What is the 2020 consensus on boilers?

[Mr.Stu]

Moving in to 1980s 4 bed detached house. Has the original heating system - vented, cylinder, tanks in loft, separate pump for shower. Planning to modernise system this year.

It's a fairly typical house, 2 showers upstairs, one w/c downstairs. Utility etc.

I want to make sure that any choice is future proof (think teenagers and not having to worry about "turning off the washing machine" to have a shower).

I've tried reading on the subject but I cannot find consensus.

• Is a top end combi (with water reserve?) going to be enough?
• If not, its vented vs unvented ...no other options?
• I don't mind spending another £2-3k now to get megaflo if that is the right thing to do
• Does anyone even put vented systems in with tanks anymore?

Has anyone made a similar decision recently?

Thanks

 

[Mr.Stu]

Thanks, I'll checkout the mains pressure when we move in and go from there!

Also just noticed that the Green Homes Grant will include only Heat pump related systems, so might take a look at those if the incentives make it financially viable.

 

[Mr.Stu]

Bumping this back up for any more opinions. We are now in the house and had a few people round to quote and advise on heating system replacement. Flow rate on mains pressure is good. In excess of 20 lpm. 20mm pipe from main.

Current thinking, either....

High power Combi. E.g. wb 8000 45kw. Flow rate 17 Lpm ish in hot water. But also goes low output for the heating efficiency.

or...

unvented and system combo.


Both of the above will be located in the garage and achieve decent flow rates, enough for most scenarios. Actually quite hard to choose. Currently leaning towards paying the extra 1500 quit to go unvented to future proof it, solar etc. What would you do ? Will be here for 20 yrs so want it right.

 

[Mr.Stu]

Having been in properties with both types of system, I'd go unvented given the choice.

Having mains pressure hot water and a good flow rate is not something to be underestimated, especially with the big modern showerheads you can get these days. You also have the option to plug in solar and if the thing breaks down you can at least have a hot shower using the immersion. The main negatives are price and space.

Does a modern Combi with high flow rate not also give mains pressure hot water ? Would the experience for showers etc be much different with unvented?