New Boiler

[Deleted User]

This thread is quite alarming! My boiler is 21 years old, and, apart from two new thermocouples, has run faultlessly and maintenance free the whole time. My total gas bill (including hot water from a separate multipoint) is only £200, so I doubt I'd ever get my money back taking into account purchase, installation and repair costs. If regulations are going to force me to fit one of these when the time comes, I shall seriously consider abandoning central heating and returning to the electric fire in the lounge only.

Lochbot

For information the building regulations are to change next year and for domestic applications the govenrment white paper on energy indicates that condensing will be required. Regardless of the type of application in a domestic situation a condensing boiler made of stainless steel will always be more efficient than a standard steel boiler. Although Condensing boiler longevity has yet to be proven. All domestic boilers must have a rating called sedbuk (which means seasonal efficiency for domestic boilers in the united kingdom) Always make sure you buy an 'A' rated unit but understand that different stockists support different manufactuers and therefore have better margins on some than others, so you are bound to get a baised opinion from some people. Get the one with the best warrenty and general reputation. Interestingly for combi type boilers No one seems to tell you how efficient producing just hot water is. But with some insider knowledge i can say with confidence that the best is around 70% and worst 40%. Hope this is useful, and always question what people tell you and then you will find out how much they really KNOW about the subject!! The preceding information applies to domestic output appliances because In commercial applications the type of boiler heat exchanger (due to a wider type choice) and application dictate whether a condensing boiler will be more efficient than a non condensing one. Some non condensing boilers give higher efficiency that condensing when operating above dew point.

chateau42

Interesting site which may be of help in considering condensing boilers.
http://www.est.org.uk/bestpractice/uploads/publications/pdfs/CE52.pdf

Rosehip_01

Definitely go for a Worcester Bosch Infrared Combi boiler. Had a very old back-boiler reomved and a fantastic new combi boiler and rads fitted and the 3-bed house warms up in a minute, is so easy to control and hot water is instantaneous! I'm even in credit with my gas bill (I pay by DD). Just need to get OH to fit the new bathroom and shower....