Need New Boiler - Recommendations??

stressedoutmum

Our boiler is about 18 years old and has been fab but in the past year it keeps breaking down. Its a Gloworm Fuelsave Mk II and has been repaired twice in the last year. The plumber said he didn't think it would survive the summer and he's right.

Was looking at a combi boiler but not sure if they are any better than non-combis (I don't know anything about boilers). I'm not sure what to get, what's a fair price and how much I should be expecting to pay to buy a boiler and have it fitted and what make/brand seems to be the more econimical, efficient and reliable.

Are there any recommendations? I did read the Valiant ecoTec pro 28 were good but the Valiant after sales is rubbish?

Thanks for your help.

gas4you

You are correct in your thinking about Vaillant.

I would recommend one of the Intergas HRE range or the Atmos Inter32, both nearly the same boiler

stressedoutmum

Not heard about these 2 but will have a look. thanks.

stressedoutmum

Does anyone have any of the above boilers and would you recommend them?

heating-eng

stressedoutmum wrote: »

Does anyone have any of the above boilers and would you recommend them?

I have a Worcester Bosch in my house.
I would fit a vaillant or Worcester bosch

Leif

If you Google you will find useful information such as the advantages and disadvantages of a combi boiler. Here is an example:

http://www.worcester-bosch.co.uk/homeowner/products/what-is-a-combi-boiler

I like the fact that they are more efficient, and there is no tank in the loft, or hot water tank, so they free up space. I have the impression they are not as reliable but I might be mistaken. I think they cost more. Also you will need a minimum mains water pressure for a combi to work, and they are not so good for large houses, or ones where there is a lot of demand on hot water.

When I searched around (I am an ignoramus, almost a grand master) I came to the conclusion that Worcester Bosch, Vaillant and Viessman are among the best. All the people I work with have WB, so that is what I chose. It was installed on the kitchen wall today and my is it a big beast. Still, it is much neater than the old Potterton that filled a large area of kitchen floor. I have sacrifed one wall cabinet to the boiler, which is not bad in my opinion.

boonkoh

I'm getting a Vaillant EcoTec boiler installed within the next week. It was the one I thought gave pretty decent value for money and good quality. Plus I've heard good things about the reliability of the brand, so definitely expecting my boiler to last a good 8+ years.

Do think about what else you want done while changing the boiler - maybe installing a room thermostat if you don't have one already, and also flushing the existing heating system pipes for debris and such to boost the performance. There's no point having the best boiler if the pipes and blocked and therefore your radiators can't heat up properly.

I'm paying close to £2500 for all in, including the boiler, a Vailliant wireless room thermostat, and a powerflush to the heating system. Its a bit more than I was expecting to pay, but I live in London and I trust the plumber, so I'm willing to pay for more peace of mind.

garethgas

Have you considered a heat only boiler?
It will be pretty much the same as you have now but an efficient condensing version and simpler inside too.
Some people like having an airing cupboard and if your existing plumbing is in good condition, it will be (pretty much) a case of one out, one in.
As for makes, all of the above make both versions and are fine.
I have the gloworm version in my house, works a treat and dead easy to maintain.

heating-eng

boonkoh wrote: »

I'm getting a Vaillant EcoTec boiler installed within the next week. It was the one I thought gave pretty decent value for money and good quality. Plus I've heard good things about the reliability of the brand, so definitely expecting my boiler to last a good 8+ years.

Do think about what else you want done while changing the boiler - maybe installing a room thermostat if you don't have one already, and also flushing the existing heating system pipes for debris and such to boost the performance. There's no point having the best boiler if the pipes and blocked and therefore your radiators can't heat up properly.

I'm paying close to £2500 for all in, including the boiler, a Vailliant wireless room thermostat, and a powerflush to the heating system. Its a bit more than I was expecting to pay, but I live in London and I trust the plumber, so I'm willing to pay for more peace of mind.

I started today on a job and I am fitter a vaillant Eco tec 28 , full powerflush, updating gas to 22mm, fitting magnabooster filter, new clock and room stat, all for £1600

heating-eng

garethgas wrote: »

Have you considered a heat only boiler?
It will be pretty much the same as you have now but an efficient condensing version and simpler inside too.
Some people like having an airing cupboard and if your existing plumbing is in good condition, it will be (pretty much) a case of one out, one in.
As for makes, all of the above make both versions and are fine.
I have the gloworm version in my house, works a treat and dead easy to maintain.

I have taken more 7/8 year gloworms out in the last few months than any other boiler.

boonkoh

heating-eng wrote: »

I started today on a job and I am fitter a vaillant Eco tec 28 , full powerflush, updating gas to 22mm, fitting magnabooster filter, new clock and room stat, all for £1600

Damn! Even though I'm getting the 31 version (I think) and also the magnetic filter (not sure which type), your quote is alot cheaper. A pity you're based in Leeds!