Where can I find a cheap combi boiler - pref Valliant?

Baby_A

Hi,

We have just moved into a new house, and one month later the heating has gone. Boiler was ionstalled in early 70's so no surprise, we currently have the big tank, but want to switch to a combi to make more space upstairs to creata new and bigger bathroom (eventually).

I am looking for a cheap boiler, and have been recommended Valliant several times, any ideas where I can get a cheap new one?

Also I have been quoted £800 to install the new boiler and get rid of the old tank etc, is this about right? ( I Live in London).

Thanks

rich1lfc

try ebay a mate got a brand new one for half price
try here

EliteHeat

Baby_A wrote: »

Also I have been quoted £800 to install the new boiler and get rid of the old tank etc, is this about right? ( I Live in London).

Suspiciously cheap IMO, especially for London.

Remember that a combi will not naturally fit your system unless major pipework changes are made. Remember also that your old open-vented system is full of sludge which will destroy a combi unless dealt with correctly – the warranty will be invalid unless the system has been prepared properly.

Other points to consider are:-

The gas pipe will almost certainly need upgrading from 15mm to 22mm. If this is not done the boiler will not have a sufficient amount of gas / pressure and will be classified as ‘At Risk’ as soon as the installer walks out of the door.

You will need to comply with part ‘L’ of building regulations. In your case this means having TRVs fitted plus a room thermostat of some sort, if you already have a thermostat it probably will not be suitable for the new combi.

You need written notification from Corgi that installation was carried out by a properly qualified individual or company. Make sure that you see his or her Corgi card before any work starts, otherwise you might have some awkward questions to answer when and if you come to sell your property.

Your choice is boiler is spot on. Get the biggest one you can afford – the EcoTech 837 is a superb appliance.

BobProperty

EliteHeat wrote: »

.....Remember also that your old open-vented system is full of sludge which will destroy a combi unless dealt with correctly – the warranty will be invalid unless the system has been prepared properly......

Not flushing the old system is well known as one way to keep the price down.

EliteHeat wrote: »

.....The gas pipe will almost certainly need upgrading from 15mm to 22mm. If this is not done the boiler will not have a sufficient amount of gas / pressure and will be classified as ‘At Risk’ as soon as the installer walks out of the door.

Also well known as a naughty way to keep the price down.

EliteHeat wrote: »

You will need to comply with part ‘L’ of building regulations. In your case this means having TRVs fitted plus a room thermostat of some sort, if you already have a thermostat it probably will not be suitable for the new combi.......

I was under the impression that strictly you have to offer the improvements to the customer, but they were not obliged to take them up. Has the law changed?

EliteHeat

BobProperty wrote: »

I was under the impression that strictly you have to offer the improvements to the customer, but they were not obliged to take them up. Has the law changed?

That's about it really, you cannot force a customer to [STRIKE]spend[/STRIKE] save money.

Government figures say that each TRV saves between £10-£15 PA - payback in 2 years. The cost of not fitting a programmable roomstat is absolutely enormous.

Canucklehead

Baby A:
Take a look at http://www.est.org.uk/uploads/documents/housingbuildings/ce30.pdf
Every CORGI installer should have a copy of this document (City&Guilds 6084 Energy Efficiency qualification courses should provide it to attendees).

Any questions you have about condensing boilers and requirements should be answered (other than cost and advice about the 'best' boiler). The Energy Saving Trust has lots of good info online. Visit https://www.trustcorgi.com to find a registered installer in your area

Good luck.

Canucklehead

payless

Just paid £2000 to replace older conventional bolier with Wocester Bosch combi

inc flush, newTRV , wireless thermo, 1 new radiator, removal of tank etc,

all with proper certs / guarantees etc.

and think this is below the norm ( friend of friend) would expect London to be more

ormus

http://www.boilers2go.co.uk/product.php?productid=60503&cat=94&page=1

this is the one ive got. excellent boiler. very cheap to run.

palecitrus

FWIW: Replacement of a bobbins Worcester (not Bosch) 24i combi with a shiny new Baxi Duo-Tec 28HE combi in the London area with Swale, including one radiator, was just over £2,200 - one day's work. Swale were very good indeed, IMO, but probably not the cheapest in town.....