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Original poster

Boilers... boring, I know!

11 replies

40somethingJBJ · 12/09/2020 13:07

I’m looking at replacing my ancient system boiler for a combi. Had a quote off a local firm for £3k and one from British Gas for £4k. Big difference, but the BG one comes with 5 years guarantee, plus their boiler cover, a Hive thermostat, plus a clever IQ thing where they know if there’s a problem with the boiler before I do. The local firm just offered the boiler, fitting and the standard manufacturer’s warranty.

Has anyone had any experience with British Gas boiler installation? Is it worth paying the extra? There’s a niggle in my mind that says a small firm is more likely to go bust, and I like the idea of all the extra back up from BG, but an extra grand is a good chunk of the kitchen that I’m planning on fitting next year!

OP posts:
sorryiasked · 12/09/2020 13:14

Blimey I'd get some more quotes! I wouldn't go for big unless you particularly need the hive/hi tec stuff. You can still take out their boiler cover on one provided and fitted by someone else, but you really shouldn't have any problems in 5 years anyway.

Original poster
40somethingJBJ · 12/09/2020 13:18

Yeah I’ve got another quote booked in for next week. I do want Hive, I was planning on getting one of those anyway, but not sure it’s worth that much!

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Glittertwins · 12/09/2020 16:29

I like my Hive stuff, but even with all the stuff, it didn't add up to £1k.
I don't think the quote for £3k is too horrendous as we paid £3k 10 years ago for a combi boiler.
I have heard that BG are not the best at responding to issues that are covered by them so the £4k is a lot Personally, we've only ever needed boiler servicing, done by an independent, which is minimal cost.
Are the boilers on each quote the same?

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wizzler · 12/09/2020 16:40

I'm sure there is about to be a voucher scheme backed by government... check out Martin Lewis .. think they will pay two thirds

Original poster
40somethingJBJ · 12/09/2020 16:55

Yes the boilers are the same ones. Interesting to hear BG aren’t great at sorting problems; I think that answers my question really, as the only reason I’d consider going with them is because of the back up. I’ve got a couple more quotes arranged now for next week.

I’ve looked into the voucher scheme, but it’s still coming out at almost £3k even with that, and less choice over what I have (they class a boiler with a separate tank as efficient so just want to do a like for like swap for another, as that’s the easiest/cheapest option. I want rid of the tank), so I’m looking at doing it without that.

OP posts:
Pedallleur · 12/09/2020 16:58

Replaced ours last week. Had an alpha that died after 13 yrs. Replaced with a new alpha for £1800 fitted and 13 yr warranty

saiditbetterthanme · 12/09/2020 17:02

We've just had no choice but to get s new boiler (bye bye extended mat leave!) When I looked into grants I couldn't find anything that was currently still running. We've paid £2500 for a local, well reputed fitter.

VinylDetective · 12/09/2020 17:03

@Pedallleur

Replaced ours last week. Had an alpha that died after 13 yrs. Replaced with a new alpha for £1800 fitted and 13 yr warranty
That’s an amazing price. Where did you get that? Did it include flushing the system?
Glittertwins · 12/09/2020 17:14

If the boilers are identical, they will be covered by the manufacturer warranty as well. We got 2 free services from ours too. I'd say that the BG price is not worth paying for. There are plenty of Hive offers throughout the year, especially if you are a BG customer so the discounts make the BG quote less attractive.

Sunflowergirl1 · 12/09/2020 17:19

We had a BG quote. They tend to fit Worcester Bosch boilers which DH says are good. Apparently they have their own production line of them. We were told we would get 5 years free central heating over which basically amounted to over £1000.

However, the reality is BG contract out a lot of their installs another that it should be a problem.

However, if you don't rely on BG central heating cover then it. May not be worth it. I always used to pay for them as they had a massive parts centre and always used to come out the same day. Now they are totally shit. Last time I called them out they couldn't come h til the following day. We had NO heating at all and they rang early evening and said they were too busy. I went into a furious rage as we were freezing and the guy in the phone bumped us up priority.

The engineer that attended told me that BG had cut the pay and conditions for the engineers resulting in many leaving and they just didn't have enough. As a result if a call comes in from someone higher priority they bump you. In essence you might as well have service cover from one of the many other companies much cheaper who guarantee attendance.

Having followed @pigletjohn, whilst a Worcester is fine, I would look for a Veissman boiler

Original poster
40somethingJBJ · 17/09/2020 12:09

Had a couple more quotes now and I’m going for one at £2,400 by a local guy. Seems a decent price.

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