Replacing Worcester Boiler Advice

[securitynewbie]

Hi Everyone,

We've moved into a property which currently has a Worcester Bosch 24i boiler that is running fine, but is a little old (10yrs or more) and possiblly inefficient too.

We've called out installers and they have recommended:-

Worcester Bosch 38CDI or a Vaillant 838.

The installation is free as it's an energy grant. I'm note sure what to do, so would appreciate any advice on which boiler to go for.

Thanks

 

[bernardgreen]

Most installers seem to have their own favourite make of boiler and will promote that make above all others.

It is very difficult to get all the necessary information to make a decision about which boiler to have without trawling around the various manufacturer's brochures and technical data.

 

[AGAS]

how big is your home ? how many bathrooms ? reason why i ask is because they are big boilers

 

[securitynewbie]

My house is 5 bedrooms + 2 Bathrooms.

I understand what your saying Bernardgreen, hence let me ask.....

Which one in your experience would give me:-

1. More kw output to handle multiple showers?
2. Be more efficient?
3. Cheaper for parts?
4. Have a longer warranty, assuming I don't get an accredited installer?

Also the current installed boiler is a system boiler I believe, so won't installing a combi-boiler cause any issues?

 

[Dan Robinson]

You've bought a place that size and are getting a free boiler?

 

[Dan Robinson]

PS, multiple showers will not be happening with a combi

 

[securitynewbie]

You've bought a place that size and are getting a free boiler?

The free boiler offer is not just for me mate...it's for anyone who meets the government criteria.

 

[securitynewbie]

PS, multiple showers will not be happening with a combi

Right I see.

 

[bernardgreen]

With multiple showers you really need to have a hot water cylinder and NOT a combi boiler. Running a 16 kW boiler for half an hour to heat a cylinder is most probably more efficient than runing a 48 kW for the duration of the shower. A boiler that can put 48 kW into instant hot water and be also throttled down to the few kW needed to keep the house warm has to be a compromise between the two very different requirements.

Combi's were invented to provide hot water and heating for homes such as flats where there is no attic or loft to put tanks in and modern "compact" houses where there is no room for a hot water cylinder and airing cupboard.

My solution in my cottage was a heat only boiler heating rads and / or the vented hot water cylinders. For a mains pressure shower I have a second coil in the top of the bath room hot water cylinder. The hot supply to the shower is mains water heated by passing through this second coil.

 

[securitynewbie]

Just so that I'm not mistaken.. Do you know whether a Worcester 24i is a system or a combi boiler? The reason I ask is because I can't find any cylinder / tank in the loft or anywhere else.

 

[Dan Robinson]

It's a combi. Just like the two boilers you've already been offered.

 

[DP]

You've bought a place that size and are getting a free boiler?

The free boiler offer is not just for me mate...it's for anyone who meets the government criteria.

How does one go about doing that?

 

[AGAS]

You've bought a place that size and are getting a free boiler?

that was going to be my next question dan and DP, how on earth can someone with a house like yours be able to get a free boiler on a energy saving grant ?

what criteria do you have to meet to be eligible just curious OP ?

 

[ianmcd]

He will have someone staying with him on benefits, mother in law granny or a child

 

[securitynewbie]

Honest answer is that I have child under 16, whom I get tax credits for and therefore I can get this grant under the following scheme:-

https://www.gov.uk/energy-company-obligation