What ballpark figure for a small boiler replacement?

The_Walker · 9 April 2018 at 4:05PM

Hi guys, wonder if you could advise on this boiler question?

Our Glowworm Betacom 30C Combi has had it's day. We dragged it out over winter but it needs replacing. Pressure is all over the place, it overheats, and sometimes doesn't heat the radiators at all.

My question is what ballpark figure should I look for? We're talking a straight swap like for like. It's a 1st floor maisonette, one bedroom.

I want to know my stuff before talking to pushy sales people (or even scammers). Boilers are so expensive. I've found companies online but there are no ratings or word of mouth recommendations. One company came back with a £2,500 minimum. British Gas were asking for ridiculous amounts.

Obviously I want to pay as little as possible but get a safe install.

Thanks

Cardew · 9 April 2018 at 4:29PM

Plumbing and Gas Regulations have changed quite a bit in the last decade, so quite often it is not a 'straight swap', especially as your new boiler will be condensing and the old combi could be non-condensing.

Provided there isn't much too much fitting work involved around £1,500 would be a ball-park figure.

I suggest you go for a boiler from one of the top manufacturers that offer a 7 or 10 year warranty. Then ring the manufacturer and ask for their list of recommended installers in your area.

matelodave · 9 April 2018 at 4:54PM

It might be worth having a shufti here as the regs for replacement boilers have just changed - bound to increase the cost https://www.which.co.uk/news/2018/01/if-you-need-a-new-boiler-these-regulation-changes-will-affect-you/

Here's the consultation document - I think that most assumptions about cost of implementation and cost savings are way off the mark. I also have a bit of a jaundiced view about the self interest of some if not all the respondents https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/651853/Boiler_Plus_final_policy_and_consultation_response.pdf

The_Walker · 9 April 2018 at 5:09PM

Cardew wrote: »

Plumbing and Gas Regulations have changed quite a bit in the last decade, so quite often it is not a 'straight swap', especially as your new boiler will be condensing and the old combi could be non-condensing.

Provided there isn't much too much fitting work involved around £1,500 would be a ball-park figure.

I suggest you go for a boiler from one of the top manufacturers that offer a 7 or 10 year warranty. Then ring the manufacturer and ask for their list of recommended installers in your area.

Yes, £1500 sounds more like my ideal and reasonable, considering most small boilers seem to cost around £1000. So that's £500+ for labour.
My old combi is a condenser by the way, so does sound like a straight swap (within reason).
The quote for £2500 came from the Worcester Bosch site though, so that didn't help getting a reasonable price. I'll wait and see if the others come in lower.

I looked at those new regs matelodave and it doesn't look like they should affect me too much. Thanks.

The_Walker · 9 April 2018 at 9:08PM

Just got another rough quote from an approved installer. £1900 upwards to £2700. So another one well above £1500. Maybe prices have just risen? Or I'm contacting the wrong people.

G_M · 10 April 2018 at 12:35AM

When comparing quotes, you need to be clear exactly what they are going to do.

* Does it include a power flush? If not, will your warranty be valid?
* does the vent need altering? Building Regs have chaned.
* Adding radiator thermostats? Again, BRs may reqire these if you don't have them
* upgrading controls?

Yes, the choice of boiler manufacturer and model is important, as is are the reviews of the instaler, but also consider the 'extras' each one does or does not include.

The_Walker · 13 April 2018 at 5:44PM

I got an proper quote from an approved installer and it came in at £2200. That's a downgrade from 30C to 25C (because we don't need 30C), and doesn't include any radiator fittings, power flush (which could damage warranty) or thermostat control. Boiler goes in same position and only requires a metre of copper pipe.

How does this quote sound? These are South prices btw, if that makes a difference.

Towser · 22 September 2018 at 6:55PM

Do you have to have a new boiler? Or can it be secondhand plus labour?

What ballpark figure for a small boiler replacement?

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