is all boiler pipework generally the same?

[gnsanders]

I ask because my faithful Gloworm Spacesaver Mk II is up for replacement and I wondered if there was general similarity in the pipework of modern day boilers.

I know that a combination boiler would involve massive changes, so I'm not even thinking of going there.

I like the Pottertton Gold 24 HE because it is nice and compact and a decent price, but the over-riding priority is to select a new boiler that wouldn't involve a fitter in too much change to the existing pipework. After all, big changes = big money!

Could someone guide me on this?

Thanks in advance

 

[Deleted member 105431]

the glow worm ultracom hxi would foot the bill nicely and is much better than the potterton.

 

[doitall]

I would agree with that And I would sooner go cold cold than have a Baxi/Potterton boiler.

 

[gnsanders]

is the ultracom ok for both hot water and heating?

 

[simond]

And as an alternative take a look at the new Viessmann 100 Compact.

A new one comes out in September which we think will set the standard for an open vented 24Kw boiler - now that Worcester have succeeded in pulling the Buderus range for the UK.......

 

[ChrisR]

Don't worry much about the pipes around the boiler themselves. There are only 3, and it depends which connections on your GW the installer used!
More ££ are involved if your controls need to be updated (motorised valve(s) and thermostats, if you don't have any) and possibly the flue - yours could be one of 3 types.

Also
you'll probably have to have at least a partial gas pipe size upgrade
you should have TRVs fitted at least in the bedrooms
you'll need the system properly cleaned
there will be a condensate plume to consider, and a condensate discharge to put somewhere.

 

[gnsanders]

Hi,

Thanks for the information - food for thought indeed!

Currently I have a room thermostat, a controller near to the boiler, a 3 port valve in the airing cupboard and rendering to the top half of the house.

What the blazes has rendering got to do with a replacement boiler you may well ask!

Well, my house is about 5 feet higher than next doors (only talking about the boiler vent side now) and my rendering starts just above the existing flue. It's a nightmare to get to (800mm away from next doors) and I have a dread of the rendering needing major work if I disturb it for a new flue.

So, given the support for glow worm, I think that the Flexicom is a sensible choice for me rather than the ultracom, just by virtue of it's rear flue.

Does the flexicom have a sensible reputation or does a "bargepole" come into the next reply?

You chaps are brilliant in helping me not to mis-spend my hard earned cash.

Thanx again

 

[chr15]

I would agree with that And I would sooner go cold cold than have a Baxi/Potterton boiler.

Are they really that bad? I went to service a potterton gold 24 he combi last week, what a breath of fresh air! Everything came apart easy, compared to the worcester i junor greenstars anyway, a nice easy service for a change. Whats the biggest problem with these boilers?

 

[mickyg]

Does the flexicom have a sensible reputation or does a "bargepole" come into the next reply?

good boiler, good price and handy for the rear flue option.