Boiler - replacing my 20 year old Potterton

wendb69

Good afternoon,

Our 20 year old Potterton boiler still works, but we have to manually turn the dial to put it on, as it doesn't always fire up.

Were at the point that we think we need to replace it but no idea about where to start.

We live in a 3 bedroom terraced house and we had the free loft and cavity installation around 14 years ago.   We own our home and are not on any sort of benefits.

Q. Is there a government scrappage scheme at the moment - and would we be able to apply for this?

We dont have a lot of spare funds, so wondered if its best to do a deal (0% with British Gas).

Just no idea where to start.   So much on the internet, re Eco boilers etc - just a mind field of info which I have no idea about.

Also my energy certificate ran out in December - so in order to get a new one, what do I need to do to get this?

Be grateful for any help.

QrizB

When was your boiler last serviced? What did the service engineer say about its condition?

Gerry1

Don't go to BG.  It'll cost a lot more.  Find a good local independent supplier.  Likely to be cheaper and better because they have a reputation to protect.

wendb69

QrizB said:

When was your boiler last serviced? What did the service engineer say about its condition?

QrizB said:

When was your boiler last serviced? What did the service engineer say about its condition?

Serviced around 4 months ago and this issue was happening, but we said that we manually turn it on and off (otherwise there is the chance that it doesnt fire up and you can smell gas externally).  He said as long as your happy doing that then keep at it as they are good boilers (and with our current budget at the time)

Scot_39

If you really believe the boiler needs replacing.

I'd get it checked over.  It may not be as end of life as you might think. 

BG used to have a bit of a bad rep on older boiler etc repairs and pushing replacements - sometimes good local might  be a better idea.

You may or may not qualify for schemes like eco4 flex (low income not benefit) if was and still active in area - but funds were being limitted - or other local schemes - ask your energy suplier,  council or citizens advice.

If you cannot get help and given cost of boilers - even from independents for a reputable brand - or likes of BG  - a real hurdle.

One possible option to consider 

Some suppliers apparently will fit an ASHP for less than a new gas boiler given the current £7500 grant if rest of system and home insulation considered suitable

https://www.gov.uk/apply-boiler-upgrade-scheme/check-if-youre-eligible


You may want to read up on ashp if not already done so - either here in the ashp section - but as a intro / starter maybe here

https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/energy-at-home/heating-your-home/heat-pumps/

They are electric but use the power to draw heat from air - to reduce operating costs.  So get closer to gas running costs than conventional electric heating.


Last leaflet from SG sister had said essentially if just boiler was iirc £499 for simplest boiler to Hest pump swap - yes  on the BG web 
https://www.britishgas.co.uk/home-services/boilers-and-heating/air-source-heat-pumps.html

Down from £1000s previously- now grant upped to £7500 so in theory all other things suitable in home -  could be cheaper upfront cost wise - to go ASHP than gas now bigger grant in place if can go that route.

And suspect others too e.g. Octopus site also say get quote from £500
https://octopus.energy/get-a-heat-pump/

stripling

wendb69 said:

QrizB said:

When was your boiler last serviced? What did the service engineer say about its condition?

QrizB said:

When was your boiler last serviced? What did the service engineer say about its condition?

Serviced around 4 months ago and this issue was happening, but we said that we manually turn it on and off (otherwise there is the chance that it doesnt fire up and you can smell gas externally).  He said as long as your happy doing that then keep at it as they are good boilers (and with our current budget at the time)

I've got one too and the Gas Safe guys all seem to love it because they are well made and logically designed. You can still buy all the spares easily and they are very good, fairly efficient boiler work horses. It probably is worth paying for a repair until your finances are ready to go the 'whole upgrade' which may be an ASHP. 

FreeBear

Scot_39 said: Some suppliers apparently will fit an ASHP for less than a new gas boiler given the current £7500 grant if rest of system and home insulation considered suitable

And suspect others too e.g. Octopus site also say get quote from £500
https://octopus.energy/get-a-heat-pump/

Octopus are quoting me £2700 online for a heat pump (subject to survey & EPC) - I paid nearly that much for a gas combi boiler last year.

Zandoni

I fancied a Vaillant Boiler so I got three local quotes from their recommended local installer list, they varied by £1100 for the exact same job. British Gas would have been at least double the price I paid and they would have probably used a subcontractor.