Hi all

Sorry I havent put this in the established thread but it is getting to long for me to find anything in it so I pressume every one else has the same problem.

Im thinking about putting in an Atmos DC32spl with a 2000l accumulator. I want to link it to a solar system (later) and my existing wood stove with back boiler. I am extending my house so it will be a total area of 260m2 (2.4m ceilings).There will be underfloor heating throughout and it will also supply domestic hot water. Part of the building (140m2) will be heavily insulated (.15 roof u val, .19 walls u val) but the rest (which is all sngle storey) will be iffy as it already exists and is stone (see other posts on the joys of insulating stone walls). Ill try to insulate as much as possible but it is drafty and difficult.

My questions are as follows:

1. Flue length - they (Atmos) say I need a 7m long flue. the trouble is that will make it extend 2.5 m above my roof ridge and we had enough problems getting planing permission as it is without having to go back to them to vary it. it will have go up the outside of the house so I will probably have to brace it in some way. Can it be done a different way? (ie forced with a fan).

2. Life span: They (atmos) reckon the boiler will have a life span of 12 years. Seems very short to me. Is that normal and do the fancy and pricey german ones like froelings etc have the same issue?

3. I am totally confused about the accumulator set up. Some people tell me I cant mix the solar into the accumulator directly and will need to have a separate tank. Others say its fine. The existiing wood stove has a vented tank on it. Can I use a vented set up on the hole system and are there any drawbacks if I do. I need a picture to understand this - preferably in crayon!.

Help!

Jw