Install of new combi - please advise

Spiggle

Hi Guys and Gals,

I am totally confused having had four (plus one estimate a year ago) quotes. Just for reference I had a rough estimate one year ago to replace with a Vaillant (not sure which one) of about £1700.

We have a flue that comes out straight from the wall below our guttering/fascia/soffits. All BG and nPower engineers for quite some years now have said that the flue is no longer to regs. There is a polycarbonate lean to porch roof below the flue which was built after the original flue was put in in 1988. The Ideal was fitted using the flue 10 years ago.

So, after your brill advice on here I have approached four RGI for a quote now to replace my Ideal and all have come back with the Worcester 30si. So minimum guarantee of 5 years. The confusion comes in with the different approaches taken by these RGIs.

The first wants to knock through the ceiling and roof to put a new flue through the flat roof above. He has provided an estimate not a quote, even though I have asked for a quotation, in writing at the highest price of £2,300, which includes a powerflush and magnaclean. When asked again, he prefers to give an estimate in case anything arises on the job.

The second took loads of pictures of the flue and has said he would send me a solution and quotation but nothing has yet arrived.

The third is WB accredited and will provide 7 years warranty. His quote includes a powerflush and magnaclean. He will deal with the flue by putting a plume management kit on. Unfortunately, though he has given me the quote verbally I am still waiting for it in writing. He is the one that both me and OH had the best feeling about too. The quote is £1,920.

The fourth I have not seen but have spoken to a number of times. He came and looked at the boiler with OH and said everything was ok and it would be a relatively straightforward job. He doesn't see the point in assuming the need for a powerflush (it isn't necessary for combi to combi installation) and hasn't included a magnaclean. He would extend warranty to 7 years for an extra £100. So his quote is £1,600 (inc 7 year warranty) but he won't put it in writing until we give him the job!

In view of what I'd read about no powerflush invalidating warranty I rang WB to get their advice. They told me that they leave the decision on powerflush to the RGI as they are on the job. If the RGI doesn't feel it is necessary then that is fine and the warranty stands. While WB explained the benefit of a magnaclean they also said that not having it would not invalidate the warranty. Also there are apparently differing levels of accreditation for RGI and so being charged for the extra two years may just be indicative of that.

So, help please all you RGI out there. What do you think about what has been said to me? Should I go with the cheapest? Should I go with the one we had the best feeling about?

Importantly, what do you think about the varying opinions on our flue? Do you think it would have any future impact to keep it as is or using with plume management kit?

Sorry for the very long post I jut can't decide which is the best way to go. Your opinions are highly valued so would love to hear your view.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

All the best,
Spigs

southcoastrgi

no flush is bs, ALL manifacturers require a flush before the new boiler is installed, if you had a prob & WB came out & found debris in your system they would either turn around & go without doing anything or charge you, it needs to be flushed, don't go with the guy that won't put anything in writing, if you feel one is the best go with him nothing wrong at all in fitting a plume kit but it must go up from the flue at least 500mm, if you can't get the min flue diamentions as is then you can't go with that option

Spiggle

Thanks for your thoughts, I talked it through with a friend yesterday after posting my question up and she said the same, don't go with the one who won't put it in writing.

I think we'll probably go with the one who OH and I felt most comfortable with.

Thanks very much again,
Spigs