Best Combination Boiler

Gorie

So I need a new gas combination boiler. I have an Alpha Condensing Boiler (6 years old) at the moment and I've had enough of the annual £200 repair bills for the past three years.

Now I have done LOADS of research, I've read the other posts on MSE (so apologies that this overlaps a few other discussions) and based on reviews, forums, engineering details (that I may not fully understand) my opinion is that ATAG and Veissmann are the current best boiler manufacturers with products available in the UK. Followed by companies such as Worcester-Bosch (Which Best Buy - but a lot of discussion re deteriorating quality recently), Vaillant and Remeha.

Now I am aware that in addition to choosing the right boiler servicing and installation are very important and this is where I need help.

If I get a Veissmann or ATAG will I be able to find sufficiently qualified and experienced people to fit/service them? Whilst Veissmann may be less of a problem (as there is more of them about) I have been reading that ATAG boilers are engineered differently and many UK gas installers / plumbers are unfamiliar with them (even those listed or recommended by ATAG themselves).

If I get an expensive boiler such as an ATAG might I get stuck if there is a fault or it needs repairs/servicing?

Finally does anyone have any suggestions regarding smart heating controllers? Such as Nest, Salus or Hive?

Thanks a million!

Ray_Alexander

Hi Gorie, there's a wide choice of boilers so happy you've done loads of research. You're right about boiler servicing and installation though, I'd recommend steering clear of big names like Gritish Bas as they often will charge a fortune. Also one man bands can look cheap but often don't provide after care.

I'd recommend getting some quotes in and finding some reviews too if you can before parting with your cash. Getting quotes is why I used STL Heating for new boiler, because God knows I wasn't prepared to pay a fortune for the same boiler (make / model) from british gas! So as I've said, get some quotes in and see how you go.

Also for smart heating controllers? Defo look into Nest, they'll work with a lot of boilers / heating systems and they're owned be Google so that's a good endorsement and safe pair of hands too.

Let us know how you go on if you like.

Ray.

G_M

Best to post on the Energy board.

Gorie

Thanks for the replies, not quite sure how I could move this.

Cardew

With regard to your question on the best boiler, it is an impossible question to answer.


We will know the answer in 10 years(2025) when(if!) someone conducts a survey on boilers installed in 2015.


The problem is that any of the main manufacturers might have just bought in a new sub-assembly(electronics etc) that could possibly in a couple of years turn out to be unreliable.


Gas fitters tend to have their favourites as they are familiar with installation procedures.

Gorie

Yup I guess we'll never know... That in mind I'm probably going to go for the one with the longest guarantee. Also in other news I'm going for Tado and not Nest - I've read very few reviews however? Anyone know about Tado?

matelodave

If I were going for an electronic thermostat set up then Honywell's Evohome would be my choice as it's expandable as your funds permit and you can get individual room control