New oil boiler? Condensing? Combi?

sandspider2000

Hi all

We're looking at buying a house with an ancient oil boiler (Firebird), mounted outside. Our survey recommends replacing said boiler, though it does seem to still work.

I was just wondering, what sort of boiler would people recommend? Combi? Condensing? Both? Other? And what brand? I know Worcester Bosch are good for gas, but don't know much about oil boilers - never had one before... I also know that Firebird boilers don't have a great reputation, so probably wouldn't get another one.
The current boiler fills a hot water tank (I'd slightly prefer a combi boiler over condensing for hot water on demand - unless there's a reason this isn't recommended for oil boilers? ), runs a number of radiators (fairly big, old, stone, 5 bedroom house) and also feeds underfloor heating in a fairly big kitchen.

Any thoughts on the best way forward? And a likely price to install a new boiler? £3 - 5,000? Might need a few new radiator valves too, but generally I think the heating is in good order. The only thing I noticed that seemed a bit strange is that both the radiators and the underfloor heating share a single thermostat. Surely it would be better to have a separate stat for the UFH, so it can be left running at a lower level constantly? (Radiators and UFH do have separate controls, but they're fairly basic - on / off).

Finally, if anyone can recommend a good boiler installer in the Bristol / Chepstow area, that could also be useful!

Many thanks.

SS

Oh, and I don't care about the brand name of the boiler, as long as the boiler itself is good and reliable. I don't mind paying for a boiler that will last, but I'd rather not pay just for a name...

Silver-Surfer_2

sandspider2000 wrote: »

Hi all

We're looking at buying a house with an ancient oil boiler (Firebird), mounted outside. Our survey recommends replacing said boiler, though it does seem to still work.

I was just wondering, what sort of boiler would people recommend? Combi? Condensing? Other? And what brand? I know Worcester Bosch are good for gas, but don't know much about oil boilers - never had one before... I also know that Firebird boilers don't have a great reputation, so probably wouldn't get another one.
The current boiler fills a hot water tank (I'd slightly prefer a combi boiler over condensing [/B{for hot water on demand - unless there's a reason this isn't recommended for oil boilers? ), runs a number of radiators (fairly big, old, stone, 5 bedroom house) and also feeds underfloor heating in a fairly big kitchen.

Any thoughts on the best way forward? And a likely price to install a new boiler? £3 - 5,000? Might need a few new radiator valves too, but generally I think the heating is in good order. The only thing I noticed that seemed a bit strange is that both the radiators and the underfloor heating share a single thermostat. Surely it would be better to have a separate stat for the UFH, so it can be left running at a lower level constantly? (Radiators and UFH do have separate controls, but they're fairly basic - on / off).

Finally, if anyone can recommend a good boiler installer in the Bristol / Chepstow area, that could also be useful!

Many thanks.

SS

Oh, and I don't care about the brand name of the boiler, as long as the boiler itself is good and reliable. I don't mind paying for a boiler that will last, but I'd rather not pay just for a name...

You do realise you can have a combi condensing boiler and that condensing isn't a type? You'll either have a combi or a hot water tank when your new condensing boiler is fitted.

sandspider2000

I'd just found that out, and come back to edit my post! Cheers.

brodawel

We had a Worcester Greenstar Heatslave (external) fitted in our last house and will be having the same fitted in the house we are now buying. Oil boilers can be a bit smelly so the external ones are better IMO. It is a combi but they have a tank inside which is constantly being kept hot for instant water. We decided to override this with a Honeywell controller so the tank only heats up when we want it to, programmed to suit our needs, therefore saving money on oil.

Waterlily24

We have a Worcester Greenstar Heatslave 25/32 oil boiler can't say I've noticed any smell though, it's in the utility room. We are very pleased with it. We have quite a big house with three bathrooms. I love having hot water when I need it. I think some say there night be a problem if there are a few people using the hot water at the same time.

sandspider2000

Thanks people, sounds like WB do decent oil boilers too...