Combi boiler with low flue???

keenphotography · Mar 2, 2021

Hi all,

I hope someone will be able to advise. I have recently purchased a flat with a faulty Potterton Netaheat Profile system boiler. The system is pressurised and I would like to replace it with an efficient Combi. The current boiler is situated close to the floor and the current flue is at a height of 695-785mm (see pics). Is there a modern boiler with a flue that would work at this height (side or back flue?)? Other option would be to go electric I guess. This would require extra electrical work but would allow the boiler to be situated in the airing cupboard.
There are few options to relocate the flue. The flat is 60's, mostly double glazed windows. Some in the block have taken the flue through the glass but this is not ideal. I am on the fourth floor.

Many thanks,

Tom

Scott_D · Mar 2, 2021

Your gas supply might not be big enough to support a combi boiler as im guessing its a long run from the ground floor?

You would probably need a boiler that can take a rear flue rather than a top flue

keenphotography · Mar 2, 2021

scott_d said:
Your gas supply might not be big enough to support a combi boiler as im guessing its a long run from the ground floor?

You would probably need a boiler that can take a rear flue rather than a top flue

Hi Paul, thanks for your reply, there is a relatively new gas feed with external pipes attached to the front of the flats leading to a meters on the balcony. The original feed inside the flat has been capped.
If there is a boiler with a low flue I think it should work. I had a plumber round a last week and he thought it would. However, he got back to me after speaking with his merchant saying he couldn't find a suitable boiler and we should relocate it.

keenphotography · Mar 2, 2021

scott_d said:
Your gas supply might not be big enough to support a combi boiler as im guessing its a long run from the ground floor?

You would probably need a boiler that can take a rear flue rather than a top flue

Sorry Scott, don't know where Paul came from

gmartine · Mar 2, 2021

Glow Worm Energy C has a rear flue option....

Glow-Worm Energy7 25C Combi Boiler - Mr Central Heating

Find out more about the Glow-Worm Energy7 25C Combi Boiler available from Mr Central Heating

www.mrcentralheating.co.uk

and the Vaillant EcoFit Pure.

Don't thank me, I found an old thread. Evil Pork Chop has fitted a few EcoFit's with the rear flue and thinks they're ok. I think we'd all choose Vaillant over Glow Worm.

Scott_D · Mar 2, 2021

As gmartine has posted are good options.
It looks like the flue goes left so the boiler would need to be mounted on the left wall.
The manufacturers minimum clearances around the boiler need to be kept for service, maintenance and manufacturers warranty.

You also need to send the condensate waste to drain so a pump may be needed.
Potentially scaffolding needed for the flue and there are some new regulations about flues in blocks of flats and potential fire spread that might come into play.

snowhead · Mar 2, 2021

Are the ones in red the flues you mention going through the glass?
If so I don't believe that complies.
Just because the window has a solid panel in one section, it doesn't suddenly make it not a window.

Where are all the flues for the other flats, do they not have gas boilers?

And is the one circled green under a window how your's goes through the wall?

(Click on picture to enlarge.)

?

keenphotography · Mar 2, 2021

Yeah, you got it. Mine is in the same position as the flue circled green (see pic). On the fourth floor and it is just within 300mm of an opening window. However, I have been informed this can be made non functioning after it is used to seal the new flue. I am not sure it is even possible to comply 100% with regs in this block?

Some flats I have seen use storage heaters. Most flues appear to go through the windows as with the ones you marked in red.

There is a large boarded up cupboard in the bathroom that houses the soilpipes and feed. It also backs onto the balcony (see pic). Might have space in there but i have been told by another flat owner that there is asbestos inside. To the right of the balcony, other section of wall backs the kitchen but houses the waste shoot.

The flat is a nightmare. However, it is pretty warm. I have been renovating over the winter and its not been too cold. I could go electric? Boiler can come out of the 2nd bedroom and shouldn't need to draw too much power. Would be a shame to replace the central heating with storage heaters though and an electric combi may require an electrics upgrade.

gmartine · Mar 2, 2021

Don't go electric, you might as well throw your money out the window it gets cold. If it's possible to install gas boiler to regs hire a cherry picker for the day and a plumber daft enough to get in it.

PETE 123 · Mar 2, 2021

BAXI heat only boiler has rear flue.

gpbeck · Mar 3, 2021

Electric boiler typically 3x more expensive to run.

Scott_D · Mar 3, 2021

It does look like a pig of a job to be honest.
Can you speak to neighbours and see who they have used, someone who knows the building might not be put off by the job.

gmartine · Mar 3, 2021

Just thinking outside the box slightly, lets say the OP used a rear flue boiler and the flue exit contravened regs, could you technically then use a plume kit to so it met regs even thought it was a new install?

keenphotography · Mar 3, 2021

It is a pig. I have had four people lined up to do the job who have then pulled out. However, I think i may have found a solution. Vailent ecofit rear flue centre point is at 774mm including 150mm of clearance bellow the boiler. Midpoint of my existing flue is 738mm. Cutting the flooring around the boiler will gain me approximately 20mm then perhaps shave the floorboards another 10mm. Then its just the issue of the condensation that will need to be piped to the balcony and down the drain. and, blocking the currently functioning window.

gmartine · Apr 30, 2021

How did you get on, did you have it installed in the end?

Combi boiler with low flue???

keenphotography

Attachments

Scott_D

keenphotography

keenphotography

gmartine

Glow-Worm Energy7 25C Combi Boiler - Mr Central Heating

Scott_D

snowhead

keenphotography

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gmartine

PETE 123

gpbeck

Scott_D

gmartine

keenphotography

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