We are thinking about renewing our old CH boiler, it is around 14 years old and is really on it's last legs. It makes a real racket when switched on, sounds like it could blow up at any time.
We live in an average sized modern semi with 3 bedrooms, including kitchen diner, lounge,bathroom, downstairs toilet, hall and conservatory.

We would like to choose the right one, maybe someone in the know could kindly point me in the right direction for good value and economy.
Does anyone have one they are really pleased with and could recommend to me. I have looked on the internet on various sites but there are so many to choose from...it's difficult.

I would be very grateful for any advice given.

Many thanks in advance

Definite MELBOY question this one!

But for what its worth, we moved into a house (nearly 2 years ago) with a combination boiler, a Worcester 24CDi - and i love it - it may be out of date now, but compared to the old boiler that we had this is fab! Hot water on tap, with a growing family (including a teenager) hot water is a definite must on top - rather than waiting for the water to heat up!

Thanks dg1, will look that one up, I have heard that combination boilers are very good and sounds the type of thing we are looking to buy. Plenty of hot water (as with you, a must with growing family)
Is the Worcester 24CDi boiler the type that need no tank? if so, another plus as it would free the airing cupboard to put to storage. again a must in a house the size of ours.

Many thanks for your advice.

I have a Worcester Bosch combi boiler, but its a 240 which I think is even older than the 24CDi which dg1 mentions. I like Worcesters and mine must be at least 8 or 9 years old now, maybe even older and is still going strong.....I do hope that's not the kiss of death with the current sub zero temperatures outside

Other than a power flush about 3 years ago and me replacing the diaphragm in the diverter valve which cost £10 and took half an hour to complete, I haven't had any other problems with mine

The only problem, which I think is a general thing with combi's is that because they are mains fed, if you are in the shower (and mine is not an electric shower, so the water is heated by the combi), if for example the toilet is flushed or the washing machine is on and starts to fill up with water, the water pressure from the shower head drops dramatically, although the water temperature doesn't drop. Other than that, I can't think of any other grumbles but maybe its just cause mine is knocking on a bit now.

I would also recommend Vaillant. I had one in a house which I used to rent out and it seemed like a pretty decent boiler.

Let us kow which one you eventually decide on and if you don't mind sharing it with us, the purchase price

quote:

Originally posted by beanie bopper:
Thanks dg1, will look that one up, I have heard that combination boilers are very good and sounds the type of thing we are looking to buy. Plenty of hot water (as with you, a must with growing family)
Is the Worcester 24CDi boiler the type that need no tank?

A combination boiler (like the Worcester mentioned by dg1) is the type with no tanks - hence, constant hot water. The type with tanks is usually called 'conventional'. My conventional Potterton boiler has been excellent and problem free for the past five years, whereas the Worcester boiler we have (in a separate property, same age) has had two problems requiring an engineer to attend in the past six months. But if you definitely want a combi, neither of those would be suitable for you.

I have a crystal ball so I know what Mel will recommend, I'm seeing the word Vaillant...

How right you are Velvet

Yes, Vaillant for me. Quality and superior build.I would link their website for you but it will only be scrubbed out by the overzealous C4 Mods.
When professional heating installers, like my Son is doing right now, fit Vaillant as their first choice into their homes then you know you are on a winner.
I would suggest though that it is essential that you continue with Vaillant after guarantee service as like all these modern boilers they are getting more and more electronic but I have to say that in my area the Vaillant heating engineer is quick on the response to Vaillant repairs.
Mel.

Coincidentally bought a new boiler today.. and I'm afraid it was a Vaillant model. An ecoTEC plus 837 - combination.

It’s always served as one of the best in the past, and with the past generations also a well renown company who by now know it’s stuff.

This one I bought today is ideal for a household with 2 bathrooms and an ensuite/shower, it was given good reviews on the internet, plus a few plumbers recommended it to me.

If you consider the Vaillant range it's useful visiting the website and tab to "choose the right system" to get the right one to suit you.

Many thanks everyone, you really have been a great help and I really do appreciate each and every reply.
Mr M, yes, I will let you know which boiler we decide upon.
I will write down each model suggested and when I can pin hubby down ( ) we can check out the web sites together.
Melboy, we have been talking about replacing radiatiors also... would appreciate your advice on the good, the bad and the ugly! . Thanks

Generally speaking we obviously fit radiators that meet BS Standards and kitemarked and come with a minium of 5 years guarantee or in some cases 10 years.
Being Trade we have to go with the supplier who gives us the biggest discount in order to stay competitive on pricing.
We always give customers a choice of 3 boilers and priced accordingly to their budget and requirements.
If your going to stay in the property for 10 years or more then go for the best boiler you can afford.
Mel.

Thanks Mel, sure will!

Melboy, Yasmin101 and Mister M, the 3 of you recommended the VAILLANT (many thanks). As there here are numerous models and prices etc to choose from... MELBOY,which one would you go for if it were for you? we would like to go for the best as we hopefully plan to stay in our present home indefinately.

You have all been very helpful, hubby and myself spent quite a time last night surfing and decided VAILLANT the one we would like to buy.
Look forward to your reply.

Your heating installer will advise you accordingly. You have to have a home visit to survey your requirements.
Avoid the Large Gas Company as they are ridiculously overpriced but to be fair we pick up a lot of work from their overpriced quotations..... after the customer has picked themselves off the floor.
Mel.

Thanks MEL...

Combi boilers whilst being instant heat are realy capable of supplying 1 outlet (tap) at a time which is where the system type wins hands down though a bit more expensive to run due to the all beit small store of hot water