changing from solid fuel to gas central heating Help and information on all topics relating to your central heating, air conditioning and ventilation issues.

[lee stell]

Hi
I have solid fuel parkray and back boiler which heats radiators and hot water, it was installed 25 years ago and still works perfectly however I am thinking of changing over to gas. Is this a big job or can the existing pipes for heating and radiators be used? Or will I have to have all new meaning the floors will have to be dug up etc?
Thank you
Lee

[plumbbob]

The extent of any necessary changes will be partly down to the condition of your system now. If the pipework and radiators are corroded then some or all of it will have to be replaced. Of course, it is quite possible the system is sound and can be used with only minimal changes.

Other factors will be decided by which type of boiler you choose. A combi will mean significant changes to the existing plumbing and the way an unvented system works will put the remaining pipes under more strain so ultimately, they will need to be in better condition than if a system boiler is installed.

[wimiu012uk]

I have recently changed my system from parkray to gas, if cost of solid fuel is not a problem and you can still put up with taking ashes out and refueling the boiler DONT do it as your house will be far cooler with gas.

As regards the change over a lot depends upon where you are going to put the combi and where your water and gas pipes run.

I was lucky with mine and there was minimal disruption and most of the work was carried out in one day with just a small amount of completion work on the second day.