new combi boiler

[OwlHoot]

yes , but how many years ?

from what I am reading, the old standard boilers lasted for 20 years, the new combi / condensers last for 7 years

on average

I read the other day that 60% of the Rolls Royces made since 1900 are still running.

In the year 2100 they'll probably be saying the same about EcoTEC boilers.



P.S. I paid extra for a built-in water softener, which probably makes a big difference in a hard water area like London. Not sure how applicable that is in Liverpool though.

[OwlHoot]

Ours has been a PITA. Breaks down on average once a year. Probably about 8 years old now, and has three new fans and two new thermostats.

What was your model though? A Potterton or Worcester? I've heard they're not quite as good as Vaillants, although there's probably not much difference.

Anyway, the technology (including what amount to built in PCs) has come on in leaps and bounds in the last 10 years.

[SueEllen]

I wouldn't take any notice of the misers on a site like that - You'll end up with some cheap pile of junk that is always going wrong. Pennypinchers spend their whole life struggling with things breaking down all the time.

Get a Vaillant EcoTEC Plus 837 or EcoTEC Plus 937 Storage , and you'll have no problems for years.

Actually the "misers" on there recommend Vaillant or Worcester Boilers.

A few of them claim to be tradesmen and get there work from fixing other makes. Most people can't afford to put in Vaillant or Worcester boilers as they cost more.

I have a Vaillant Eco model which has been going fine since 2005. No break downs yet.

Oh and money saving doesn't equal buying junk. It means not wasting your money on cheap or expensive items that don't do the job.

[EternalOptimist]

Thanks for all the advice. I'm going to go for a 24kw combi/condensor, for 2.5 - 3k
sometime in the summer

[Scrag Meister]

Brand new Vaillant 831, in North London, £1450 supplied and fitted to replace existing.

-> Cash, no questions asked.

[lukemg]

Wrong forum I know BUT - which sort do I need to get the hot water up to decent pressure ? Barely adequate from current tank setup, yeah I know a pump can be fitted but suspect boiler is looking for retirement after 15 years so thinking 2 birds 1 stone type deal...

[gingerjedi]

I've just been quoted £2.5k for a combi and 9 radiators fitted.

My plumber seems far to honest to make any money in this game, he's gas safe registered and came highly recommended but turned up in in an old 'P' reg Pug van, only charged me £50 for servicing my back boiler.

I was expecting a '13' plate Merc Vanio, sucking of air through teeth and a bill for £150+.

[Mich the Tester]

Vaillant.

Enough said.

[Sysman]

basically get British gas round to quote then pay 1/2 - 2/3rds.

That sounds right.

when ours was done the boiler & tank were taken for scrap no charge strangely enough.

20 years ago the scrap value of the boiler and tank were the fitter's perk.

[Uncle Albert]

Wrong forum I know BUT - which sort do I need to get the hot water up to decent pressure ? Barely adequate from current tank setup, yeah I know a pump can be fitted but suspect boiler is looking for retirement after 15 years so thinking 2 birds 1 stone type deal...

Megaflo is what you're after. We had one put in about 7 years ago and it's great.