New Oil Boiler?

ccluedo

Really need to buy a new oil boiler soon and looking for any ideas/suggestions pls.
We haven't decided yet if normal, combi or condensing. Had two quotes one recommended external combi one external normal, however we were under impression that condensing was most efficient??? Thinking now of buying the boiler ourselves and hiring a competent recommended local fitter.
Anything in particular we should be wary of when buying?
Is external better than internal these days?
Thanks for any help.

rich_jtg

I'm probably not the best person to answer this as I'm new to oil heating, but here goes!

Next week, we're having one of these installed to replace a very old, indoor combi boiler.

The decision to go for an external one, was mainly to get extra space in the kitchen, and also we liked the idea of keeping it all outside out of the way. There isn't any real downsides opposed to an indoor one. Cost is similar, and the external box is insulated to reduce any heat loss during winter. You do lose the warmth it gives out in the room during operation, but you also lose the noise. They are essentially the same boiler though, except the indoor combi ones tend to have the programmer in-built on the front. I don't think one is 'better' than the other.

You don't need to be around for any servicing either as the programmer etc can be over-ridden by the engineer from outside... they might not want to do it when it's raining though!

We got our quotes, and were surprised by the difference in price (range differed by £1000). We chose the Worcester model as the authorised installer around here could offer an extended warranty.

Re.. normal, combi or condensing. You'll probably find that they are all condensing boilers. Combi or normal would depend on your current setup, and/or whether you have a water tank you want rid of.

You'll also probably find (we did) that a heating engineer will be able to buy the boiler cheaper than you can... but again get plenty of quotes. Also, they'll know all the extra safety bits and filters currently required depending on the location of the boiler.

Hope this helps!

ccluedo

Very helpful rich, many thanks for taking the time to respond

macman

All new domestic boilers by law have to be condensing, be they combi's or conventional.

ccluedo

Thanks macman