Best make of bolier...?

Littleblue123

Need some advice please....
Ive been in my house for two years ( small 2 bed semi-det ) and I believe the boiler, a Baxi is approx 10-12 years old. It works fine but on the last two services the engineer has pointed out several things that need upgrading. He said that he can still get parts for it no problem

Quote to repair a valve and insullation panels is £480 but I was thinking it might be better to upgrade and spend this money, plus extra on a new boiler.

I'll have to get several quotes obviously but does anyone have any recommendations on best / worst make of boiler to get...?

Thanks

Cardew

I would never suggest replacing a 10-12 year old boiler especially if it is non-condensing.


I am not a heating fitter, but it seems strange to 'repair' a valve.(a gas valve??) and insulation panels??


You would do well to get hold of a copy of WHICH from a friend/library or pay £1 on-line to read their comprehensive report on loads of boilers. Worcester/Bosch and Veissmann are 'top of the pops'


Bear in mind that if your boiler is non-condensing, there is a lot more involved than just a boiler replacement - new flue, condensate drain etc.

matelodave

You'd be better putting the money away for when it needs a repair or eventually dies.

It's not usually cost effective to dump a boiler that is still working OK especially if the parts are still available. The cost would probably be in excess of £2k which would pay for several repairs on your existing boiler - I would wait until it's terminally dead

You wouldn't get your money back in terms of increased efficiency either, even if it saved you £200 a year it would be 10 years before it started to pay back.

Littleblue123

Apparantly the valve is not working correctly i.e. causing low pressure so the radiators are not heating up correctly and the panels are cracked, which is dangerous so he put a red label on the boiler. He said he has to do it but i can contiune using bolier at my own risk...!

PS good thinking re Which. I'll check it out, thanks

Pincher

For two bed one bath, I expect you are going for a combi.


Best? The Dutch seem to have very good reputation.


http://www.atagheating.co.uk/




http://gasboilerguide.com/intergas-boilers/




"Thanks to the hot water circuits and separate central heating, Intergas combination boilers do not use diverter valves and secondary domestic hot water plate heat exchangers. This all is very helpful in elimination of an important source of possible failures of the boiler’s components."


"Which" does a boiler report, your local library might have a copy.




I think there are two approaches to plumbing.


1. Get your sister or daughter to marry a plumber, or


2. Get a brand with a good network of support engineers.


Potterton is in no way fancy, but Heat Team has been excellent for me.


3. Sleep with a plumber yourself.


I prefer option 2.

SailorSam

I had an Ariston fitted about 4yrs ago which i'm very happy with. At the time it came with a 5yr guarantee, i notice the same heating engineers are now offering a 10yr guarantee, so when you think about what you're going to save by not having to get a breakdown cover, it works out as a good deal.
I'm on the other side of the Country so they wouldn't go to Lincolnshire but check if there's anyone near you offering the same deal.

zaax

Get another plumber, he only want's to charge you £4000 for a £500 boiler.

What valve, what's actually wrong with the insulation?

harrythomas

Get free Boiler replacement service from QuoteABoiler and they will guide you with reasonable cost.

Because I suffer with same problem.So they suggested me with good boiler replacement.

Eric_Disley

Like you, I'd be reluctant to spend £500 fixing a boiler that might need replacing in a couple of years anyway. Then again, if it's likely to last another 10 years, a £500 repair could be worth it. I'd get another plumber to give you a second opinion.

If you decide on a new boiler, Which? is a good suggestion. I've also looked at plumber forums in the past.

Be aware that some companies have a bad name when it comes to certain models, but other models are better e.g. from what I've read, Ideal ICOS boilers were poor, newer models are better.

I bought a house with a Ferroli boiler which was rubbish. They get plenty of bad reviews.

Littleblue123

Update

Have to upgrade to condensing boiler.

Looked at Which and Worcester get the top rating however looking at other review sites they also get slatings.

Ive had two companies round so far to quote, one was recommended by a friend and he's recommended a Worcester and wont fit anything else. Cost £2100 and 7 yr guarantee on boiler only.

Second guy recommends a Viessmann and slats Worcester, only fits Viessmann. Again on Which they also get top ratings. Cost £2300 but it has 10 yr guarantee on parts and labour although I must have annual service by Viessmann trained engineer at £55 per year.

Obviously the second one seems better value due to 10 yr guarantee....?

Any idea why they would only fit certain makes of boiler.....?
Any one have experience of Viessmann ( German make)...?

CashStrapped

Why do you have to upgrade? Who has said this?

Just to clarify.

Who recommended you replace the boiler? Was it a large nationwide firm(s)?

Sometimes on these "services" they look for reasons and excuses to replace your boiler.

If there are parts still available for your boiler and it can be repaired, there is no reason to replace it.

You would be basically pouring money down the drain if you replace a boiler that can be repaired.

Get a local gas safe heating engineer. Do not ask him/her to quote for replacement but to get a second opinion as to the cost of replacing the required parts on your current boiler.