Need a Reliable boiler

dellboy102

Hi, our potterton profile boiler has just stopped working and have decided its probably best to get a new one and also get rid of the big water tank as well, thing is I know nothing about boilers etc, I've heard Vaillant is a good make, I also saw some bosch boilers, I know Bosch make pretty good washing machines etc but not sure how good there boilers are.

If anyone can recommend a good make for a boiler it would help as i'm just lost , Also any ways to get it installed for cheaper, we are going to do all the usual stuff of phoning around etc and also give british gas a ring and see what they say.

Any help appreciated!

Pink.

Hi dellboy,

You would probably get more help with this on the In My Home board, so let me know if you want me to move your thread over there. In the meantime these recent threads may help:

New boiler - recommendations gratefully received.

Potterton Suprima Boiler owners!!!!!!!Get your money for repairs

Boiler help..

If you go to that board and use the 'search this forum' function (in the beige bar to the top right of the board) you'll find lots more threads that should help.

Pink

dellboy102

Ah thank you, I searched in this board only hence didnt find those results.
Yep I think moving it to that board would probably be best

Thanks again

Pink.

No problem, I'll move it over there for you now.

Pink

EliteHeat

Before you embark on a combi boiler conversion project be sure to do some research on the characteristics of combination boilers. You may find that they will not suit your circumstances; they are not the panacea that some people assume them to be.

Be sure also, that your rising main is of sufficient pressure and flow to enable a decent hot water flow rate. Your installer can / should advise you on this.

Finally, do not get too hung up on manufacturers. With a project such as this, the preparation of the system is imperative to the reliability and longevity of the new boiler. There are very few bad boilers on the market, but there are plenty of bad installers. It is absolutely vital that the system is properly cleaned prior to the installation of the new boiler. Tests have shown that as little as seven grams of sludge are enough to block a secondary heat exchanger – which all (or most) combis have.

Be aware that for this sort of job, the price will almost certainly be an indication of the quality of the proposed installation. Avoid one-day installs like the plague; it is simply not possible to do a proper job in this time. A conscientious installer should be taking approximately three man-days to properly prepare and install the new system.

When discussing your requirements with a prospective installer he should measure or mention the following points:-

Water pressure / flow rate
Gas pipe sizing
System cleansing
Draw off hot water rates and temperatures
Part ‘L’ building regs, TRVs, providing an interlock
Gas work notification
Post install protection – inhibitor / Magnaclean / Boiler Buddy
Secondary heat exchanger protection

Generally speaking, you should go for the largest capacity combi that you can afford with the proviso that it will modulate down when providing central heating. The Vaillant Ecotech range are excellent. Glow Worm are now owned by Vaillant and are made in the same factory. Worcester-Bosch are pretty good. Interestingly enough, Baxi / Potterton / Main (same boiler) are also good, solid established boilers.

Good luck with the project.

ormus

go for a worcester or a vaillant.
do not let BG anywhere near your home unless you have money to burn.

laird

Another manufacturer to consider is Viessmann, the free of charge five year parts and labour guarantee that comes with it is certainly reassuring.

Admitedly I've only used it for about 8 months so I can't really comment on overall reliability but at least as an owner I know that I should not be facing any bills beyond a standard annual service for a reasonable period.

Canucklehead

Good morning: The Energy Savings Trust produces a useful guide to gas central heating and should help you/your installer make the best choice for system specification http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/uploads/documents/housingbuildings/ce30.pdf

It doesn't recommend specific manufacturers. Someone will have a horror story about Worcester, Alpa, Baxi, Potterton etc...other forums are full of them!. My OH, Corgi Guy, is reluctant to recommend one brand over all others as he has had negative experiences with most brands. If I suggested a specific manaufacturer someone would post on this thread about their 'nightmare' with that boiler...I would suggest you continue researching then make your decision. Some will suggest purchasing a boiler based on length of warranty but said warranties can be invalidated if the appliance hasn't been properly installed/commissioned or had annual servicing (though again someone will come along here and tell the story of their 35 year old floor standing boiler that hasn't had a single service or needed any attention since Ted Heath was PM )

Good luck in your quest.

Canucklehead

procklington

Hi Canuck ,
My wife and I are about to purchase a new combi boiler. We have been quoted £2,700 for a new Ferroli Optimax boiler by a reputable firm also six rads. Is this a good deal , are Ferroli boilers any good, I know they are cheap to buy.
Yours Faithfully
Rob

moonrakerz

I have a Trianco (oil fired), it celebrates its 21st birthday in August - not one problem with it !

coolagarry

I had a Vaillant installed a few months ago and it's really great. Quiet, efficient... really all you want from a boiler