated water for up to approximately 3 days dependent on how much you use (as you use hot water, cold water enters the cylinder), this system requires tanks in the loft and an airing cupboard.

An unvented hot water storage cylinder works on the same principal as the vented, however it works on mains water pressure, needs no tanks in the loft and has a fast recovery time (heats the water rapidly).

Solar heating (certainly in the UK) is only usable as a 'preheat' facility for your storage cylinder, it's very expensive and you would be unlikely to recoup your money before you had to replace the solar panels.

If you are changing your gas boiler, the new one will be a high efficiency condensing boiler as building regs now require this type to be fitted.

Hope this helps

Answer 2

Go for a condensing boiler which are the new combi boilers. They are very engergy efficient. 1 boiler will be enough for what you want.

Mine does 2 double radiators and 4 single ones as well as provide hot water. To date I've never had a problem with it.

Answer 3

A combi is probably the best. you wont lose any heat if you lag your pipes well. we live in the same sort of house as you and we have a combi. If you don't have a water tank or space to put one in your loft, having a solar panel for your hot water wont be possible and you will still need a boiler for your heating.

Answer 4

do what i did have a mini boiler installed in your loft or top floor that way you dont lose pressure and the boiler heats water as you need it saving you a small fortune ...i have big three bedroom house and last year my bill for the year on gas was just under 500 ,,considering i have heating on continously and every body moans house is to hot..

Answer 5

I would go with a hot water on demand system. You can google hot water on demand to find a rep in your area to determine size system you need. They don't take up much room and use less energy that a conventional hot water heater. And there is no wasted hot water or waiting for the water to get hot on the top floor. One web site is gothotwater.com. You can read about the benefits of the system.

Answer 6

Could you consider a solar water heater (with an electrical heating element inside to back up on cloudy, rainy days), on the roof top and allow the water to run down under gravity? It will save on running expenses.

Answer 7

Consider a thermal store.
You can feed different heat sources into this
Solar, Woodburner, gas. etc, even ground source or heat pump sourced energy.

If you get any state aid you may even get a grant

Answer 8

Combi-Boiler, in the UK it's the law or something

Answer 9

Get solar hot water

Answer 10

Get a big geyser, and you'll be able to sleep better at night.