BAXI Duotec 32KW or Vaillan ecoTec Plus 937

ncooper1974

Hi
Our current Potterton boiler, which is 15 years old, is starting to leak and so we've decided to replace it.
We're going to change from a boiler/cylinder to a combi boiler, and move it upstairs into the bathroom cupboard.
We've been tested for water pressure and have 4psi, reducing to about 2.5psi with 2 mains taps on. Also been told we have a flow rate of about 13 l/m.
We had 2 plumbers come out to give us a quote. 1 suggested we go for a Vaillant ecoTec Plus 937, and another suggested with Baxi Duotec 32KW.
From what i can see, both give a decent flow rate, but the Vaillant is monster of a machine, where as the Baxi is more compact. This doesn't really bother me that much as its going to be in a cupboard.
I guess its horses for courses, but can anyone offer any advice about which is 'better'?

EliteHeat

The vaillant is designed to give 20 litres per minute of hot water for 10 minutes and then reducing to about 15.5 litres until the shift tanks are reheated.

You would be wasting you money in going for any boiler over about 30-31Kw unless you can increase your flow rate.

4 psi and 2.5 psi make no sense at all.

tubbee2

Any pointers on choosing new combi boiler to fit into space where existing Italian cr$p combi boiler currently noisily dying?

ncooper1974

EliteHeat wrote: »

4 psi and 2.5 psi make no sense at all.

4psi is what the engineer quoted me as being the pressure on our mains water supply.

sounds like I should be going for the Vaillant to future proof myself

thanks for your feedback

Canucklehead

ncooper1974 wrote: »

4psi is what the engineer quoted me as being the pressure on our mains water supply.

sounds like I should be going for the Vaillant to future proof myself

thanks for your feedback

Hi

If you want a combi you will need to address your water pressure, 4psi is no use at all.(Are you sure they aren't measuring the pressure from a tank fed pipe?)
Contact your water company .
When you have good pressure/flow, then use a Vaillant.

GSR

Canucklehead

tubbee2 wrote: »

Any pointers on choosing new combi boiler to fit into space where existing Italian cr$p combi boiler currently noisily dying?

Hi


A boiler with a stainless steel heat exchanger such as Viessmann ,Vaillant or Remeha.
Depending on the size of the existing boiler.

GSR.

ncooper1974

Update:
The plumber who recommended the Baxi told me that he's had problems in the past with Vaillants cos "..the rubber hoses connecting the heat exchanger to the internal controls is a known issue with them splitting after a couple of years"

I guess that each boiler has its design flaw, so is this a reason to go for the Baxi over the Vaillant?

Canucklehead

ncooper1974 wrote: »

Update:
The plumber who recommended the Baxi told me that he's had problems in the past with Vaillants cos "..the rubber hoses connecting the heat exchanger to the internal controls is a known issue with them splitting after a couple of years"

I guess that each boiler has its design flaw, so is this a reason to go for the Baxi over the Vaillant?

Good morning: You need a couple of quotes from RGIs: I would question this fellow's judgement as he is willing to fit a combi when the property has inadequate mains flow/pressure...Vaillant over Baxi every time.

Canucklehead

ncooper1974

Isn't 4psi and 15 l/m decent mains/flow pressure for the combi?

I mentioned this to the guy who recommended the Vaillant and he indicated this should be ok....

Canucklehead

ncooper1974 wrote: »

Isn't 4psi and 15 l/m decent mains/flow pressure for the combi?

I mentioned this to the guy who recommended the Vaillant and he indicated this should be ok....

Hi

I think you need to double check the pressure. Are you sure it's 4psi? or is it 4 bar?
To give you an idea 14 psi is approx 1 bar. (0.97bar to be precise) I fill my systems to a minimum of 1bar.
The pressure you, apparently, have may not give enough pressure to operate the low pressure switch within the boiler.
I note your flow has now increased to 15 l/m. Up 2 litres from post #1.
You're going nowhere until you sort out the water pressure/flow.

GSR.

ncooper1974

Maybe I am getting my psi mixed up with my bar. I'll get that checked again.
And with regard to the flow rate, i think (can't be sure now as its been 5 days) that he said its 15 l/m with one tap on, dropping to about 12/13 with 2 taps on.

I appreciate you taking the time to reply canucklehead.
I'm going to spend in the region of £2300 for the boiler (supply and fit) and hope it will last me in the region of 7-10 years, so want to make the right decision.