HELP! Boiler packed in and needs replacing

snow_queen

Hi can anyone help me please find the cheapest way, pay monthly boiler? I'm not on any benefits xx

CashStrapped

How has your current boiler "packed in". Who diagnosed this? Has someone attempted repair?

What type of boiler is it? Combi? Conventional (hot water tank).

What is the make/model?

How old is it?

When was it last serviced?

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What is your available budget at the moment?

snow_queen

"packed in" as in - not working!
Plumber has been and said its the PCP board and is trying to source the part but he feels with the age of the boiler (potterton suprema 50) we would be better to get a new boiler as may not even be the PCP board for sure!

Its conventional

Serviced in December

xx

CashStrapped

After a quick online search there are a number of sources for PCBs for that boiler. Some suppliers, if proved to be reliable have replacements starting at the £80 mark.

In fact one supplier offers an exchange with a refurbished PCB, you get a refund after you send them your failed board. Total cost £48. But, you have to ensure your model is one that is compatible using the specific model number rather than brand name.

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However, if you heart is set on a new boiler, there are a number of options. Installing a new combi is just one, but your plumber should have given you the full range of options. A new combi may be one of the more expensive.

One of the cheaper options may be to install a modern conventional condensing boiler (heat only boiler).

This would work in the same way as your existing boiler, but be far more efficient.

A replacement does not have to be a combi. That is just one option.

A heat only installation should be the cheapest option as it only requires remedial work.

Your first point of call should be to get a number of quotes for the options you want.

1) a quote for a heat only boiler (which should require the minimum cost and labour). Heat only boilers are simple, efficient, reliable and cheap.

2) A quote for a combi, if that is something you are interested in.

At this point you have then got the basis to compare them with finance and or rent a boiler schemes. But, get some quotes first.

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There are two versions of that brand of boiler (suprima 50), one being installed from 97-2001 and the other from 2001-10. It is around 78% efficient as a guide figure and is a conventional non-condensing type as you say . These are usually pretty reliable. A failed PCB should not necessarily be a death sentence.

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Out of interest, was the plumber an independent trader or part of British Gas homecare?

macman

You need a new plumber, or more accurately a new RGI, not a new boiler. If he can't determine the fault, he is not competent.

Michaelw

I have the Suprima 30 it all depends if you have the later Siemens board (Black Box) or the Enertek.Mine started locking out in 2006 with the Enertek I self replaced this PCB and the boilers been fine since,if it is try CET in Watford.Very little to go wrong with these it could be the electrode lead or the electrode itself the gas valve is usually very reliable.