Back Boiler needs replacing prior to refurb.

[BigRobCanUFixIt]

Hello guys,

I have read through a good few posts now, but thought I would ask to see what you all think.

Just moved into a new house. 4 bed end of terrace, which has a 1 bathroom and WC upstairs, with airing cupboard tank. And a shower downstairs. And radiators throughout.

All the hot water is heated by a back boiler in the lounge, which is about 15-20 years old. And in our survey of the house it was pointed out that it "could" be on the way out. Now I dont want to get the place all decorated then start ripping out the boiler, and plus the fire looks like a garden patio heater thing.

So the questions I have are....

Is it going to make more sense to put another back boiler in with prettier looking fires?

If I went for a system boiler (the system with now loft tanks) but not a combi. Could I have a new boiler fitted in the airing cupboard or loft.

Could I DIY fit the pipes wiring and get some one to fit, test and certify it all. So I can chase in the pipes etc.

What sort of kW boiler would I need. And if the existing boiler is under specced for the house would I need to replace pipes with larger diameters etc.

Final question, Where could I source a plumber (Gas Safe) in the Camberley Surrey area.

Thanks in advance.

Rob

 

[linkyplumb]

Rob

There is only one replacement for a back boiler, and that is the recently introduced Baxi back bolier.These come with only electric fire fronts.As they are new they are still on the rich side for what they are.

I take it that there is a hot water cylinder in the airing cupboard or similar space.You can go for a system boiler or open vent boiler.If it is going in the loft,then you need to make sure the loft has at the very least:
Permanent lighting,loft ladder and that the loft is boarded out.

Depending on your hot water demand,if it is high and you have suitable incoming mains pressure, then I would personnally fit an unvented hot water cylinder and either a sytstem or open vent boiler.

As for finding a good RGI,ask friends and family or go on to the Gas Safe site and go to find an installer,and put your postcode in.Best to find an installer first that would be willing to put his name to the pipework/work that you would do.Not being funny when I say that,it is just that i know plenty of installers that wouldnt.

Find a good installer and discuss your needs with him/her.

Regards
Graham[/b]

 

[CO2000]

Rob,

Sounds very similar to what I am doing. Are you aware of Combis with additional water tanks & therfore performance such as the Vaillant ecotec 937 ?

Check it/them (Bosch Highflow 440CDi) out as it will maybe be fine for you and work out a fair cheaper with not having a cylinder etc. I was all set for a Boiler/Cylinder set up but 99% going to go for this Vaillant. Pretty bulky though so you need the depth for mounting it.

 

[bengasman]

Is it going to make more sense to put another back boiler in with prettier looking fires?

No, definitely not. Very expensive with questionable reliability.

If I went for a system boiler (the system with now loft tanks) but not a combi. Could I have a new boiler fitted in the airing cupboard or loft.

Yes, loft will need about a grand's work of work though if you do that.

Could I DIY fit the pipes wiring and get some one to fit, test and certify it all. So I can chase in the pipes etc.

You may be able to, but a lot of good installers don't like to do it if they don't know you as the chances of comebacks are too high and the profit too low

What sort of kW boiler would I need.

Measure the existing rads, add the total lengths up in metres, add to that any future expansions, and you have the required capacity in kW.

Final question, Where could I source a plumber (Gas Safe) in the Camberley Surrey area.

You don't want just any plumber that is legal to work on gas, you want somebody that delivers a good product. Only way to do that is ask everyone you know locally for recommendations.

 

[BigRobCanUFixIt]

I had a bloke from British Gas Round yesterday.

He seemed quite reluctant to give me prices etc. But wasnt a pushy salesman either which was ok.

We were discussing locations. I have a brick built shed attached to the house behind where the boiler is at the moment, he was suggesting locating it there would cost more as I would need frost protection, but I thought that was built into most boilers as standard.

Also the loft or airing cupboard location would require a vertical flu through the roof, But I have heard that this can put the boiler under more strain with a vertical flu. Is this true?

Now I have a mate of a mate of a bloke a mate used to work for coming round, he has recently done 3 boilers for friends and family with good feedback, so hopefully he'll come up with a good solution.

Rob