Need new boiler - Over 60s?

Blue_Elephant

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone could help?

I need a new boiler

G_M

British Gas are likely to a) recommend a new boiler even if the existing one is repairable and b) charge a lot more than an independant GasSafe engineer.

Recommendation is obviously best, but failing that, use the GasSafe Register.

1) Just because the rads "weren't replaced when the current boiler was installed" does not mean there's anything wrong with them! A decent installer will always powerflush the system with a new boiler - it's usually a condition of the warranty to stop gunl in the pipes damaging the new boiler. (always ask about this and make sure it's not an extra charge).
2) if fitting rads, will the pipes be replaced too? Why? (or why not)? And rad stats?
3) Make sure boiler replacement is really necessary. "the hot water not heating unless the central heating is on too." This could be a fault, or maybe just need new controls fitting. Find out!
4) What extras are there? Additives in the sytem included? Powerflush? Filter?

Warmfront run a scheme if you get benefits and the ch does not work.
4) when comparing boiler quotes, compare like for like. Ask the installer what power output he recommends for the size of property. One quote may be cheaper because it's a smaller boiler. If so, is a smaller boiler suitable? Compare manufacturers as well as boiler size.

MoneySavingMole

What's the make & model of the boiler?

There's a good chance its a repair which will cost less.

A new boiler, regardless of who you go to, will cost at least £1000.

I, personally, would not bother with ANY 'schemes' when it comes to having a boiler installed. They simply put the cheapest boiler in, and pay the least money possible to the engineers installing them.

Often, this leaves the engineers paying little care or attention to the installation, 'forgetting' things and 'missing' things from the job as a whole, such as Cleanser & Inhibitor or paying attention to strict Manufacturers Specifications...

If you do go for a new boiler, please spend wisely. It's best to 'splash out' on a better boiler and instalation NOW than redo the whole thing again in half the time.

The higher end of boiler brands tend to be Vaillant, WorcesterBosch, Viessman and INTERGAS

Mid-Range, but fairly good for their price, are BAXI, Potterton or Main (Same company, believe it or not) or Glow-worm and Alpha

Please, for the benefit of all Heating Engineers across the globe, steer clear of anything that B&Q, Screwfix or any other 'store' sell... These are the likes of Ravenheat, Heatline, Biasi, SaunierDuval and Chaffateaux et Maury.

They are low end brands, and will not benefit you when it really matters.