New Boiler Advice.

[MarcusG]

Whilst I appreciate the focus here is DIY! My intention on this is to use a gas safe contractor!

I need to replace a Potterton suprima 50 and as funds are low I have been looking at a vokera boiler, any thoughts on this manufacturer or their boilers? In addition to the boiler change and a system flush, what would be recommended to added or changed?

Thanks Marcus

 

[muggles]

What's wrong with the Potterton? Parts are still available, they're usually fairly easy to fix

 

[MarcusG]

What's wrong with the Potterton? Parts are still available, they're usually fairly easy to fix

Its 20 years old and I appreciate parts are still available! Not sure however I want to pay £280 for PCB if of course its that?

 

[flameport]

Old doesn't always mean replacement is required, and if it can be repaired for a few £100s, why would you want to spend 10x more on a new boiler?

 

[easyflow]

As said easy to repair and parts widely available, but if you're still wanting a new unit that's cheap and reliable, look at the Ideal Atlantic.

 

[ReJect]

If you do replace your boiler you will need a magnetic filter installed also at boiler. Makes a good point for dosing chemicals and protects the boiler from magnetite and other dirt particles. Generally the norm now to be installed and boilers often have better warranty.
From what I hear, Vokera isn’t a great boiler.
Ask the gas installers you are getting quotes from for their choice.
Your system might be best sealed if presently open vented - either use a system boiler or a boiler that can have sealed components outside the casing (if you had space for such, like in a large cupboard or garage, etc) or a combi, as they are sealed.
I would also suggest any modifications to system are done at same time, - new rads or rad valves, etc and new updated controls

 

[MarcusG]

Old doesn't always mean replacement is required, and if it can be repaired for a few £100s, why would you want to spend 10x more on a new boiler?

I take your point and I have considered it, but as I said all significants parts are all around £200+.

 

[MarcusG]

If you do replace your boiler you will need a magnetic filter installed also at boiler. Makes a good point for dosing chemicals and protects the boiler from magnetite and other dirt particles. Generally the norm now to be installed and boilers often have better warranty.
From what I hear, Vokera isn’t a great boiler.
Ask the gas installers you are getting quotes from for their choice.
Your system might be best sealed if presently open vented - either use a system boiler or a boiler that can have sealed components outside the casing (if you had space for such, like in a large cupboard or garage, etc) or a combi, as they are sealed.
I would also suggest any modifications to system are done at same time, - new rads or rad valves, etc and new updated controls

Thank you, Its currently open vented and I have a cylinder for hot water. I was minded to go like for like as I have two power showers attached.

 

[ReJect]

Thank you, Its currently open vented and I have a cylinder for hot water. I was minded to go like for like as I have two power showers attached.

Okay. If the heating system is sound and can take the extra pressure, it will be far superior to have a sealed heating system.
No air absorbing or air in rads problems and less corrosion. Also easier to work on

 

[MarcusG]

Okay. If the heating system is sound and can take the extra pressure, it will be far superior to have a sealed heating system.
No air absorbing or air in rads problems and less corrosion. Also easier to work on

I am not sure what you mean by sealed? Do you mean a system boiler with the loft tanks removed?

 

[ianmcd]

Either the Vokera easi-heat plus 18V or Mynute 20 VHE would be a straight open vent swap, they both need a permanent live but your Suprima will have that anyway, both good reliable simple boilers,the easi-heats are 5 years warranty the VHE is 2 years warranty, you are well advised to keep your Cylinder if you have two power showers

 

[ReJect]

I am not sure what you mean by sealed? Do you mean a system boiler with the loft tanks removed?

To have a sealed heating system the open vents parts of it would be removed, - so the small tank in loft and the vent and feed pipes sealed off with a system or combi boiler.
The large tank in loft still would still have to remain if you keep your vented hot cylinder.
Note that you can still have a combi boiler fitted and keep your hot water cylinder if you just want to use the hot water from combi for one or two taps, or a shower, especially ideal for outlets nearby to boiler. Gives you high pressure at those outlets.