New Boiler - Purchasing help reqd.

nobile

Just about to replace a Worcester Combination Boiler that is at least 10 years old - maybe even 15! Nothing wrong with it, but we're having a new extension & the Corgi Registered (or whatever its now called) fitter will install it for free.

I am told that we should go for a Condensing Boiler.

1) Do they do the same as Combi-boilers (i/e heat the water as & when reqd / heat the radiators)

2) What would be an ideal boiler size for a 3 bed house ( 2adults/2 kids)

3) Any recommendations for Boilers / Retailers etc

Thanks

lawsofnature

My parents had a condenser boiler fitted about a year ago.

To answer #1, they originally had a combi boiler, and the condenser seems to do exactly the same thing (eg. you set it when you want hot water and/or when the heating is to go on).

Not sure about #2, but the brand of boiler is Ideal (they have a 4-bed home). It is quite big, and an eye-sore in the kitchen, and seemed to involved more piping than the combi boiler, but I have to say it's very efficient.

#3, not sure again, but they didn't like British Gas (the quote was way too high).

rachbc

i thought you had to have a condensing boiler these days?

Yes a condensing combi boiler will give instant hot and central heating

The output you need will depend on the size of the radiators you have etc - why not get the fitter to work it out for you?

nobile

Thanks - BG quoted us £6000 for a boiler & to move it upstairs! Scam!

nobile

rachbc wrote: »

i thought you had to have a condensing boiler these days?

Plenty of combi-boilers on the market I see - in fact, more combi's out there than condensing!

Canucklehead

nobile wrote: »

Plenty of combi-boilers on the market I see - in fact, more combi's out there than condensing!

Good afternoon: You're a bit confused on this point.... see here. Take advice from your Gas Safe Registered 'fitter' as he/she will best placed to advise after conducting a site survey and discussing your heating and hot water requirements with you.

HTH

Canucklehead

tstodart

I had my boiler replaced last month.

Here's what I did:
1) Went to the Which? website and took a trial subscription for £1.
They have a a big report on boilers and explanation of the different types.
2) Once I was a bit more informed, I chose a boiler.
3) I then went to the boiler company's website and to find an authorised fitter (to ensure the 2 year guarantee available on the boiler I chose)
4) Got some quotes from local authorised fitters.
5) Chose one to do the work. He did a tidy job. Very happy so far.

BG quoted us £3500 for the work, and the local fitter installed the boiler I wanted for £2000.

nobile

Canucklehead wrote: »

Good afternoon: You're a bit confused on this point.... see here. Take advice from your Gas Safe Registered 'fitter' as he/she will best placed to advise after conducting a site survey and discussing your heating and hot water requirements with you.

HTH

Canucklehead

Thanks!

1) We have low mains pressure in our area - what new type of boiler would you recommend? Any links to purchase from?

Canucklehead

nobile wrote: »

Thanks!

1) We have low mains pressure in our area - what new type of boiler would you recommend? Any links to purchase from?

Good evening: as said, you need to talk with your RGI about what is appropriate...you said you currently have a Worcester combi but poor mains pressure Has the RGI tested mains flow and pressure (a standard component of a site assessment)?

There are several online retailers (which we haven't used any as my OH buys his Viessmann and Vaillant boilers from PTS and Remeha from HPS). If you're looking for a value for money boiler consider Remeha (5 year parts and labour warranty). He only installs these 3 brands.

Make sure your RGI follows manufacturer's specifications (available online from the manufacturer's website) notifies the installation, and completes the Benchmark log (lots on all of this on the HHIC site I linked to in my previous post).

Good luck with your project.

Canucklehead