Combi Boiler Replacement

skotzghirl

Hi There

Would be grateful if any plumbers could give their opinion.

Today received quote from British Gas to replace my existing Ariston EuroCombi with Worcester Bosch Greenstar Junior 28i. Quoted £1873, including £135 for some bonding to gas meter and £38 for additional gas piping.

Quoted £1400 by local firm yesterday for fitting a Valera (I'm sure that's what he said!).

Any professional opinions on these systems and figures? I'm in Glasgow and appreciate prices vary from location to location, but any comments would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

moneysavingplumber

I prefer the Worcester to the Vokera any day, and that's surprisingly cheap by BG standards, although like-for-like combi changes are relatively easy. Assuming the flue is in roughly the same spot it couldn't be much easier.

One of the main problems with BG, in my experience, is that you simply don't know who will be doing the work. The advantage of using a one-man-band is that if a person quotes on the work and seems knowledgeable and trustworthy then you can hire on the basis that he or she will actually be doing the work. Bigger firms use sub-contractors and the quality of the actual work can vary dramatically. As you are in Scotland you are not obliged by law (yet) to have a condensing boiler fitted, so the installation costs could by cut by having a non-condensing combi fitted, although the running costs of an 'A' rated boiler will be lesser.

I would get another couple of quotes from smaller firms, preferably recommended by friends/family. Good makes of boiler include Alpha and Vaillant.

skotzghirl

Hi,

Thanks for your reply. Both quotes are non condensing combis, both the BG and independent reps have been very negative when I asked about condensers, saying as I have a 2 bed, 1 bath flat it's not necessary. The BG rep also advised the space where the boiler is located isn't acceptable to a condenser as there is no way to get drainage there?

I was surprised myself that the BG quote wasn't higher, but not complaining!

BG also offering their homecare cover for one year in that quote, but shouldn't boilers be covered by a manufacturers warranty for the first year at least anyway?

Thanks again.

stu3105

Hi Skotzghirl.

I have within the last month had a Vokera Linea 735 combi fitted by a local firm here in Kilmarnock for £1550 inc VAT,im in a 3 bed semi and it copes easily,previously I had a Worcester 28i combi which was also good the Vokera is easier to use.
The BG quote is good as my quote was £3800 !!!!!!!!!!!! just for the boiler,as you are reasonably local i would be happy to give you the Kilmarnock companies deetails.
cheers.

moneysavingplumber

skotzghirl wrote:

Hi,

Thanks for your reply. Both quotes are non condensing combis, both the BG and independent reps have been very negative when I asked about condensers, saying as I have a 2 bed, 1 bath flat it's not necessary. The BG rep also advised the space where the boiler is located isn't acceptable to a condenser as there is no way to get drainage there?

I was surprised myself that the BG quote wasn't higher, but not complaining!

BG also offering their homecare cover for one year in that quote, but shouldn't boilers be covered by a manufacturers warranty for the first year at least anyway?

Thanks again.

The Worcester Greenstar range are condensing combis, I imagine you have been quoted on the Worcester 28i Junior.

The size of your property is irrelevant, 90% efficiency against 79% efficiency is a saving whichever way you look at it. I'd be surprised if the BG rep would get away with an 'exception' argument to condensing boilers under the England and Wales legislation, but he doesn't have to so it's irrelevant. There's likely to be drainage available somewhere close to an acceptable site for the boiler.

Personally I'd much rather be looking at a Vaillant Turbomax 828 or an Alpha CB28 if going for a non-condensing option, I think they offer better value for money.