Combi Boiler swap

WIAWSNB

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81950024#Comment_81950024

Good selection, but again I'm stuck.

The only one, as far as I know, that will work with the 4000 in order to provide maximum efficiency, and this could be as much as 10% saving, is their own carpy little Comfort+ II 'stat.

Once set up, it's fine - you just turn the dial to change the temp to override it if you wish - but other than that I personally think it's unpleasant to use. However, if it comes in a Smart App version, then you will almost certainly find it a doddle to use, easily as good as any other. And it currently has the advantage of being the only one to 'interface' with the 4000 to its full extent. AfaIk.

Boiler manufacturers should be heavily scolded.

Altior

Pulled the trigger, Boxt and the WB 4000 it is. I selected the option to retain the original thermostat, and the free mini beehive. Partly as when I selected the beehive during the order, it added the £268+ cost, entering the promo code didn't net off the added cost. Also went for the In-line Scale Reducer +£65 and MagnaCleanse Flush with Power Cleaner +£199. Are the upsells worth it, no idea really but it seemed an appropriate time to do a good flush, and I'm in an area with very hard water.

I figure I have either option covered with the thermostat but will most likely call them before installation to discuss it. If I just keep the original I could possibly sell the beehive?

It all makes sense going through the end part of the order, as you have to provide a bunch of pictures, so they'll see the flue type etc.

First 'win' is £65 already landed in my TCB account 🙂

QrizB

I figure I have either option covered with the thermostat but will most likely call them before installation to discuss it.

Probably best to speak with the installer on the day. Mine was quite helpful, said positive things about my existing Drayton 'stat and programmer, and left them with me "in case I ever want to swap back"!

Altior

Yes, that would work!

The longer I thought about it, the more logical it became to move now whilst the current one remains operational.

I did pay upfront though, or at least via CC, as I don't want a credit application on my report, especially as it might possibly fail! I have the means to pay outright from my own funds anyway, but rather unusual circumstances.

WIAWSNB

As I understand it, since the Hive does not use the 4000's interface protocol, it won't be any more 'efficient' than what you currently have. Provided it comes with the WiFi hub, tho', it will be nicer to use. Whether that's enough to justify using it, I don't know.

Yes, you could easily sell it on on eBay for £100+, depending on whether it comes with the hub.

Although I consider WB to be a decent make - tho' I have no personal experience of them - my take would be to not consider them as a replacement for my ol' GlowWorm unless it came with a correct-protocol Smart controller (EMS2?) that I was happy with.

The only one I know of is Bosch's own Comfort+ 2, which - IF it comes with a Smart App option - I would consider, but not if not.

It seems bonkers to me to fit a new boiler with controls that may miss out on a ~10% energy saving of £100+ per annum.

Altior

I'm not sure it would be that material. Looking at the 2025 calendar year I used 6625 kWh. That's with this old, and I assume, pretty inefficient boiler.

I assume it's obvious if you possess the knowledge, but it's not immediately obvious to me why a different thermostat should be tangibly more efficient. I am effectively housebound these days, so the cycle I have set currently is getting up to 23.5C during the day, and dropping to 19 overnight. If you're just maintaining a constant temp then I'd have thought all thermostats were pretty equal (tho of course vary greatly in UI and functionality).

WIAWSNB

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81952167#Comment_81952167

Fair point. Well made :-)

The essential difference is, a 'normal' stat will set the room temp, and the boiler will fire up, full chat, until the 'stat says "Ok! Temp achieved. Stop!"

Then after the room temp drops, the stat will tell the boiler to turn on again, full chat.

No precision. A waste of energy.

A boiler/stat with a more sophisticated protocol will instead go summat like, "Ok, we're getting close to the set temp, so dial down to meet demand. Nice. Now, hold it there." As the required temp is being reached, the boiler will now go down to 'tickover', operating as efficiently as possible, providing just enough to maintain temp, not suffering wear by constantly turning on and off.

For most homes, which will likely have a low overnight temp, a boost in the morning, a fall-back during the day, and a further boost in the evenings, then this will almost certainly make a tangible difference to energy saved, reduced wear, and finer temp control.

In your situation, going from 'warm' to 'very warm', prob not so much :-)

Albermarle

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81952185#Comment_81952185

Although even without a smart stat, a new boiler will still reduce its Kw output to quite low, once the boiler flow temperature is reached.

I realise that is different to what you are referring to, but just wanted to complete the picture.

Altior

It's an age old debate isn't it, I used to cycle from High to Medium to Low (effectively off), but I'd read a lot about most energy being spent going from cold to very warm (logical).

I used to go into the office daily, then lockdown happened with wfh and now I'm home all the time. I have experimented, last year I tried leaving it at the same high temp permanently. It didn't seem to move the dial (literally!).

The approach I have fallen on currently is to have it set to high all the time, but before going to bed I manually reduce the high temp to around 19. The property retains heat so well that it wouldn't actually get down to 19 for several hours anyway.

The noise is really the driving force behind me changing it. I suppose it's like living under a flight path, busy road or train line. The boiler noise is something that I've come to live with as a matter of course. So it's difficult to know how now compares to when it was new, but over the last couple of years it has become pretty annoying, so I feel like it must have gotten a lot noisier.

knightstyle

Well worth having a good system flush when installing a new boiler. Plus make sure from WB that your installation gives you the max g'tee.

Greenstar 4000

• Standard Guarantee  - 7 years
• With any Greenstar System Filter - 8 years
• Extended guarantee - 10 years*

The extended guarantee length can be achieved when installing the boiler with any Greenstar System Filter by a Worcester Bosch Accredited Installer or Worcester Bosch Accredited Partner. If your installer is a member of our loyalty programme but is a non-Worcester Accredited installer, they can achieve the extended guarantee length with an additional £40 payment via their loyalty account.