Fitting a new combi in a valleys terrace

Terraced houses make up a large share of the homes in Maesteg, Caerau, Nantyffyllon and the rest of the Llynfi valley. They have their own quirks when it comes to a new boiler. Here is what we look at.

Why a combi usually suits

In a terrace with one bathroom, a combi is normally the right answer. Hot water comes straight from the boiler when you turn the tap on, so there is no cylinder to heat and no tank in the loft. You get a cupboard back, and nothing is left heating water you are not using.

Where the boiler goes

In many terraces the boiler is in the kitchen at the back, which makes for a short flue straight out of the back wall. Before we price it we check the flue meets the manufacturer’s clearances from windows, doors and the boundary with next door. Terraces sit close together, so the boundary distance is often the deciding factor.

If you still have a back boiler

Some valley homes still have a back boiler behind the fire in the front room. Replacing it is a bigger job than a straight swap:

1. the fire and the back boiler come out;
2. the new combi goes somewhere with a good flue route, often the kitchen;
3. the cylinder and tanks come out and the system is repiped.

It usually takes two days and is priced separately, in writing, before you book. Most people are glad to get the chimney breast back.

Condensate pipes in a cold snap

Modern boilers produce water as they run, and it drains away through a condensate pipe. If that pipe runs outside in an exposed spot, it can freeze in a hard frost and stop the boiler. On a valley install we run it inside wherever we can, and where it has to go out, it is sized and protected properly.

Which boiler

For a smaller terrace with one shower, a 24 or 30 kW combi is usually plenty. The Ideal Logic Max and the Baxi 800 are both good fits, and both start from £1,900 fully fitted with VAT.

See boiler installation in Maesteg or get your fixed price.