Best place for new boiler + install?

kittennose

I am looking into a getting a new combi boiler to improve efficiency, increase water pressure to our showers and save some space over our 25 year old conventional boiler.

However we are at a complete loss as to where to get them from and have seen online quotes from third parties, the main gas suppliers range from 3k to 6k! I don't want to be ripped off but have no idea what we should be looking at.

Interest free is attractive if at all possible.

Does anyone have any advice on a good outfit or if this is better for a local tradesperson?

We have a 4 bed detached property, with decent water pressure, 2 showers, 1 bath and we'd like the boiler moving up a floor into an airing cupboard.

Reed_Richards

I wondered if a boiler had to be mounted on an external wall but apparently not: https://www.viessmann.co.uk/heating-advice/does-a-boiler-have-to-be-on-an-external-wall .

 

Hasbeen

Keep away from the big names like BG etc


Get at least 3-4 estimates and listen to advice from local installers.


Recommendations from friends?


Also go for a reputable brand of boiler. Join Which consumer for a trial at £1 and look at what is said.


Personally I would be looking at 1. Vaillant, 2. Worchester Bosch

Reed_Richards

If you want a combi boiler in place of an existing hot water tank do bear in mind the length of the pipe runs or you will wait a long time to get that hot water - but maybe you are doing that by seeking to site the boiler where the hot water tank is now.  If you are lacking hot water pressure, consider a pressurised hot water tank.  

matelodave

We fitted a combi in the airing cupboard when the hot water tank was removed. My daughter and my Mum had their combi's mounted on the gable wall in the loft. 


The main thing to remember is that condensing boilers also need a condensate drain which has to either connect into the drainage system if it's internal to the house or via an external pipe to an outside drain.

Reed_Richards

In my case the "outside drain" was the ground; the installers just buried the end of the condensate pipe.

Tallerdave

You don’t need a combi to improve pressure,  just go unvented. Combis in larger houses lead to hours spent waiting for hot water. I would just put a conventional boiler in the loft and go unvented. Find a local independent,  preferably with recommendations from friends/neighbours.