iQe boilers: any good?

wimblewomble_2

hi,

Am looking to replace boiler, and got a quote for an iQe boiler from B&Q.
Never heard of them (iQe, not B&Q), so would like to hear from people who have had them and their opinions.

thanks

southcoastrgi

that's cause they are a re-branded Sime boiler

wimblewomble_2

southcoastrgi wrote: »

that's cause they are a re-branded Sime boiler

Never heard of Sime either. (only of Valliant and Worcester)

Are Sime any good?!

Basically, whats a decent combi boiler for a 4-bed house with 2 bathrooms?
I have been recommended a "35kw" one, whatever that means!

British Gas quoted close on £5,500. (they based it on a worcester)
These B&Q guys quoted £3,900.

That is a significant difference given they both came out to property and saw the same thing to do.
I would have expected there to be a difference due to the boiler, but the labour to be pretty much similar.

I don't understand why the significant difference.
I want a decent boiler, and a decent job done. Not wishing to skimp as it needs to last 10 years or so.

daveyjp

With a 4 bed two bathroom house a combi probably isn't the best option. Just a shame neither B&Q or BG refuse to survey and advise purchasers correctly.

A more traditional system with hot water storage would be a wiser option. It would also mean you could probably have a less powerful boiler.

Find a proper gas installer who will quote based on property type and customer needs rather than profit in what they are selling.

wimblewomble_2

I wouldn't know a proper gas installer if I saw one.
I can only make decisions based on the info I am given.

How can I educate myself on the basics and principles, such that I can make an informed decision?
Is there a Wiki page or something?

actually its one bathroom and an en-suite shower, rather than 2 bathrooms, but B&Q guy spec'd it up as 2 bathrooms, as did BG guy.
does that make any difference?

southcoastrgi

OP where are you based ? i am in contact with heating engineers all over the country

daveyjp

wimblewomble wrote: »

I wouldn't know a proper gas installer if I saw one.
I can only make decisions based on the info I am given.

How can I educate myself on the basics and principles, such that I can make an informed decision?
Is there a Wiki page or something?

actually its one bathroom and an en-suite shower, rather than 2 bathrooms, but B&Q guy spec'd it up as 2 bathrooms, as did BG guy.
does that make any difference?

Vaillant website has a system chooser. This will be a start.

The problem with a combi is it generally only gives large quantities of hot water at one hot tap. Turn on another tap, either hot or cold at another point and the hot water flow may reduce to a point of being inadequate. A 35kw boiler is being quoted for as it means a greater volume of hot water can be heated, but this is only useful if your cold water pressure is higher than the rate at which hot water can be provided.

Did they both test your cold water pressure? Was it higher than the boiler hot water output?

I am not a gas installer, but this is what my gas engineer went through before deciding what was best for us. The BG didn't ask a single question about our needs, in fact he hardly spoke, and this put us off them before he even left the house.

wimblewomble_2

southcoastrgi wrote: »

OP where are you based ? i am in contact with heating engineers all over the country

I am in shrewsbury.

southcoastrgi

op you have a pm

rogerbodger

Hello wimblewomble. Have you got anywhere with your enquiries? My place sounds similar to yours and I need to replace my 20year old Potterton soon.

I was attracted to iQE by the advertising literature I picked up in B&Q. As stated before, though, these seem to be rebadged Sime boilers, and the feedback I have seen for Sime after-sales support is not encouraging.

I've also had a BG salesman round. He said that I would be better off with a System boiler, as opposed to a Combi, because of the size of my house, and the resultant potential simultaneous demand for hot water (which can make Combi boilers struggle, apparently ).

P.S. If southcoastrgi would be kind enough to point me towards reputable guys in the (North) Bristol area, I would be very grateful.

wimblewomble_2

Just had some new guys around this morning.
They also recommend a combi!
So, if a combi is recommended, and not a system boiler (something to do with needing tanks, etc), then its all down to make of boiler, and quality of workmanship.

Looks like I will be not using iQe, instead will plump for a well-known brand name like Bosch or Worcester.