HomeServe Boiler Replacement

zedem

So a few weeks ago our 7 year + boiler stopped working on a Friday, we promptly called Homeserve who sent out an engineer. They diagnosed a faulty fan, as it was the weekend couldn't get the part till Monday. Tuesday it was all fixed.

Then a few days later we noticed the boiler was leaking onto the floor, engineer called again, he diagnosed some further parts were needed. At this point the boiler is still working however the engineer suggested not using it. I have my elderly parents and two children in the house so going without hot water is not an option.

A day later homeserve tell me that the boiler is beyond economic repair, but they will supply a replacement boiler free of charge. But here is the kicker, we have to use their approved supplier who are charging us £1200 to fit the boiler, replace the flue, system flush & council registration.

We have been with homeserve for over 8 years, I find it frustrating that we have to use their supplier and I can't see the wording in the contract that says we have to either.

Please help what can I do?

daveyjp

I would get an independent engineer (preferably one who is a registered engineer for your make of boiler, call the manufacturer help line to assist in finding one) to have a look and see what Homeserve have done.

tacpot12

I would agree with daveyjp's suggestion. Too many boiler's are condemned as being "beyond economic repair" by firms with a commercial interest in replacing the boiler. At 7 years old, the boiler should have plenty of life left in it.

However, modern boilers do need a clean central heating system if they are to have a long life, so you need to make sure that you can prove that the system was cleaned according to the manufacturers requirements when the boiler was installed and that inhibitor has been added to the system every year.

You can ask Homeserve to send you a copy of your contract by email.

neilmcl

zedem wrote: »

We have been with homeserve for over 8 years, I find it frustrating that we have to use their supplier and I can't see the wording in the contract that says we have to either.

You mean this - " If the boiler is deemed beyond economical repair and is 7 years or older, we will source, replace and install a new boiler but you will be required to pay the installation costs.", emphasis on the word "we".

TELLIT01

neilmcl wrote: »

You mean this - " If the boiler is deemed beyond economical repair and is 7 years or older, we will source, replace and install a new boiler but you will be required to pay the installation costs.", emphasis on the word "we".

Even allowing for that, £1200 for a boiler installation seems excessive.

daveyjp

TELLIT01 wrote: »

Even allowing for that, £1200 for a boiler installation seems excessive.

Not if it is done to ensure the warranty of the new boiler isn't immediately compromised. That usually means a Powerflush has to be carried out.

Dan-Dan

TELLIT01 wrote: »

Even allowing for that, £1200 for a boiler installation seems excessive.

I would be interested on what you base this `knowledge` on ?

grumbler

Dan-Dan wrote: »

I would be interested on what you base this `knowledge` on ?

I would be interested to on how long it takes to replace a boiler and how many people are required to do the job?

Dan-Dan

grumbler wrote: »

I would be interested to on how long it takes to replace a boiler and how many people are required to do the job?

Not one jobs the same but the fact is, you need to flush the system when you install a boiler, i would charge between £350-£600 for that alone, depending on the amount of rads

grumbler

Well, this doesn't answer the question I asked.
OK, how long does it take to flush, say, for an average 3-bedroom house?

Dan-Dan

grumbler wrote: »

Well, this doesn't answer the question I asked.
OK, how long does it take to flush, say, for an average 3-bedroom house?

I would book two men for half a day for a three bed house with 9 rads

and the reason your question is not answered is because as i indicated no one job is the same, would need full details to give an accurate answer