Now that it's -8c: any Heating Engineers about..?
Discussion
Ah, the perpetual joy of the boiler problem...
Ok, I'm after some help, pretty basic stuff I hope
About 8 years ago we bought a new build with a spanking new PowerMax155x boiler, it's about the same size as a classic Fiat Panda - and about as mechanically reliable. I'm told these things are popular with new builds as you don't need any tanks of water in the loft, apparently everything is 'in the box' correct me if I'm wrong but I believe it to be a 'system' boiler..?
Well, the utter pile of garbage has once again packed up, and although we have the BG heating Care stuff - it's of no use whatsoever for the first 48 hours... On average it fails about 3 times per year.
So, hear's the question:
I want to replace this piece of poo with somot decent (a barrel of paraffin and a match would beat it hands down but hey) but I have no idea what. I've heard Worcester Bosch are ok but really have no clue. It's like walking into a Perodua Dealer and wanting a Golf equivalent - I'm scared poo-less of buying another PowerMax!
Assuming of course that I have my facts correct, do W-B even make 'system' boilers, and above all - what's the average install price - on top of the £1500 I'm assuming for the boiler itself..!
Thanks all
please excuse any typos - fingers cold
Ok, I'm after some help, pretty basic stuff I hope

About 8 years ago we bought a new build with a spanking new PowerMax155x boiler, it's about the same size as a classic Fiat Panda - and about as mechanically reliable. I'm told these things are popular with new builds as you don't need any tanks of water in the loft, apparently everything is 'in the box' correct me if I'm wrong but I believe it to be a 'system' boiler..?
Well, the utter pile of garbage has once again packed up, and although we have the BG heating Care stuff - it's of no use whatsoever for the first 48 hours... On average it fails about 3 times per year.
So, hear's the question:
I want to replace this piece of poo with somot decent (a barrel of paraffin and a match would beat it hands down but hey) but I have no idea what. I've heard Worcester Bosch are ok but really have no clue. It's like walking into a Perodua Dealer and wanting a Golf equivalent - I'm scared poo-less of buying another PowerMax!
Assuming of course that I have my facts correct, do W-B even make 'system' boilers, and above all - what's the average install price - on top of the £1500 I'm assuming for the boiler itself..!
Thanks all
please excuse any typos - fingers cold

Sounds like a combi, a system boiler is a different animal and works usually with a tank (megaflo or gravity).
Valiant also good, I got a Vokera boiler from Screwfix as they occassionaly have discount codes on the internet and you can get 6% cashback from various sites, quidco, topcashback.
Most expensive thing is going to be getting the plumber into fix the thing, suggest you state were you are located and a PHer might know of a value for money plumber he/she can recommend.
Valiant also good, I got a Vokera boiler from Screwfix as they occassionaly have discount codes on the internet and you can get 6% cashback from various sites, quidco, topcashback.
Most expensive thing is going to be getting the plumber into fix the thing, suggest you state were you are located and a PHer might know of a value for money plumber he/she can recommend.
Dominic H said:
The lads who know their BTU's will be along sharpish, but I'd '+1' for the Worcester-Bosch.
Had one put in 3 years ago, had it serviced on shcedule and it's not missed a beat....
Ours was a condensor type unit, very nice!
Just looking at something called a 440CDi (which sounds like a diesel...) for around £1600 Had one put in 3 years ago, had it serviced on shcedule and it's not missed a beat....
Ours was a condensor type unit, very nice!
Edited by Dominic H on Tuesday 6th January 19:31

Oh, and yes I think it is a combi of some sort - having just googled the model and being met with scores of negative comments!
I work on all makes (repair and servicing) and Vaillant are the best followed by Worcester Bosch. I would not have anything else in the house. Powermax boilers are popular on new builds as you say as they include everything in 1 box which is easy for the installer. Seeing as they have only been out for 4-5 years they are already proving to be an unreliable pile of junk. Get a Vaillant Eco-tec +837 trade price is about £1200 and are built better than the Worcester's as they have brass manifolds in as opposed to plastic.
Edited by moles on Tuesday 6th January 20:13
moles said:
I work on all makes (repair and servicing) and Vaillant are the best followed by Worcester Bosch. I would not have anything else in the house. Powermax boilers are popular on new builds as you say as they include everything in 1 box which is easy for the installer. Seeing as they have only been out for 4-5 years they are already proving to be an unreliable pile of junk. Get a Vaillant Eco-tec +837 trade price is about £1200 and are built better than the Worcester's as they have brass manifolds in as opposed to plastic.
Cheers mate Edited by moles on Tuesday 6th January 20:13
Never heard of them but they sound pretty good - that also seems a bit cheaper than the W-B as well. I've got BG coming out next week to quote for a new install - will post the details for info!Munter said:
Can I just say that our Ideal boiler has proved to be less than....
Same here, although this winter's failure is due to the fill valve not being closed off properly, and subsequently leaking all over the PCB that was replaced 18 months ago!Only bit of warm news is that it's covered by the house insurance.
On day 4 of having no heating :-(
Gassing Station | The Pie & Piston Archive | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff


