Need to replace a combi boiler

PedroOrange

Just bought a house and been told that by a plumber that the combi boiler (BRITONY COMBI BOILER CHAFFOTEAUX ET MAURY) needs replacing. It heats the radiators but there is no hot water. Think some of the pipes are rusted (I'm waiting on someone to come out and tell me exactly what needs doing) but other than that I think it would be a straightfoward swap (with chemical flush).

With it being our first house I would prefer to get a boiler in that I know will be reliable and last us 10+ years, but I don't know if this will be prohibitively expensive. We have budgeted £1000 to get this done, and I have been advised the following from anotehr forum

"You could pick up a Baxi Mains boiler, complete with flue clock and loop for £399. I know a fella who would bang it in for around £250, dependant on whether pipes need moving aots. Thats for a good combi boiler (Non condense). A condensing boiler, you should budget for around an extra £80"

Flushing your system cost about an extra £50. And they will add inhibitor. The baxi mains condensing boiler is ace for the money. It comes with a 12 month gauantee when you buy it, and you get an extra 3 months on top when you register it with them (parts and labour). "

Does this seem like a good deal? Or is it likely to be a poor quality boiler for that price? If spending £2000 all in could get me a Viesmann or similar that will last me for 10+ years then I would be tempted to pay for it on credit card and clear over 6 months or so (assuming I could get an interest free period on purchases/balance transfers).

I know this may be a "piece of string" question but would appreciate anyone's comments as I am completely new to all of this!

Our house is 4 bedroom mid terrace, 2 reception rooms, bathroom and kitchen.

Thanks

Cardew

I would like to know who will flush your system for £50 and add inhibitor. Most people report it costs several hundred pounds.

Unfortunately it is rarely just a matter of changing the boiler. There are a host of new regulations to meet which add to the cost.

You might be best getting a quote from British Gas and then check what a local RGI fitter would charge for the same specification.

Canucklehead

PedroOrange wrote: »

Just bought a house and been told that by a plumber that the combi boiler (BRITONY COMBI BOILER CHAFFOTEAUX ET MAURY) needs replacing. It heats the radiators but there is no hot water. Think some of the pipes are rusted (I'm waiting on someone to come out and tell me exactly what needs doing) but other than that I think it would be a straightfoward swap (with chemical flush).

With it being our first house I would prefer to get a boiler in that I know will be reliable and last us 10+ years, but I don't know if this will be prohibitively expensive. We have budgeted £1000 to get this done, and I have been advised the following from anotehr forum

"You could pick up a Baxi Mains boiler, complete with flue clock and loop for £399. I know a fella who would bang it in for around £250, dependant on whether pipes need moving aots. Thats for a good combi boiler (Non condense). A condensing boiler, you should budget for around an extra £80"

Flushing your system cost about an extra £50. And they will add inhibitor. The baxi mains condensing boiler is ace for the money. It comes with a 12 month gauantee when you buy it, and you get an extra 3 months on top when you register it with them (parts and labour). "

Does this seem like a good deal? Or is it likely to be a poor quality boiler for that price? If spending £2000 all in could get me a Viesmann or similar that will last me for 10+ years then I would be tempted to pay for it on credit card and clear over 6 months or so (assuming I could get an interest free period on purchases/balance transfers).

I know this may be a "piece of string" question but would appreciate anyone's comments as I am completely new to all of this!

Our house is 4 bedroom mid terrace, 2 reception rooms, bathroom and kitchen.

Thanks

Hi: don't believe everything you read on a forum.;)

Has it been established that your current boiler is beyond economical repair? Here is an excellent place to start. Advice is also available from the Gas Safe Register.

Remember..a boiler is only as good as the standard of the installation and annual servicing (required to maintain warranty).

HTH

Canucklehead

P.S. See you have had a few responses here.

Pincher

It all sounds too cheap, but entirely possible if your uncle is doing it in the family.

For a combi, check out:

http://www.intergasheating.co.uk/

It's one of those obscure brands, that you hear good things about, but nobody wants to risk buying.

http://www.plumbnation.co.uk/

Lots of five year guarantees offers on the home page.

Good site for research, as they have lots of installation and user manuals.

PedroOrange

Been given a few quotes, as follows:

Worcester Bosch 28i Greenstar - £1650 with 2 year warranty
WB 30 si £1770
WB 37 CDI £2020

all with a 2 year warranty

Glowworm flexi com CXI 30kw - £1650
Glowworm flexi com CXI 35kw - £1770

with a 5 year warranty.

The fella says Glowworm is made by Vaillant these days so they're much improved on older models, and are basically Vaillant quality at lower prices.

Anyone have any thoughts? Another engineer has said that 28kw boiler will be enough for a house of our size.

macman

You have to have a condensing boiler in a residential property-there is no other option. So the source of that advice is not to be trusted.
Do you really want a potentially lethal device 'banged in' for £250?

rachie_2011

PedroOrange wrote: »

Been given a few quotes, as follows:

Worcester Bosch 28i Greenstar - £1650 with 2 year warranty
WB 30 si £1770
WB 37 CDI £2020

all with a 2 year warranty

http://www.worcester-bosch.co.uk/homeowner/boilers

Worcester Bosch are currently doing a 5 year warranty with selected boilers... My partner works for Worcester Bosh and my father fits them, so I'd choose a Worcester every time.

lithopsian

You seem to be getting advice from a lot of cowboys. The symptoms you describe sound like a fairly simple fix and you sound like you have a fairly tight budget. Don't rush into anything, maybe the new boiler could wait a couple of years. Legally you do need to get a condensing boiler except in very unusual situations and legally anyone you pay to fit it needs to be registered with Gas Safe. There are also regulations on the flues with condensing boilers that could mean your current boiler location is unsuitable or difficult.

I'd pick almost any boiler with a 5-year warranty over almost any other. There are differences in the details, but pretty much any of them will get the job done. If you go for Worcester, go with the CD range and not the others. If you fancy something exotic like the Veissman or Intergas, both good boilers, then all I'd say is find someone who knows about them and will be there for you if they break down. More expensive boilers mostly just give you better controls, and more powerful combis mostly just fill your bath faster or support a high-flow shower.

Anyone who recommends a 28kW combi boiler based on the size of the house is an idiot to start with. A combi boiler should be sized to meet your hot water needs. Even the tiniest combi will easily heat a large detached house. Rather than try to size it from scratch the easiest way is to compare the hot water output from your current boiler and decide if you need more. Maybe not an option for you

Canucklehead

lithopsian wrote: »

If you fancy something exotic like the Veissman or Intergas, both good boilers, then all I'd say is find someone who knows about them and will be there for you if they break down.

Now that made me smile...never thought of Viessmann as an exotic brand, just as manufacturer of excellent products for many decades.;)

Canucklehead

PedroOrange

Thanks for all the advice guys. In teh end we were able to get a friend of the family to install a WB with a 5 year warranty!