New boiler

[Ian1981]

I live in a three bed; two storey semi detached house that has twelve radiators (most have thermostatic valves). i currently have a standard boiler (Potterton he 85), which is located in the airing cupboard in the middle of the house i.e. not on an outside wall. i have one bathtub and two showers. The flue is located on an outside wall. The cold tap flow rate is aver(age. i live in Lincoln. My current boiler is in full working order, but it is expensive to ensure (£65 PCM) as it is 18 years old (wandering whether now is the right time to replace it).

I was provided this quote to replace my Potterton he 85:

Worcester 30KW 4000 10 year guarantee: £3,179

Upgrade to WB Comfort+: £40

Is this quote reasonable? My research here is telling me it is: https://www.boilerguide.co.uk/cost-of-new-boiler I.e. 3-4 bedroom average is £3000. My research here is also telling me it is reasonable: https://msm-boiler.comparisoncreator.com/quote/

I had one other quote of £2,800. However this was from a call centre I.e. they said they would only inspect the boiler on the day they replace it. The company I have chosen recently replaced my neighbours boiler and they were happy with the work.

 

[Mottie]

Sounds to me like you’ve answered your own question. If you’re happy with your neighbours recommendation, that’s a good enough reason to go with them.

 

[Ian1981]

Sounds to me like you’ve answered your own question. If you’re happy with your neighbours recommendation, that’s a good enough reason to go with them.

The question is more about the price and whether or not it is reasonable based on the information I have provided? Also whether it is even worth replacing the boiler as my existing boiler is in full working order.

 

[Mottie]

The question is more about the price and whether or not it is reasonable based on the information I have provided? Also whether it is even worth replacing the boiler as my existing boiler is in full working order.

Well if you’re happy with how it works now and it’s just about the cost of the insurance, stop paying the insurance and replace it when it’s beyond repair.

 

[DP]

First thing that makes no sense is why people pay insurance for boilers.
If you had put £30.00 in a tin each month ( call it boiler fund), get the boiler serviced by an engineer who carries out service as per the boiler manual and he charges you £100
You are left with surplus of £260

10 years later it has grown to £2600
15 years £3900
18 years £4680

Your boiler will no doubt have needed odd items replaced which will reduce the £4680 figure but point is there is money in the tin to replace the boiler. Furthermore a decent engineer carrying out the service as per the book will ensure your boiler stay healthy for prolonged periods. It is not uncommon for service providers to do the bare minimum to keep the boiler functional. Each time you will probably be visited by different folk working at different levels of expertise

I have clients who have boilers still chugging along at twice the age of your boiler and I have never suggested they need their boiler changed

 

[Elsa TLC]

Sounds to me like you’ve answered your own question. If you’re happy with your neighbours recommendation, that’s a good enough reason to go with them.

Does the neighbour know their ars from.their armpit?

 

[Elsa TLC]

My Israeli mate called last night.
His mate has a 2012 Worcester combi boiler.

"Windsor"
Had an engineer round who quoted £600 for a new gas valve. But added that the boiler may also need a new board.

There are some great engineers on here who would say fix a 13 year old boiler. But thats how they make their living.

I however is not such a good boiler fixer. Im a good installer.

I advised them to have a new boiler fitted. Along with new controls and possibly new radiator valves and a proper powerflush will see them good for the next 15 years or so.

They will get a good 10 year manufacturers warranty as long as they have a proper strip down service near the ● every year. The manufacturers will do their best to wiggle out of their duties if they can. So a good
• Installation
•A good magnetic filter
•Topped with a branded inhibitor.
•Annual strip down service.
Then
• Cancel insurance.

 

[fixitflav]

The question is more about the price and whether or not it is reasonable based on the information I have provided? Also whether it is even worth replacing the boiler as my existing boiler is in full working order.

Apart from others' good comments, why was a 30kW boiler quoted as replacement? Most 3-bed semis need about half that. What rating is the existing boiler?

 

[Mottie]

Does the neighbour know their ars from.their armpit?

Most people that get a tradesman in don't know their arse from their armpit in the first place which is why they get a tradesman in. What advice is given when people are asking around for a tradesman - be it a plumber, plasterer, electrician, motor mechanic, painter, roofer, builder etc? - get a personal recommendation!

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Apart from others' good comments, why was a 30kW boiler quoted as replacement? Most 3-bed semis need about half that. What rating is the existing boiler?

That, very much depends on whether it's a combi, or heat only boiler. In this case, it seems to be a combi, and the Kw has to meet the hot water requirements. 30Kw, is not large for the usual hot water needs.

 

[Elsa TLC]

Most people that get a tradesman in don't know their arse from their armpit in the first place which is why they get a tradesman in. What advice is given when people are asking around for a tradesman - be it a plumber, plasterer, electrician, motor mechanic, painter, roofer, builder etc? - get a personal recommendation!

Thats right so not always a good recommendation.

Nice man isn't alway a nice installer.

Hom work an properly reading reviews. Reviews are good, but you need to recognise the real from the fake.

 

[fixitflav]

That, very much depends on whether it's a combi, or heat only boiler. In this case, it seems to be a combi, and the Kw has to meet the hot water requirements. 30Kw, is not large for the usual hot water needs.

The Potterton he 85 is a heat-only boiler

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

The Potterton he 85 is a heat-only boiler

Yes, but the OP seemed to be quoted for the installation of a combi boiler. For an heat only, then 18Kw ought to be more than adequate.

 

[fixitflav]

Yes, but the OP seemed to be quoted for the installation of a combi boiler. For an heat only, then 18Kw ought to be more than adequate.

Good chance whoever quoted would be trying to push him in that direction.

I'm surprised the existing boiler is only 18 years old, with permanent pilot/thermocouple

 

[cdbe]

I can help with the maths: £65 x 12 = £780 x10 years = £7,800.