which boiler?

andrewf75

As part of some extensive work building an extension, we're taking the opportunity to replace our old Baxi Bermuda which sits in the chimney behind the gas fire. It still works fine but I know its inefficient and will need replacing sooner or later and we want to open the chimney and get a wood burner.

But I'm a bit confused as to what boiler we should get. Its a regular sized 3 bed semi with 2 bathrooms. There are 3 of us living there. Space for the tank and airing cupboard not an issue.

So combi or not is the first question?

We're quite keen to increase the efficiency of the house if possible so energy rating is important.

gabitzul

I suppose the current system is open vented (with a tank in the loft)? If yes, it would be cheapest to keep it that way and just replace the boiler, however you will still need to relocate it.

If you want to go to a combi there is quite a lot of work to be done, do a google search.

Anyone correct me if I am wrong, this is not my main area of expertise.

andrewf75

Thanks, guess my query is too vague for people here and I need specific advice relating to my house

To be honest we're quite happy with the type of boiler we have, we just want a more efficient one and want to move it!

diywhynot

How old is the pipework? If you seal the system i.e for a combi or system boiler and the pipework/radiators are in poor condition, leaks could follow. Unvented cylinder with system boiler if sufficient flow/pressure and aforementioned in good nick. Storage combi.

Take advice from a RGI who has discussed your needs and conducted a site survey.

andrewf75

pipework looks pretty old and is the really thin stuff (microbore?) and the radiators aren't great no thermostatic valves.

diywhynot

andrewf75 wrote: »

pipework looks pretty old and is the really thin stuff (microbore?) and the radiators aren't great no thermostatic valves.

You could be in a world of pain and expense. 3 quotes from recommended sources, compare, go from there.

Liggle

When I renovated my house I converted to a combi and haven't looked back, if budget allows I'd do the same. I also had added incentive of being able to knock the airing cupboard down (it was in the Bathroom)

I've got a Worcester Bosch 30si and its very efficient, a couple of plumbers recommend it for the size of house (3 bed semi with 1 bathroom)

I started with 3 quotes from people on ratedpeople.com and then compared them to a friends recommended plumber.

andrewf75

diywhynot wrote: »

You could be in a world of pain and expense. 3 quotes from recommended sources, compare, go from there.

Been quoted £3,500 as part of the extension works, but this is a rough figure at this stage until we decide what we want.

andrewf75

Having done a bit of research I'm leaning towards not getting a combi. We have no issues with space for tanks and I quite like having an airing cupboard. I'm assuming it will be cheaper to install another regular boiler as well?

teddysmum

Our house was built in 1972 and because of new regulations we have to have the gas pipe from meter to boiler replaced.
We are going for the WB30si, mentioned above and had quotations differing by £300.(Asked for 6 quotations, of which one was a no show and one failed to tender)