should all new gas combi boilers be condensing?!

Doglover88

still getting quotes for new boilers (fitting only as found one in B&Q for £400) and the 5th plumber i tried (some of the others are fully booked for 3 months!!!) said all new boilers HAVE to be condensing, so cost more to buy and need a waste outlet is this right?
If so how can B and Q still sell non-condensing boilers?
many thanks in advance
glen

greenoak

In Britain (England and Wales*) recent regulations issued by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (John Prescott, no less) require that all new gas boilers fitted from April 2005 should be 'A' or 'B' SEDBUK* efficiency rated and that effectively means condensing boilers (regulations for oil come in two years later).

Within the regulations exceptions are allowed and it is possible that a certain amount of abuse could occur because there is not sufficient policing to prevent bending of the rules for monetary advantages. It is therefore expected that many of the older boilers will still be fitted by individual installers under pressure from customers to cut costs, but house owners who 'economise' in this way should be aware of a nasty sting in the tail.

see http://www.envocare.co.uk/condensing_boilers.htm

robowen

There are certain situations where you can fit non-condensing boilers. :j

For example, I don't think anyone has come up with a condensing back boiler yet, so its ok to fit a new back boiler (albeit a bit expensive to replace).

I think you can get away with it if the condensing boiler would have an effect on the surroundings, for example : If the plumage of steam was to vent onto a pathway or an area where cars were stored....if it was a danger to someone ...things like that. :think:

You have to prove that you have no other option...maybe you can't fit a condensing boiler as you can't find an adequate drain etc etc.

I'm not sure of the exact criteria, I'll have to go in and check myself

rob

alanobrien

glenbat wrote:

If so how can B and Q still sell non-condensing boilers?
many thanks in advance
glen

Good question, :beer:i have wondered about that myself for a while.

Wickes and the other DIY sheds only seem to do condensing as do the merchants like Travis perkins so BandQ stands out as the only one doing lower rated energy efficient boilers.

Given current regs it makes you wonder;

How they can justify selling them
Who they are selling them to
Who is fitting them and with what reasoning

and exactly how much stock of these things they have left:eek:

jimmyjim_uk

You can still install non-condensing boilers in some instances, for example when the cost to install a condensing boiler is very high.

Everything you need to know about the building regulations Part L1 with regards to condensing boilers is here

You will also find the declaration form there which must be filled in by a competent person.

robowen

jimmyjim_uk wrote:

You can still install non-condensing boilers in some instances, for example when the cost to install a condensing boiler is very high.

Everything you need to know about the building regulations Part L1 with regards to condensing boilers is here

You will also find the declaration form there which must be filled in by a competent person.

Excellent info there jimmyjim_uk !

saved me a job finding it anyway !

rob

Doglover88

cheers guys,
Been told I HAVE to have a condensing combi boiler fitted (by Mr Corgi), the gas fitter recommends the Worcester Bosch one, but is there much different between the 3 below? Few people at work have Biasi and say they’re ok, but Mr Corgi turned his nose up at them…

Worcester Bosch Greenstar Juniorv 28i @ £800

Baxi Condensing Combi 105 HE @ £687

Biasi Riva C28S Compact HE Condensing Boiler @ £562

Any help or advice wil lbe very much appreciated
glen

calleyw

I am just in the process of having a new condensing combi boiler and rads being fitted.

Never knew there would be so much dust as we have chipboard floors upstairs.

Anyway we are having a worcester one fitted. Not sure of the model number.

But two out of the three companies that quoteed suggested Worcester ones and one of that two said they only fit the Worcester make. So I can only assume they are ok. Will let you know come thursday night as that is when the chaos should be finished and I get some hot water and I am able to have a bath.

Good job we have a shower. LOL!!!!!!!!

Yours

Calley

robowen

If you are going to have a condensing boiler fitted, then go for one with a stainless heat exchanger.

I hear lots of stories about heat exchangers rotting away and corroding because they are aluminium. I would assume the cheaper the boiler the more chance of a ali exchanger.

Unfortunately I've not done a huge ammount of condensing boilers yet to find out the frailties of them.

Personally, If I were fitting a condensing boiler in my own home, It would be a Worcester or a Vaillant. U get what you pay for !!

rob

cheddar

I have the greenstar one you mentioned. I am in a council house and it seems this is a pretty new one. I would say it is an excellent boiler. I have lived in quite a few different houses and i would say this is the best boiler i have ever seen. If I was buying i think it would be well worth the money!

budgetflyer

Another good one on par with the greenstar is Valiant ECOMAX. These regs dont kick in in SCOTLAND yet till next year