Glow-Worm boilers anyone?

StevieD54

Looking at these as a replacement for my parents Worcester Bosch Greenstar 30Si, which is 11 years old and has just had the fan go, so we’re considering buying new.  I’m looking at these 2: the Glow-worm Betacom4 24kW Combi and the Glow-worm Easicom₃ 24kW Combi.  They have similar spec, but although the Betacom is slightly cheaper it has a longer guarantee.  Does anyone here have an opinion on Glow-Worm and whether one of these 2 is a better choice than the other?

tim_p

Why not just get the fan replaced? Can’t see why a failed fan is a reason to replace an entire boiler. Our Glow Worm limped on for 30+ years. 

[Deleted User]

Glow worm are only mediocre, Worcester Bosch and Vaillant are rated best for reliability by Which.

daveyjp

If you replace a 30kw with a 24 kw you may notice a considerable drop in hot water flow.

bristolleedsfan

Only £50 more than 24kw version, I bought this myself via Amazon, only had to pay for install thanks to Santander refer a friend promotion couple years ago   https://www.cityplumbing.co.uk/Glow-worm-Betacom4-30kW-Combi-Boiler-with-Horizontal-Flue-Pack-and-Filter-10021205/p/464583

Neil49

I had a Glow-worm boiler at my last house and it was still going strong when I left after 12 years. It wasn't a combi so I can't comment on those models but I had it serviced annually and it just needed a few replacement parts after a set period of time as part of the service. 

tacpot12

Replace the fan. The boiler will last another 6 years or more, which is about the life of a new fan, so replace the fan now and replace the boiler in the summer of 2026. 

spot1034

Neil49 said:

I had a Glow-worm boiler at my last house and it was still going strong when I left after 12 years. It wasn't a combi so I can't comment on those models but I had it serviced annually and it just needed a few replacement parts after a set period of time as part of the service. 

Mine just passed its 30th birthday in November! It was a new house so a standard fit by the builders, and I'm sure there are still some others which survive including my neighbours. Most of the ones which have been replaced were probably still functioning perfectly well, but the plumber who services mine every year says that 'the gas board' would have condemned it years ago.

Brewer20

Yep I agree if the rest of the boiler is doing its job get a quote for a new fan. Of course get not just one quote and possibly not a British gas one either, they'll most likely condem it.
My previous Worcester boiler (it was just Worcester back then) lasted 24 years, now I have the Greenstar installed, no problems as expected but only 4 years old.

Tippytoes

Glow Worm boiler in my last house was over 30 years old.  It was big compared to modern boilers but it never let me down, not once.  Had it serviced-that's it.

StevieD54

daveyjp said:

If you replace a 30kw with a 24 kw you may notice a considerable drop in hot water flow.

But is the name indicative of the power? Boilerguide.co.uk says the 30Si is rated 24kw.