NEW 'recommendations' For Gas Boiler Installations??

Francis63

Hi All,
I have posted this elsewhere but was advised to start a new thread here, so, sorry for the duplication...:o

I'm about to have my old combi-boiler replaced with a new condensing combi-boiler. A straight swap, though I realise it wont just slot in and adjustments will likely have to be made to the pipes etc.
I have already bought the new boiler independently and am in the process of getting quotes for the installation.
I have spoken to one corgi gas-fitter, who has told me that I would have to have a powerflush too (which seems hugely expensive at £400 for four radiators) and also that a room thermostat is a neccessity with the new 'recommendations'. Only £15 for the thermostat but cost of wiring it in would be expensive.
My questions are:-
1) Do I HAVE to have the powerflush & thermostat fitted by law? Or is someone just trying to make extra money?
2) Is a powerflush the same as just draining the radiators plus a few chemicals run through? Why is it so expensive?
3) Does it have to be a corgi gas-man that does this, or can any (hopefully cheaper!) plumber do this part?
4) Is there anywhere on the internet I can find a list of all the new rules? (i.e. has to be a condensing combi, must have SEDBUK band rating, room thermostat, powerflush etc.).?
If anyone can help I would really appreciate it....

Many thanks,

Fran.

Liz1966

Hi,

I'm going through the same process as you with a new boiler. I'm no expert but this is what I've learnt from the process -

Powerflush is recommended by boiler manufacturers & it may invalidate their warranty if it is not done. No idea why it is so expensive. I believe if properly done it can take some time.

Room thermostats - I had 4 quotes from Corgi registered plumbers. 1 told me they had to offer these to all customers as part of energy efficiency requirements but it wasn't compulsory to have them fitted. The other plumbers didn't mention them.

Hope this is of some help!

alanobrien

Liz1966 wrote:

Hi,

IPowerflush is recommended by boiler manufacturers & it may invalidate their warranty if it is not done. No idea why it is so expensive. I believe if properly done it can take some time.

Not so, boiler manufacturers - (at least Vaillant) recommend flushing the system, they do not state it has to be power flushed.

This is just a modern time effective way of doing it.
(and costly to the customer unless you DIY)