Need a new Bolier in Portsmouth

theboylard

It's in BG's interests to flog you a new boiler - they'll charge a hefty premium, plus they'll badger you like mad a for a service contract, tell them to get stuffed.

I know it's cold but don't rush into buying something, like all big purchases, get quotes, recommendations and make sure you have compared like for like.

Get an independent view of the boiler, use some of the suggestions above.
My boiler is 22 years old and my pet plumber has spares set aside, the only thing that will stop it being fixed in the short term whilst we get the deal we want is if Gary tells us to burger off!!

Pet plumber and pet sparky, every home should have one!!

C_Mababejive

Marsdendean wrote: »

I would also be wary of the name mentioned above, as the gas safe registrar has no picture or address.

Gas safe members has information like this person gassaferegister.co.uk/registersearch/Engineers.aspx?businessid=21608&centreid=19706&returnurl=../FindBusiness.aspx&returnname=Find%20a%20business&reload=true

I beg to differ..
http://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/registersearch/Engineers.aspx?businessid=60052&centreid=18663&returnurl=../FindBusiness.aspx&returnname=Find%20a%20business&reload=true

marsden1002

Please remove the above post.

The person's details are working, but not working for the direct link from his contact details

C_Mababejive

marsden1002 wrote: »

Please remove the above post.

The person's details are working, but not working for the direct link from his contact details

Yes your right,timed out error..however i can confirm that the person is on the publicly viewable register and that i have no vested interest.

spirit

I would second those people who've advised not to take the advice of BG.

When my boiler started playing silly beggars recently - after a local GS registered engineer 'serviced' it (he came back and could not figure out what it was). I popped into PTS (plumbing trade supplies) and asked if they knew of anyone who was good with Gloworm boilers. Quite rightly they said they couldn't recommend anyone but gave me 3 names and numbers of people they knew of (and who held accounts with PTS)

I rang one of them and he has been absolutely marvelous. They had difficulty finding the part they needed (a gas valve) and were told that Gloworm don't make it any more. They got on the phone to GW who gave them an alternative part number. So the engineer turned up with this part and told me it was exactly the same as the old part - so that was a stroke of luck.

The engineer spent ages here all told, what with diagnosing the fault, rectifying the original 'service' which was not done properly, and he only charged me £50.

So it is worth contacting your local PTS - which is at Units 17/18 The Admiral Park, Williams Road, Portsmouth. PO3 3NJ 02392 664555, (just looked it up, the one near me is Winchester but hopefully they will be just as helpful)

Azrael852

Been installing Boilers for over 5 years with my Brother (30 years experience) and
although I can't recommend a local installer, suggest you go by recommendation rather than choosing one 'out of the book'. Do you not have friends / family who they may recommend ? ( don't go with British gas or any of the Utility companies as they tend to charge at least £1000 more than a local installer). Also ask other trades who they would use, says it for itself that they want the best for themselves!
Remember also that the cheapest often means they cut corners and may ending up costing you more in the future.
You could even try asking at the local Plumb Centre store for a recommendation. They sell to most of the local installers and although can't officially recommend will point you in the right direction. ( they could also supply a price on the boiler , though the installer should be able to get it cheaper as they get discount as they buy more)

Also may suggest when you get the boiler done, if you haven't done so, also get a water softner installed, such as a combi mate
or a combiguard
on the water inlet and a
Magna Clean type devise on the heating side
(Search for these on Google to see the benefits of using them)

The installer should recommend these or other similar type products when quoting along with installing a Thermostat in your main room of residense and Radiator Thermostatic Release Valves (TRVs ) on each radiator This should help reduce your heating costs ( My bro calls it a best practise install).
The old system should be cleaned out prior to installing the new system so that the new boiler is working correctly ( your guarantee may be invalid if this is not carried out ) and a inhibitor should be added to the heating side to keep it so.

The Gas Safety Register can also be used if, after an install, you are unhappy on the safety side, contact them. They then may ask the installer to rectify any faults found with the threat of kicking the installer off the register.

Personally on the make of boiler I would recommend a Vaillant. Never been to repair a Vailant where as most other makes..... ( Worcester are good also but expensive if they do break down)

Hope this helps and good look in finding one

Bit of a plug for me Bro's company now if anyone intersted in a quote...
Becal Plumbing and Heating Services
Covering Durham, Tyne & Wear and Teeside
just search for Becal here:
Gas Safety Register