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Which Boiler for Upstairs Flat?

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Had a plumber round today to quote for replacing an old back boiler, moving some pipework and a radiator, fitting a towel rail and running new water supply pipes to the kitchen.

He's quoted £1450 inc VAT and says it's no more than a days work. The price includes a 28kW Baxi combi boiler with a 2 year warranty or for the same price a 28kW (Vakera?) boiler with a 5 year warranty.

Can anybody foresee any problems with this solution or should I consider another boiler? Also are there any drawbacks to going with a combi boiler? I have a hot water storage cylinder but it's quite old and I'm assuming this will be redundant with a combi.

The flat is quite large compared to modern flats, has 8 radiators but only one combined bathroom/WC.

I also qualify for the £400 scrappage scheme credit.

Comments

  • Canucklehead
    Canucklehead Posts: 6,254 Forumite
    Had a plumber round today to quote for replacing an old back boiler, moving some pipework and a radiator, fitting a towel rail and running new water supply pipes to the kitchen.

    He's quoted £1450 inc VAT and says it's no more than a days work. The price includes a 28kW Baxi combi boiler with a 2 year warranty or for the same price a 28kW (Vakera?) boiler with a 5 year warranty.

    Can anybody foresee any problems with this solution or should I consider another boiler? Also are there any drawbacks to going with a combi boiler? I have a hot water storage cylinder but it's quite old and I'm assuming this will be redundant with a combi.

    The flat is quite large compared to modern flats, has 8 radiators but only one combined bathroom/WC.

    I also qualify for the £400 scrappage scheme credit.

    Good afternoon: tbh... 1day for a conversion from an open vented system/back boiler to a sealed system/combi screams cowboy. The CH system will be filthy and a powerflush alone would take the better part of a day. Do a search of this forum to get a better idea of what a quality installation entails. We wouldn't fit a Baxi or a Vokera for even the most value conscious customer but would recommend a Remeha. Further advice available from the HHIC.

    HTH

    Canucklehead
    Ask to see CIPHE (Chartered Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering)
  • I also qualify for the £400 scrappage scheme credit.

    That closed yesterday!! :mad: :mad:
  • Canucklehead - Thanks, I will continue to shop around and get a second opinion.
  • gas4you
    gas4you Posts: 2,602 Forumite
    I always allow 3 days for a conversion job like this.

    I would have thought a more realistic price would be around £2200
  • boliston
    boliston Posts: 3,012 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Combo Breaker
    A combi boiler is much better than a traditional boiler with hot tank as it means you always have instant hot water for showers, baths & taps.
  • sillywilly
    sillywilly Posts: 701 Forumite
    A combi boiler is the recommendation nowadays. The problem with it being in an upstairs flat is that they can be very noisy and depending on where the pipes are situated this can be VERY loud and annoying for other residents.

    We lived in a ground floor flat and the 1st floor people did this and every time they turned on a tap we would hear a loud droning noise. The pipes were situated in the concrete floor - our ceiling. EXTREMELY ANNOYING but guess it won't affect you.

    Just take note that your neighbours may not be so considerate about the noise they make if you aren't. I got very annoyed at being woken up every morning by the noise whilst they had their 15 minute shower at 6am every day.
  • sillywilly wrote: »
    Just take note that your neighbours may not be so considerate about the noise they make if you aren't. I got very annoyed at being woken up every morning by the noise whilst they had their 15 minute shower at 6am every day.

    I don't think this is an issue as my neighbour below is a dog grooming salon, they win for noise creation hands down :)

    Thanks for the advice, I'll put all my research to the 2nd plumber coming early this week so we can have a more informed discussion.
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