Boilers - Dad needs a replacement

[ThisInJapanese]

My elderly Dad's boiler has just given up, and it's time for a new one as it's too old to repair. I've not bought one for a decade, so advice is welcome!

What's the rough cost (London suburb prices) suitable for a 3 bed semi with a hot water tank? Any brands to look for / avoid? I'm also keen that Dad doesn't get ripped off, so we're thinking that just going for British Gas so we have somewhere to in case of problems, and are happy to pay a little more for post- install support, rather than just depending on a local plumber down the road.

All and any advice is welcome!

[GuigiaroBertone]

Avoid British Gas- they WILL be the most expensive option and no, you won't get acceptable aftercare.

I can't recommend a reputable installer in London, but BOXT and Worcester Bosch are decent brands.

Get a quote from at least 3 installers that clearly itemises the boiler model and cost plus the install cost, plus any additional parts they feel are necessary.

[Colonel Cupcake]

I took a look at BOXT after out boiler was wobbling last year. They seemed competitive and could fit quickly if needed. I would then use a local man for servicing and repairs. I didn't need them though as the boiler seemed to stabilise itself (touch wood).

[JimM169]

ThisInJapanese said:

I'm also keen that Dad doesn't get ripped off, so we're thinking that just going for British Gas

Oh dear!
Sure there's a word for that something like oxymoron, juxtaposition ???

I would go for a known name boiler Vaillant, WB etc and a local guy.

[OutInTheShed]

Ideal is another brand with a reasonable reputation.

If you look on the WB, Ideal etc websites, you may find a list of approved installers.
Get a quote for annual servicing while you are talking to installers.

[roadsmash]

It’s probable that your dad’s current boiler is non-condensing, particularly if it’s 20 years old (guessing).

As such, going for a modern condensing boiler, set up correctly, will offer him considerable ongoing savings compared to his recent bills.

My suggestion would be you get quotes from 3 reputable and highly-reviewed heating engineers (not plumbers) and pick the one that seems the most reliable, conscientious, and helpful.

Going for the cheapest quote on a boiler install is a false economy.

ETA; do not approach British Gas. You might as well assign a random heating engineer of different quality and knowledge to each number on a roulette table, and spin the wheel!

Edited by roadsmash on Friday 2nd May 14:57

[maudethecat]

I recommend Worcester Bosch boilers as I got one installed by a local company 11 years ago, it's quiet, efficient and reliable.

If you look on the WB website they have a find an installer option. I would go with a local installer rather than a national.

Also if installed by a registered installer and serviced yearly (including magnetic filter clean) you can get a guarantee of up to 12yrs.

[ThisInJapanese]

Thanks all, we will look for more local suppliers (oddly enough he had somebody come round this morning without us knowing about.)(

maudethecat said:

I recommend Worcester Bosch boilers as I got one installed by a local company 11 years ago, it's quiet, efficient and reliable.

If you look on the WB website they have a find an installer option. I would go with a local installer rather than a national.

Also if installed by a registered installer and serviced yearly (including magnetic filter clean) you can get a guarantee of up to 12yrs.

Thank you and top lurking!!

[Happy Jim]

When my Son’s went (he was in Aus at the time)I used Boxt - lots of boiler options and it walks you through what you want/need - dead easy and a fixed price. Happy to recommend (especially if your dad is likely to get ripped off).

Jim

[Escort3500]

Prior to our current boiler we had a Vaillant, based on various reviews at the time. It was unreliable and expensive to repair, so after seven years we replaced it with an Ideal condensing boiler and it’s been excellent, with only one breakdown in 13 years.

The guy who services it says they’re still amongst the best boilers; he doesn’t rate Worcester Bosch very highly (says their reliability has suffered in recent years) and Vaillant are good but way overpriced.

[megaphone]

OP is your dad on his own? Might be worth going for a combi boiler and ditching the tanks etc.

[Little Lofty]

Recent thread on similar topic (combi’s)

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[Kuwahara]

Go for Bosch Worcester for the bit extra it’ll save you a lot of headaches , generally you don’t get complete tools that are accredited Bosch installers and a warranty that they honour.

We just moved in the last year and the boiler is an Ideal still under warranty, developed a fault and logged the call , this was in January with no heating or hot water and they booked me in for 10 days time ….!!

It’s like it’s set up so you don’t use them….

[ashenfie]

Most boilers have long warranties if you get them service once a year and are A rated. I replaced my boiler a few years ago and wanted a Viessmann, but have a Valiant due to installation constraints, the only downside of the Valiant is that is does not work with many/any 3rd party smart thermostats. Never hard a boiler issues with any boiler from Ideal, Worcester Bosch or Valiant, The Valiant that I just replace as 25 years old and I didn't have it service for the last 5 years.

[OutInTheShed]

It seems to be the norm for old people to be told they need a new boiler.
My inlaws were told this five years ago, a change of 'heating engineer' and the boiler is still working, having had about £50 of parts and a couple of services. It's always hard to know when to dump a boiler that's misbehaving though.

[ThisInJapanese]

megaphone said:

OP is your dad on his own? Might be worth going for a combi boiler and ditching the tanks etc.

Yes he is. That's not a bad shout actually. It'll stop him stressing about it