help with boiler choice

mkgirl1981

hi
I posted this in the diy section too but thought I might get some good responses here too so I'd be grateful for any help

I have been given a few quotes for having a new combi boiler fitted. the firm I liked most were a little bit more expensive but they seemed the most professional and I felt more comfortable with them.
they have given me two quotes for two different boilers.
I'm having trouble working out which is the best way to go.
they have given me one quote for a baxi sole HE A or for about £250 more a Worcester greenstar.
I'd never heard of baxi before & they kind of gave the impression there's not much difference between the two except with the Worcester your mostly paying for the name.
any body have any experience with either?
I searched on Google but most reviews etc... we're a few years old now so might be a bit out of date.
thanks for any help you can give

stator

Sorry don't know about Baxi but have heard their name. Worcester are indeed the name brand in boilers, if you want a safe bet go with them. Had a brand new one in a rental for a few years, worked fine.
Have you compared the specification of the boilers? Are they both as powerful and efficient?

Gwhiz

I would always go Worcester or Vaillant.

hazyjo

Worcester (or Vaillant if another option) are generally considered good.


Jx

G_M

Yes, Worcester is a better boiler than Baxi.

Try posting on this forum here, where lots of heating engineers will respond and argue between themselves......!

You'll also be able to read lots of threads by other people with similar questions.

Nobbie1967

I believe the early condensing Baxi boilers were unreliable, and Worcester were much better, but not sure this is still the case with more recent Baxi models. I remember looking at a website that compared the latest boilers. Might be worth a quick google for it.

phoenix_w

Our plumber friend suggested we go for a "Main" 30HE combi boiler back in 2007. It's essentially a Baxi boiler with a plainer case and less fancy controls. It's been really reliable. Only had two problems (one broken hydraulic venturi, and the pressure sensing vessel on the front which developed a tiny, almost unnoticable, leak) both which I fixed myself after a quick google search and buying parts online.

I'd happily have another one. It's quiet, and the performance is absolutely stonking. When I read people knocking the supposed performance of Combi's I'm always skeptical whether they actually own one given the high water pressure in our house and that the boiler can heat it so ridiculously hot - even in the coldest nights of winter.

Wirenth

I've a Baxi and my Mum a Worcester Bosch. Both have been very reliable, but Mum's has an interesting fight with the hot water. If the tap isn't set to just the right flow, the hot water slows to a dribble and then the boiler turns off. Set the flow a little too high and we've got hot water all right - sprayed everywhere!

martin.cat

Worcester should have an extended warranty at the moment
There will be extras to consider like time thermostat (wireless)
Check what they are doing with the condensate connection to the waste as If it goes outside it will mostl likely freeze when it's really cold as this is the biggest failure mode.
Also make sure they fully flush the system so water is clear
You want hibhibitor fitting and a magnetic boiler filter
Worcester now do a smart control app for phones called Wave but I don't know nothing about that

Cautious_Optimist

Plumbers I've spoken to have recommended Worcester boilers.
BUT beware that the warranty depends on the correct heating engineer fitting it and registering it with the manufacturers.
Talk to your local heating firms about which boilers they are approved to work with.

unclebulgaria

Both manufacturers are good IMO.
Please make sure your plumber/heating engineer checks your water flow rates in standing and working and that you have sufficient water pressure for a combi.
Good boilers aren't just about reliable boilers but good aftersales service too.
Get references from the installer you choose and don't take any excuses if he can't provide them.
When the job is finished ensure he has registered your warranty and notified your boiler through Gas Safe.