New boiler, unsure which make to go for.

New boiler, unsure which make to go for.

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megaphone

10,739 posts

252 months

Friday 21st October 2016
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2lefthands said:
JMC180 said:
Don't fret Harry, I have just fitted 2x Worcester 30cdi regular boilers in my new home...and they come with an 8 year warranty.
When serviced properly annually, otherwise you just have 2 new boilers.

Serviced does not mean analyser only and gone in 20 minutes. If your gas safe engineer doesn't need both hands to carry their kit from the van before starting, you aren't getting what you're paying for.
So wants done during a 'service' of a boiler?

2lefthands

400 posts

140 months

Friday 21st October 2016
quotequote all
megaphone said:
2lefthands said:
JMC180 said:
Don't fret Harry, I have just fitted 2x Worcester 30cdi regular boilers in my new home...and they come with an 8 year warranty.
When serviced properly annually, otherwise you just have 2 new boilers.

Serviced does not mean analyser only and gone in 20 minutes. If your gas safe engineer doesn't need both hands to carry their kit from the van before starting, you aren't getting what you're paying for.
So wants done during a 'service' of a boiler?
Manufacturer and model dependent. Have a read of the servicing section of your particular boiler manual. Fundamentally, you want to be visually inspecting heat producing and exposed areas, sealing of combustion products, ensuring complete combustion is happening, that safety devices are working as required and that the boiler is operating as per MIs parameters.

Waving a flue gas analyser about and changing sub £50 does not cut it. Even if the likes of British Gas abuse their customers by charging for such a 'service'!

Sheepshanks

32,807 posts

120 months

Friday 21st October 2016
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2lefthands said:
Waving a flue gas analyser about and changing sub £50 does not cut it. Even if the likes of British Gas abuse their customers by charging for such a 'service'!
It's fine for WB's guarantee. Same as having a car serviced by a franchise dealer - they could just wash it and stamp the book and the warranty would still be valid.

I was told BG don't take boilers apart now as it was causing more trouble than it was worth. All they're really doing is a safety check.

2lefthands

400 posts

140 months

Friday 21st October 2016
quotequote all
Sheepshanks said:
2lefthands said:
Waving a flue gas analyser about and changing sub £50 does not cut it. Even if the likes of British Gas abuse their customers by charging for such a 'service'!
It's fine for WB's guarantee. Same as having a car serviced by a franchise dealer - they could just wash it and stamp the book and the warranty would still be valid.

I was told BG don't take boilers apart now as it was causing more trouble than it was worth. All they're really doing is a safety check.
Guarantee, not warranty. You've used both words, but a major difference between them.

Try claiming under it after 12 months plus and see what their response is if check paint is still in place on all fixings and covers internally. They don't include servicing instructions in the MIs for fun, it is to protect themselves should a claim occur and they can categorically prove it has not been done - oh, and compliance with GS(I&U)R...

Incorrect on BG. They offer both a service and a safety check. Most go for the more expensive service option, which involves an (often not completed) strip down. Customer gets screwed of a few more quid and is none the wiser.

Sheepshanks

32,807 posts

120 months

Friday 21st October 2016
quotequote all
2lefthands said:
Incorrect on BG. They offer both a service and a safety check. Most go for the more expensive service option, which involves an (often not completed) strip down. Customer gets screwed of a few more quid and is none the wiser.
Hmmm...from BG's service page:

"What happens during the service?

We’ll inspect your boiler and controls to make sure they’re working properly.
We'll check your boiler for corrosion and leaks.
We’ll take off the casing of your boiler to inspect the main components.
We’ll check the gas pressure.
We’ll test the flue to make sure it’s not emitting any unsafe fumes.
We’ll clean the parts (if tests indicate they need it).
We’ll pop the casing back on and check the seals.
We’ll leave you with a checklist of information about your boiler’s safety."

So an a modern combi that's basically a quick look and a probe.


To be fair, I was at an old person's house who had a very old boiler and a BG guy with an apprentice arrived. The lad spent about 90 mins stripping it and cleaning the burner etc. But no way is that normal.

2lefthands

400 posts

140 months

Friday 21st October 2016
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Feel free to explain the many boilers I see that BG have been taking care of that to my modest surprise still have check paint on gas valve covers. They checked gas pressure using what exactly, witchcraft??

megaphone

10,739 posts

252 months

Friday 21st October 2016
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So really a 'service' is just an inspection and brush out the dust. Nothing is serviced, as there is nothing to service.

I've had my combi for over 20 years, it's never been 'serviced'. Been repaired a few times though.

2lefthands

400 posts

140 months

Friday 21st October 2016
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No. A service, as already described, ensures the correct and safe operation of the appliance and its controls. Lazy engineers might brush or hoover and check CPA readings, proper engineers will strip to component parts looking for potential or actual issues related to safety or performance. Sadly, many customers think that the more expensive independent is trying it on, whereas the cheapest option from a national name is putting their lives at risk.

Sheepshanks

32,807 posts

120 months

Friday 21st October 2016
quotequote all
megaphone said:
So really a 'service' is just an inspection and brush out the dust.
Similar, but without the brushing out of the dust. I've seen a few being done and they always do a flue gas analysis.

Chris Jay

243 posts

130 months

Friday 21st October 2016
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I've just replaced a 15 year old and very tired Ferroli with a Vaillant Eco Tec Pro 30.

Excellent boiler, i've gone from 45 mins to 10 mins to fill a bath! Heating power is very good, had to have a Power Flush to shift sludged up pipework though. I have Hive also, very convenient gadget.

Avoid WB, a fauty one set fire to my folks house.

mikeiow

5,385 posts

131 months

Friday 21st October 2016
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Well, we are still suffering EA errors on our WB....next thing to check is the gas pressure, but the HES contract we had got them repl
acing several parts (electrodes, bearing plate, PCB)....but then raising their annual cost 30% in Sept - so we said farewell, and sadly 6 weeks later are back suffering EA.

WB do offer to sent their engineer at a cost of about £260...although if the "backplate" (which I was told is the "main jig on the back of the boiler" - ?!) is not good, then the cost could be more serious.....
Currently using our own trusted fella to try to resolve, but it does feel like the only answer may be a new boiler.

Oh, & ours is *just* over 8 years old - serviced annually by HES, although *their* contract meant if they could not repair it, because it was over 7 years old, all they would offer is "some discount on a new boiler" - hence another reason to end their contract!

That said, I imagine there are many thousands of happy WB owners - I read of issues with all brands.
My fella is none too impressed with them, but if a customer wants one he will install it. Haven't yet reached the point to get his recommendation on a replacement.....but feel like I am not far off that, it is a proper PIA heading into the loft 1-3 times daily to reset it.....

hey ho!