help please

[bewildered]

I am getting quotes for a new gas boiler.Far from being, as I expected, choosing the installer I felt comfortable with who provided a competitive price I am getting conflicting advice as to the installation.Some say a combi others a regular the makes vary ,Veissmann, Vaillent W Bosch and Glow worm have all been suggested also position Kitchen ( which I prefer not to have ) basement (where the present Potterton Kingfisher is situated ) or a laundry room next to the kitchen .Also a flush is advised by a couple and advised against because the system is old by another. I have no way of knowing what to decide . The house and present installation is old the house is big but only 2 people live here at the moment but if we move it would become a family house again.
Help please

 

[WHPES]

Depends on what you want it for and how much hot water you use. Basically your options are a combi or a system boiler with unvented cylinder. If you are having hot showers, and if it is a larger house, the system boiler may be more suitable. If you do get a combi, make sure it is not undersized for the size of the house and for any showers you may have.

The best location for the boiler needs to be easy access for maintenance, ease of getting the condensate away, and convenience. Ventilation is also an issue but if against an outside wall you can have a balanced flue.

The Building Regs state that the system should be flushed before a new boiler is fitted, so this should be part of the installation. I wouldn't put a new boiler in without doing so. Unless your system is really decrepit with rusty radiators you should usually be OK. The flush will remove any sediment in the system which you would not want to contaminate a new boiler. Those brands are pretty reliable. Viessmann is probably the better one. Worcester Bosch are reliable (Potterton is best avoided).

 

[doitmyself]

The house and present installation is old the house is big but only 2 people live here at the moment but if we move it would become a family house again.

I take it the family has flown the nest.

You have to decide whether to install a system which is suitable just for two people or for the potential occupation of the house. If you intend moving shortly, it's probably worth doing the whole job; it will make a good selling point.

How many bathrooms and showers are there? If more than one, you should not be considering a combi boiler.

Installers' favourite boiler makes is a regular topic and you will never get a satisfactory answer. On the whole continental manufacturers have a better reputation than the UK ones.

Location is up to you, some will be be easier and cheaper. The problem with cellars is the flue, which has to be brought up through the floor and out of the wall at the correct height. If you don't want the boiler in the kitchen, the laundry room sounds a good compromise.

Also a flush is advised by a couple and advised against because the system is old by another.

Do all the rads heat up OK? Do they feel evenly warm all over the rad?

If the answer to both of these is yes, you probably do not need a power flush. It would be a good idea to drain and refill the system until the water runs clear. Then refill adding one or two cans of Sentinel X400 cleaner. This can be left in until the boiler is replaced, when it will be drained out by the installer.

If the installer suggests a sealed system, ask him to do a pressure test first. This will show if there are any leaks in the system.

 

[bewildered]

thank you for replies. It looks as though both combi and system boilers are suitable . Are there any advantages to either one ? Reliability is my first concern ( I think ! )