concerned re boiler estimate for my elderly parents

HalfPint

Hi all,

It not really a "is the quote fair" question but is related and you lot seem a knowledgeable bunch on here. I'm after some advice regarding getting a new combi boiler fitted in my parents house.

Background: mum n dad live in scotland, both in their 70's and as usual my mum recently had a man out to clean and service her boiler etc. She does this every year (sensible). They have an old baxi boiler behind the fire in the lounge and the hot water tank is in the kitchen cupboard.

The man has advised my mum that her boiler is corroded and may well fail in the next year or two. He said that the only place to fit a combi boiler would be in the hallway cupboard which would mean running new pipes in, fitting a flue etc etc. Her radiators do not need replaced, the fire in the lounge does.

He said to my mum he would estimate it would cost between £3k & £4k. My parents can't really afford this kind of money and I think they may be entitled to help if her boiler is 'failing'

Is this a fair estimate? I don't think the engineer would lie but this is really worrying my parents, to the point they've cancelled a planned trip to see my brother abroad cause they need the money for the boiler.

I know nothing about heating systems or costs and would really appreciate some advice on how to proceed, and how best to advise my parents and avoid them being 'overcharged'

HP x

fluffpot

I can't advise as I'm not a boiler person but I would suggest getting at least 1 or 2 more quotes so you can compare

I think that you can only get help if you have no existing heating system (just looking into this for my neighbour at the moment) but the rules may be different in Scotland

justjohn

there were grants in scotland for old codgers lol
Call energy saving trust SCOTLAND. OR GO TO THERE WEBSITE.

Owain_Moneysaver

It's in the right region.

Regards to positioning
(a) it may be possible to put the boiler in the loft and have it vent through a gable end wall or up through the roof
(b) Baxi make a replacement for the back boiler which can be vented with a new flue up through the existing chimney. It's rather expensive though, and you're tied to their electric fire front which goes with it.

Check the Energy Saving Trust website for details of any grants etc.

justjohn

btw i would say its expensive. would be looking at 1000-1500 ish.(depending on boiler brand)

Boiler install only is a good earner.

southcoastrgi

justjohn wrote: »

btw i would say its expensive. would be looking at 1000-1500 ish.(depending on boiler brand)

Boiler install only is a good earner.

:rotfl::rotfl:

when did you last have a quote for a straight boiler swap for that money let alone all the work involved in moving it & changing from a gravity system to a combi.