Boiler replacement: BG or independent?

Consumerist

If your current boiler is working to an acceptable standard, I would wait until summer to get your quotes and installation. Business is slacker at that time of year so you are much more likely to get a competitive deal than during their busy time during winter.

petithamu1980

Consumerist wrote: »

If your current boiler is working to an acceptable standard, I would wait until summer to get your quotes and installation. Business is slacker at that time of year so you are much more likely to get a competitive deal than during their busy time during winter.

It is working but our gas bill is so high...and we have some savings now...really, I should wait? I just keep thinking by replacing it will reduce our bills...

Consumerist

petithamu1980 wrote: »

It is working but our gas bill is so high...and we have some savings now...really, I should wait? I just keep thinking by replacing it will reduce our bills...

We are over half-way through winter and although new "condensing" boilers are said to be more efficient than the older ones, they are really only going to save you about 10%, in my opinion.

It seems clear that you don't really know too much about boilers at the moment so you are vulnerable to sales hype. Once you've shelled out for the new boiler, you don't want to be disappointed with what you get so why not take the time to find out a bit more before committing to a high outlay.

Trust me, you won't regret taking the time to get it right if you're not in an emergency situation right now.

petithamu1980

Had another independent guy come through and he was much better and thorough. He actually said after checking all the radiators that there isn't much dirt built up and that the BG guy was just trying to scare me with all the talk about how much dirt is currently in my radiators. He didn't suggest a combi and when I asked he said it's not necessary cuz no one really 'need' a combi. He gave a much better quote of £1669 all in with a Vaillant boiler. He also said the Baxi Solo BG suggested is so bad he actually begged me to not get that boiler, get any but that one. I've now looked up reviews on Worcester, Vaillant and Baxi and to be honest they all have bad reviews from everyone!

How the heck do I know what to choose?! So confused...

Waiting is not a bad idea...I'm learning a lot about boilers today...

Bluebirdman_of_Alcathays

The problem with reviews is everyone with a bad experience tends to shout loudest; the millions of satisfied customers don't need to say anything.
Get a few more quotes, choose who you prefer, and contact them in the summer and ask for a better price. They'll be grateful for the business, and should knock a little off the price.

Consumerist

petithamu1980 wrote: »

How the heck do I know what to choose?! So confused... Waiting is not a bad idea...I'm learning a lot about boilers today...

We were all confused when we first started so don't worry about that. If you're shelling out thousands, it only makes sense to take your time. Would you buy a new car without knowing roughly what you're looking for?

By waiting till summer, you will know more, you will have time to save more towards the cost, perhaps reducing the size of any loan, and you are likely to save hundreds of pounds on the cost - easily outstripping any additional costs due to the less-efficient boiler you now have.

Playing the long game will be better all round, in my opinion.

petithamu1980

Consumerist wrote: »

We were all confused when we first started so don't worry about that. If you're shelling out thousands, it only makes sense to take your time. Would you buy a new car without knowing roughly what you're looking for?

By waiting till summer, you will know more, you will have time to save more towards the cost, perhaps reducing the size of any loan, and you are likely to save hundreds of pounds on the cost - easily outstripping any additional costs due to the less-efficient boiler you now have.

Playing the long game will be better all round, in my opinion.

Do you think I should cancel our BG Homecare scheme then?

Consumerist

petithamu1980 wrote: »

Do you think I should cancel our BG Homecare scheme then?

Assuming that's a boiler maintenance/repair contract, it might be sensible to keep that going. After all, you have an older boiler which might still need attention before it's replaced. I suppose it really depends on when the contract is due for renewal and whether you think it's worth the cost of renewing at that time.