PigletJohn we need your help about a new boiler...pretty please :)

[LilMissSunshine9]

My parents boiler broke today, apparently when they opened it up the gas has been leaking for god knows how long etc. never mind they just had it serviced and it didn't get picked up.

Anyhow they have been told that the broken one which is 18kw is too small for a 4 bed house (total of 11 radiators) and they should get a 24kw radiator - is that right?

They were quoted £1900 for the boiler (Ideal 24kw) + new pipes + installation - is that reasonable?

They don't want a combi boiler they are adamant they want to keep their hot water storage tank lol so old skool!

So I did some research and I think they should go for a Worcester Greenstar boiler.

Is it better if we buy the boiler ourselves and then get it installed by an expert or get the expert to do it all?

I'd really appreciate your thoughts :)

get the installer to supply it. Otherwise,if it goes wrong "not my fault, take it back to the shop"

Modern boilers are generally more powerful at max output than older boilers, but they can modulatedown their flame size to suit demand, as it gets lower as the house warms up. For example I have a 24kW boiler that can modulate down to 8kW. lower power ones are almost identical so not much cheaper.

A typical single panel radiator 600mm high and a metre wide has a nominal output of about 1kW. Measure and add up their rads and see what it comes to, to help you decide how big a boiler is needed.

I actually prefer rads twice as big as the calculator shows, as it gives reserve capacity to heat the house fast when you have been away, or on bitterly cold nights.

Nothing wrong with having a hot water cylinder, I do too What colour is theirs?

Worcester Bosch is generally considered a good maker.

As it is being put on an old system, it will have to be powerflushed, this is typically half a day's work and can't be rushed. I also strongly recommend that asystem filter is fitted to capture residual sediment and particles. Sentinel is a good one. Boiler guarantees do not cover blockages or damage caused by dirty water.

the price sounds fairly ordinary to me. get a written specification of what it includes. I think they should get a Programmable Room Thermostat unless they are too old to cope with electronic gadgets.

The installer must of course be gas safe registered (ask to see his photo ID) and you need personal recommendations, not just a website.

Thank you! Your advice was really helpful. I have a few people going round to give quotes so we can compare.

Good tip on written specification will definitely make sure that happens.

There hot water tank is a yellow cylinder.

yellow is quite an old spec. It will not heat up as fast as a modern blue one, and the insulation is not as good. It can be improved by fitting a red jacket on top, and putting Climaflex or similar on the hot pipes. I like a good big one if there is room, it will easily stay hot for 24 hours if well insulated.

we need to know all this - so thanks both!! exact same situation.

Me too, cheers for the info

Thanks, one of the plumbers who quoted mentioned the need for a new cylinder too so will see what he quotes before making a decision :)