On 9 Mar 2004 04:28:57 -0800, (Mika) wrote:

Hiya All,

Just thought I'd share some info on condensing boilers with everyone,
and get some feedback.

I have been shopping around to get my old cast-iron open vent boiler
system changed to a direct combi system, and considered a condensing
boiler, Anyway, cut a long story short, found that Graham Group
(www.graham-group.co.uk) are doing the "Big Green Boiler Scheme" and
you can get a condensing boiler at a discounted rate (very good rates
they are too!).

Anyway, was just about to buy one through the scheme (Vaillant EcoMax
824), and was told by a friend to phone a guy who works for British
Gas, doing their boiler replacement scheme. He's going around fitting
condensing boilers for British Gas, and doing work on the side for
cash.
I mentioned that I was interested in the condensing boiler as a
replacement, which he said in all honesty that BG are "recalling" and
"replacing" condensing boilers because of reliability issues.

This may be true with very early generation UK made condensing
products where an attempt was made to bolt condensing technology on to
existing designs by adding a second heat exchanger.
Naturally this failed because the condensate is mildly acidic and a
properly designed exchanger is needed.

It isn't true of modern products of good quality based on designs from
or manufactured in Germany or Holland. They have had them in those
countries for years.

I would take remarks from anybody at BG with a pinch of salt,
especially anybody evading tax by doing jobs on the side for cash.


He also
mentioned that the "Part L" regs will be extended for another 3 years,
so new dwellings will not be required until 2007, not the April 2005
the goverment has publicised.

That remains to be seen. It is likely to be a boiler replacement or
new installation requirement.




Any feedback on these rumors?

Conclusion....I'm going for a Glow-worm (now owned by Vaillant) 30Ci
Plus from "Mr Central Heating" (http://www.mrcentralheating.com/) with
the usual 7 rads and pipe pack (£735 including VAT). My thinking is
stick with what works, rather than go for new technology, and possibly
upgrade (if I'm still in the house) some years down the line.

Your feedback/comments welcome.

An opportunity lost, I would say. If you buy a good quality
condensing boiler it will do a good job and reduce energy costs.




Mika

..andy

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