System Boiler Quote

NuttyProfessor

Hi all.

I'm replacing a 30 year old boiler with a new system version. I've received 2 quotes and would like your opinion please:

Quote 1: Vaillant 415 regular boiler. Replace current open expansion tank in airing cupboard with sealed expansion tank. £2600 total.

Quote 2: Vaillant 615 system boiler (expansion tank built in). £2109 total.

Both engineers state that the current open expansion tank is not high enough above the boiler and will need replacing.

The main difference between the two (other than price! :-) ) is that Quote 1 is installing a expansion tank separate from the boiler. My questions are:

1. Does the price seem reasonable?

2. Quote 1 is my preference as the boiler is smaller and fits better into the available space. However will I need a new pipe for the expansion tank pressure relief or can existing pipework be used? The expanison tank will be sited in the airing cupboard which is on the other side of the kitchen from the outside wall and the boiler location.

3. The engineer in quote 2 mentioned that there is very little leeway with the flue location (near a soil pipe, a window, roof eaves and the neighbours flue). He said I would need to sign a waiver as although the flue siting is safe (same as current location), it doesn't meet the current regs. Bit worried about this and the other engineer didn't mention it?

4. Both engineers stated that the current gas pipe size (15mm) is ok for use with these Vaillant boilers and won't require upgrading to 22mm. Is this correct?

gas4you

Personally I would avoid the 400 series at any cost.

They are Vaillants worst boiler, and tend to give nothing but problems.

I can't see where the massive price difference is coming from in quote 1.

There is realistically only about £150 worth of parts extra, including the pump, which you don't get on a 415.

I would stick to quote 2 if you must have a Vaillant.

As for the flue position, this either meets the regs or it doesn't. An installer is not allowed to do an installation that does not meet current regs because you have signed a waiver!

John6666

I agree except that I would add avoid all Vaillant boilers. Mine went wrong after only 27 days and I am not happy with Vaillant's unhelpful response. They are shysters who even charge premium rates for clarification of their advice.