Need some advice on unique boiler replacement.

[squidward79]

Hello everyone.
I've ended up here as I really need some advice/thoughts from others about my pretty unique situation.

Currently in a flat on 5th floor, which was built 23years ago, and at the time these boilers were installed in every flat.
Range Powermax 185.
Its now 23 years old and its coming to the end of it life. Its a tricky unreliable beast, with the added possibility of it being a safety hazard.

So i need to start thinking about replacing it.

Here comes the more unique parts of the puzzle.
Its situated in the centre of the flat, and the flue runs through the ceiling to the outside. I realise this is now not compliant. Although the previous owner installed inspection hatches.
Other residents are replacing with Electric boilers, and I also know this will probably bankrupt me running the damn thing.

The company looking after it has recommended this:

Electromax - Electric flow boiler | Heatrae Sadia

The Heatrae Sadia Electromax combines an electric flow boiler with a pre-plumbed, factory fitted circulating pump, providing wet central heating.

www.heatraesadia.com

Now not being an expert, i have reservations:
I dont have and cant get economy 7.
I cant get a smart meter, as they are situated in the basement.
There are two bathrooms, 1 bath, 2 showers, and 9 radiators.
From what i can work out from my limited research, 9kw isnt going to cut it?

We have a pump installed in the building so pressure is capped in my flat using a PRV at 3.5bar static, and the flow rate is pretty bad at around 7lt per min. Although as I don't have an outside tap I'm not sure if this is being throttled anywhere.

Other options as I can see it:
Possibly a Gas Combi.
But only if i rip the ceiling down, and install a new flue, and then get someone to dangle off the side of the building to install the outside bit. Even then not sure if anyone would actually certify it?
And the other issue we have being up so high and West facing, the wind goes straight down the flue and blows out the current boiler.

The system mentioned above.
But have reservations, as the company have terrible reviews, and the warranty seems short, and also the power seems pretty low.

Electric Boiler Company:
Maybe just an electric combi boiler:

14.4kW Comet Electric System Boiler | @electricheatingcompany

The 14.4kW Comet Electric System Boiler is the ideal choice for wet central heating & underfloor heating systems with 6 stage heat modulation for 100% efficiency

www.electric-heatingcompany.co.uk

Although the costs to run are high, I just have to suck it up.
I believe this is about as big as I can go on my single phase 100amp supply.

The last option is Combi and Water tank:

14.4kW Slimjim Electric Flow Boiler & 150L Pre-Plumbed Cylinder Package | @electricheatingcompany

The 14.4kw Slimjim Boiler & 150L Pre-Plumbed Cylinder Heatpacks provide Heating & Hot Water whilst saving up to 70% on installation time

www.electric-heatingcompany.co.uk

This is pretty expensive, but would mean i could use the bath. Although again with my low flow rate, I have no idea if its worth it?

Well I think that's everything.
The general consenus in my building is run the Powermax until the wheels fall off, as replacing it will cause a headache, and so far they are correct. As i cant work it out.
But the old girl has issues and she isn't going to get any younger, parts are scarce, and fixing it every time cost quite a bit. So seems like its time to address it.
Hopefully someone here might have some thoughts about this?

 

[polesapart]

You have a Range Powermax. My deepest sympathies.

Without flue inspection hatches?? Risky!

There's no reason you can't stay with gas.

Gas boiler flues can be fitted from the inside of suitable external wall (manufacturers are aware of the issue of fitting flues in high-rise buildings) and the old flue and air duct can be sealed off and left in position, no need to hack down all your ceilings.
Your installer will need to run pipework from the old central boiler position to a new position on an external wall and, yes, this will some disruption and indeed expence.

Get some quotes in!

 

[squidward79]

Thanks for responding.
It's something I thought about, but moving the boiler to an external wall would mean routing the gas pipes and re-arranging my kitchen.
Currently i have no obvious space.
I should also mention all the heating pipes are embedded in the screed floor and all end at cupboard in the centre of the flat.
So I think I'm pretty much Limited to that location, which is annoying.
Can flues run in ceilings with hatches? As the last owner has installed hatches along the flue path. The void is pretty tight though.

 

[muggles]

Not that unique really. The biggest issue is boiler choice, as not many out there are compliant in high-rise buildings. Intergas Rapid is a good choice, and you can run the flue through the ceiling void provided inspection hatches are installed so that every flue joint can be inspected. I've done exactly this job before. Flues can be installed that high up just using a rope and a bit of intelligence.

 

[squidward79]

Thanks Muggles. That's interesting.
I just did some more poking around and it seems I have 15cm of space most of the length of the void, but.. just to make it interesting, about half way a concrete beam lowers that to only 8cm.
Those flue pipes look to have 10cm diameter, so this might be a no go.
This block of flats has some really questionable build details.
Not to mention the flue position outside is about 5 cms from a Brise soleil.