New Boiler Needed

freccle

Our boiler has suddenly died on us. Three repairs attempted, none successful for more than about 24 hours. We are approaching retirement age where our only income will be state retirement pension and maybe pension credits and to be honest this is an expense we are struggling with.
Our heating engineer has given us a price of £2157 for fitting a Glow-worm ultimate combi boiler , with 10yrs guarantee, and wifi room stat (I assume a Nest type thing?) and moving it downstairs (which is needed as its in the loft at the moment and we can’t reach it). He’s also quoted £850 for fitting a boiler we get ourselves, which would be easier for us as I’d get it on paypal and claim 12 months interest free credit. I’ve looked at boilers and they seem to be available from about £500 but I know NOTHING about them. There seems to be hundreds to choose from. Our house is a 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom mid terraced. Can anyone advise please?

cattie

I've only ever gone for Worcester Bosch or Valiant Boilers. In my current & 2 previous properties it's been Valiant I've gone for, as always been led to believe they are the Rolls Royce of the boiler world, but sure Worcester Bosch are not far behind. I think it was a 7 yr guarantee I got with my current boiler.

bengalknights

There is a government grant till January that means some households are qualified for a free boiler as long as they have insulation done at same time.

You might want to check with your local trades person if they can apply for this on your behalf.

This might help you more

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/family/grant-grabbing/#help

tacpot12

For your size house, and if your engineer is familiar with Intergas, I would recommend an Intergas Combi Compact Eco RF 30 Boiler.

It is powerful enough to provide a good flow of hot water and is more than adequate for heating your home. It comes with controller board that has the wireless needed for your room stat which makes for a neater installation.

Intergas are popular with plumbers and heating engineers because they are mechanically simple; simpler than the other good makes such as Vaillant and Viessmann.

I've just had an Intergas HR OV installed at home as a replacement boiler in an open vent system. Previously I bought Vaillant for my rental property, but would switch to Intergas now.

Cost should be about £1100 inc VAT but you will also need a flue kit. I would consult with your Engineer to see whether they are knowledgeable about Intergas and which flue kit you need.

freccle

We know we're not eligible for a grant etc. We might be when we retire but thats a couple of months off and we can't manage until then

Undervalued

cattie wrote: »

I've only ever gone for Worcester Bosch or Valiant Boilers. In my current & 2 previous properties it's been Valiant I've gone for, as always been led to believe they are the Rolls Royce of the boiler world, but sure Worcester Bosch are not far behind. I think it was a 7 yr guarantee I got with my current boiler.

Based on my experience I would say more Lotus than Rolls Royce - Loads Of Trouble Usually Serious! Spare parts are very expensive. OK, if you are on some kind of service contract or long extended guarantee that ceases to be your concern, although you are probably paying out the same in the long run.

sugartree

I recently had a boiler fitted through Eon, I applied for a grant as my son has disabilities and I receive DLA. I didn't think we would get it as I still receive an income from employment but I was entitled. I just had to pay £470 (£250 contribution to the scheme and additional work i.e. valves, pipework etc). a brand new Worcester boiler has been fitted which has also saved me on my energy bills as the previous boiler was 20 years old.


I would suggest applying anyway as it won't cost anything to ask. If you say retirement is a few months away, wouldn't it be worthwhile to wait and save the best part of £2k (I know it will be bleak) and apply when you are more likely to receive the grant?

G_M

I'd be cautious about buying it yourself and paying your guy to install.


If anything goes wrong, you have the 'pass the blame' risk. Was the boiler faulty, or was it poorly installed?
What about the warranty? Again manufacturer may not honour it and blame the installer.
If you want long-term peace of mind, pay someone to do the whole job; parts and labour.


And definately get at least 3 different local gasSafe engineers to quote, ideally like for like.