DIYbanter - oil fired boiler installation, west berks/wiltshire area

"James" wrote in message
om...
Does anyone have any experience, good or bad, of Ayres Heating in
Amesbury?
I'm thinking of using them to replace my oil-fired boiler.

I live in Wiltshire, near Hungerford - would anyone like to recommend
an alternative firm to do this work? Most of the local one-man outfits
seem to be too busy.

I'm also considering using Shell, but they made a right mess of
servicing my old boiler, so I would prefer not to.

thanks for any ideas/comments

This IS a DIY group you know! Whats stopping you at least considering doing
the job yourself? IF it is simply a like for like replacement there is very
little to stop you but do take the time to learn about the current
standards for oil fired boiler installations including the PROPER provision
of the following list (which is not exhaustive but covers the main
omissions I come across regularly):
1. Environmental protection against oil pollution ( may not be particularly
pertinent if you are not altering the storage tank as part of the job but
tank replacement can be a case of opening a whole can of expensive worms to
meet current standards)
2. Remote operating firestop valve located OUTSIDE the dwelling (with
sensor inside of course) NOT the ubiquitous fusible wheelhead type
3. Combustion air supply via non closable ventilator to outside air.
Balanced flue oil boilers are becoming common now but do bear in mind the
location of the flue with respect to clearance from
openings/corners/personnel. Balanced flue models do not need combustion air
vents but you do still require compartment ventilation if you decide to
enclose your nice shiny new boiler
4. Fully pumped system with seperate independant control of heating and hot
water.(The industrty standard "S" plan is pretty good for this or even "S"
plus if more than one heating zone)

Your planning could start by obtaining the installation and service
instructions for a suitable boiler from the manufacturers. If you do not
have any particular model in mind you could do worse than contact Firebird
Boilers and ask for details of their kitchen type S range as a good basis.
Of course there are many others but I do have a distinct preference for the
Firebird range as I find them to be of good build quality and very good
value for money.