I live in a 1980's house. There was a very brief period when 'forced air' heating was fashionable and this is what I have. The most expensive to run and inefficient heating I have ever had. Great for blowing dust around, but that's about it. So I am getting ready to have it all ripped out (including the ducting) and replaced with something more efficient and a bit cheaper to run. I'm thinking gas combi boiler (the immersion heater is original and only one element still works, so that needs sorting too), a timer/controller with battery backup, and individually adjustable radiators, but bow to your superior knowledge in this, so all suggestions appreciated. Recommendations for local (Winchester, Hampshire) companies who are good and reliable (or who to avoid) also welcome. Due to increasing disability, I can no longer do it myself. The house is a three bedroom end of terrace house, with the bedrooms and loo upstairs. Downstairs is semi open plan and will be extended at some point (funds permitting) as I desperately need a downstairs loo. TIA

I think that in your situation, I would go for a gas-fired conventional (asopposed to combi) condensing boiler. You presumably already have a storedhot water system (currently heated by an immersion heater) so you willsimply have to replace the existing cylinder with a new (insulated, ofcourse) indirect cylinder. The boiler will heat both the hot water and anumber of radiators - with zone valves (S-plan or S-plan plus - see )I would turn the heating zone(s) on and off with programmable thermostat(s)and would fit all radiators except in the room(s) where the room stat(s) arelocated with TRVs (thermostatic radiator valves). Programmable room statsare battery powered, and don't lose their time or programme in a power cut(but the heating system itself won't operate without mains power!).Get a generously sized boiler to allow for future extensions. [Modernboilers are still very efficient even when not running at max output]. Ifyou are concerned about running costs - which I assume you are -...

Central heating - what are the options?

Jun 04, 2004 23 Replies

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Martin Angove 22 years ago

I once had to do an on-the-fly translation of a Welsh language baptismal service for some friends of mine. We'd gone to the service because it was a mutual friend being baptised, but as it was a Welsh language chapel my friends had a few problems. Couldn't speak of course; that would have been too disruptive, so I typed the thing rather like subtitles into my Psion 5mx and had my English monoglot friends peering over my shoulders. Probably still have the file somewhere :-)

Hwyl!

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IMM 22 years ago

When it comes to heating I do.

Anyone who know his stuff would not put up with a know-it-all like you.

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geoff 22 years ago

In message , IMM writes

Well, hot air anyway

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IMM 22 years ago

All type Maxie. All types.

Maxie, now it is clear the R&R is wearing away. So, roll on the Far east flesh dens. My you will be much better after that.

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