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Original poster

How much for a new boiler? And which one?

18 replies

aufaniae · 06/02/2013 20:52

How much would you expect to pay for a new boiler (the boiler itself plus installation by a Gas Safe engineer)?

Can anyone recommend any good makes (not a combi-boiler).

We've had one quote and he's suggested Visemann, but someone else said to me they're not brilliant. Have you heard of them?

TIA :)

OP posts:
Mrsladybirdface · 06/02/2013 21:16

We are paying a max of £2500. This includes either a valiant or Worcester combi, removal of old water tanks and 40 year old boiler (weighs a tonne) and putting new boiler in loft and a new thermostat.

seems reasonable to me.

georgedawes · 06/02/2013 21:18

We had a Worcester installed for 2k

Original poster
aufaniae · 06/02/2013 21:25

Thanks for the teplies :)

We're sticking with the tanks that are there I think, just replacing the boiler AFAIK.

OP posts:
Original poster
aufaniae · 06/02/2013 21:26

Has anyone had any experience with Visemann?

OP posts:
PigletJohn · 06/02/2013 21:32

I have a Viessmann, I would say they are a very sound brand.

I chose it because it has a long guarantee, and I went for the non-combi Vitodens 100 Compact because it is very simple (not much to go wrong) and also very small. It is very much more efficient than my old boiler.

The 100 was designed specially for the UK market, and the first model, about ten years ago, had an unreliable ignition part. I think they were mostly changed under guarantee. This was corrected in the second version, which I have, I expect Viessmann were very keen to protect their reputation. They are now delivering the third version, which is by all accounts even better. It is big enough for most UK houses, and like most modern boilers, it modulates its output by turning down the flame size and fan speed to match demand in mild weather.

You should get a 5-year parts and labour warranty on the whole boiler, provided it is installed and maintained by one of their approved installers (look at their website for a list), and ten years warranty on the heat exchanger (which is stainless steel and likely to last longer than you do). I heard someone complaining the other day of corrosion in the aluminium heat exchanger of their Worcester-Bosch. Aluminium is a very inferior material.

Viessmann is very big in Germany. There are not so many installers in the UK, so make sure you have at least one near you who is skilled on them. They also have a good range of rather large boilers, and they do solar and weather compensation should you require it.

They are not very cheap.

PigletJohn · 06/02/2013 21:39

this one, with a hot-water cylinder and a programmable thermostat, and TRVs.

Small, isn't it?

Original poster
aufaniae · 06/02/2013 22:53

Thanks PigletJohn that's reassuring :)

Apparently the Visemann would cost about £760, I don't know which model, but having a quick google that looks like it could well be the 100.

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BackforGood · 06/02/2013 23:02

Well, I don't know what to recommend, but if it helps, I'd never get another Ferroli - had nothing but trouble with it in the 6 yrs we've had it, after never having problems in my 17 yrs old owning various properties / boilers before that.

PigletJohn · 06/02/2013 23:17

that will be the ex-warehouse price. Installed, including a powerflush of your dirty old system, and a sediment filter, will be quite a bit more.

PigletJohn · 06/02/2013 23:46

p.s.

That price is probably the 18kW boiler, which would be adequate for a well-insulated modern semi, but I have a larger 24kW one which has more power to heat the house quickly from cold on an icy day.

The WB1A model shown in the ad above is I think not the latest model (might be why it is reduced.) I think you want the WB1B or the WB1C. Phone the makers to check, and ask them to send you the up-to-date brochure. Tell them you are looking at the Compact model.

Original poster
aufaniae · 06/02/2013 23:52

The installed price is £1500. The plumber said £760 was the price with his trade discount.

OP posts:
PigletJohn · 07/02/2013 00:16

sounds quite low.

If you are putting it on old pipes and radiators, please ask:

  • does that include a powerflush and system filter?

also

  • is he a Viessmann Approved installer who has been on their (free) training course?
  • is it the latest WB1B or WB1C model?

(the correct answer to each of these questions is "Yes")

amazonianwoman · 07/02/2013 09:25

Piglet

(I know nothing about boilers)

We're looking for a non combi 24kW too. It doesn't need to be compact as it will go in the garage. Do you think your model is still the one to go for? I'd obviously ask one of their recommended fitters to advise, but like to be slightly prepared!

TIA and sorry for hijack.

Original poster
aufaniae · 07/02/2013 09:29

PigletJohn good questions, I'll ask, thanks.

It looks like the system has been generally well maintained (we have a full service history going back 10 years) and has a round thingy (sorry don't know technical name!) on the hot water tank which de-sludges the system.

What difference would it make if he wasn't a Vissemann approved installer?

I'd like to use this guy as he's done work for us already, we're pleased with the work and find him easy to work with. He understands our budget is very tight.

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PigletJohn · 07/02/2013 13:14

if he's not Viessmann approved, they generally give a shorter guarantee.

to get approved, he only has to go on their short training course, which they provide free, so if he's in the habit of installing them, I'd expect him to do it.

please describe your system filter and any name on it, and what you do to remove the accumulated sludge. It is normally fitted on the 22mm copper return pipe next to the boiler and might be brass or plastic (but not copper).

amazonian
the most important part of a good installation (apart from not buying a rubbish boiler) is the quality of workmanship and care, so try to get recommendations locally. You want someone who will fix any problems and return for annual services for years to come, not someone who will run off once he's got your money. He must have a real-life local address and phone number, and show you his gas-safe card with his name and picture on it. People who've "left it at home" or "lost it in the van" usually haven't got one.

Original poster
aufaniae · 21/02/2013 22:26

PigletJohn, I just wanted to say thanks for your help, and sorry I haven't got back to you sooner, we've moving house and it's a bit chaotic at the moment!

The work's been done, it's the WB1B model and we got a 5 year guarantee.

"please describe your system filter and any name on it, and what you do to remove the accumulated sludge. It is normally fitted on the 22mm copper return pipe next to the boiler and might be brass or plastic (but not copper)."

We've not moved into the house yet, so I have no idea what is done about accumulated sludge! Other than to say it looks from the documentation we got with the house like it's been done recently. Should I be doing something about it?

I'll have a look at the system filter and report back!

OP posts:
PigletJohn · 21/02/2013 23:24

that's good

Can I ask what it cost?

Does the documentation mention "powerflush" or "system filter?"

PigletJohn · 21/02/2013 23:28

ooops, I see you say £1500 installed. Sounds very reasonable to me for a good boiler with a 5 year guarantee and a good installation.

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