"HelpDiy" wrote in message
oups.com...
BG have quoted to replace hot air heating system with a wet system and
I really would be grateful for opinions on whether it sounds a good
system (is the boiler any good). They said could not have sealed system
as mains water pipe is too small and so need header tank in loft.
Recommended a British Gas 330 boiler which I think might be Glow Worm
HXi. Our house is a 4 bed 70's style detached (its not a mansion!).

BG quoted £7100 for British Gas 330 boiler (condensing), 10 radiators
and a towel rail (6ft towel rail sounded a bit excessive in our small
bathroom!), new water cylinder, radio controlled thermostat in hall,
thermostat on each radiator except the hall one, digital controller
box.

We are changing the system for two reasons. Firstly people seem to be
against hot air heating and we are worried about future resale
(especially with the new seller packs and all that). Secondly we want
to add an extension and it is not easy to extend the hot air system (so
Johnson & Starley say). BG salesman said the boiler would take another
three radiators ok.

The sales man said that the engineers would make good all the floor
boards that they take up - the small print says that it is the
customers responsibility to make good!

First of all you need to get a couple more quotes and then look at the
numbers. Almost certainly BG will be significantly more expensive. Be
aware that just because BG has quoted doen't mean "BG" will install, almost
certainly a subcontractor. One thing I notice at least they have quoted a
hot water cylinder. Others may quote a combi which is intrinsically
cheaper. Make sure you understand the limitations of a combi system,
especially with poor mains water flow.

Installation is not straightforward in a furnished house. Make sure the
responsibilities for moving furniture, lifting and relaying carpets, the
location of radiators and the routing of pipework to radiator is clearly
spelled out in any contract. I think that is as important as the numbers.
I would also suggest not going for a rebadged boiler such as BG has
suggested. Chose a known brand and pencil in the same manufacturers
maintenance contract in your budget. Your local plumbers merchants will be
able to tell you what brand of boiler local installers are (currently)
favouring.

The proposed BG spec seems "OK" as a starting point. Get a towel rail
catalogue from the plumbers merchants and decide how space you require to
hang your towels. The 6ft one will be bl**dy expensive.

HTH

Jim A