Hi All,

Just wanted to get some feedback/opinions on condensing boilers...

Specifically, not wanting to spend over 600 sterling pounds (including
VAT) on a condensing boiler (ideally SEDBUK rated 'A'), what
makes/models does anyone suggest, and more importantly from which
supplier?

I have a 3 bed semi, 1 bath, 1 kitchen, 8 rads in total.

Also, as I am running around trying to get prices for plumbers to
change my open vented system to a sealed system, what should I be
looking at paying for this conversion (london area).

All comments (constructive) appreciated.

Mika

Specifically, not wanting to spend over 600 sterling pounds (including
VAT) on a condensing boiler (ideally SEDBUK rated 'A'), what
makes/models does anyone suggest, and more importantly from which
supplier?

You are getting close to the price points of some good makes. I would
suggest pushing just a little further (100 to 150 extra) to get them rather
than no-name stuff. By the time you are paying 700-750 quid inclusive, you
get the choice of the Ideal Icos, Bosch-Worcester Greenstar and Glowworm
SXi, for example. They all include most (or all) of the components for
sealed operation and even a circulating pump. Some have cheaper versions
without the pump or sealed components.

Ensure that what you buy has a down firing burner (or other burner design
that doesn't soak the burner in condensate). Ensure it has only a single
main heat exchanger. (Combis will also have a secondary water to water heat
exchanger).

Also, as I am running around trying to get prices for plumbers to
change my open vented system to a sealed system, what should I be
looking at paying for this conversion (london area).

This is part of the boiler installation. Most condensing boilers (but not
all) are system or combi types. Both will have all (or most) of the
components for converting to sealed operation. The only thing that must be
done is to cap off the old vent and feed arrangements and remove the pump.
You then connect up the pressure relief and mains water supply to the
boiler. Sometimes, the mains connection is not included, but this costs a
tenner from the plumbers' merchants.

Christian.

On Tue, 03 Feb 2004 06:58:32 +0000, Mika wrote:

Hi All,

Just wanted to get some feedback/opinions on condensing boilers...

Specifically, not wanting to spend over 600 sterling pounds (including
VAT) on a condensing boiler (ideally SEDBUK rated 'A'), what
makes/models does anyone suggest, and more importantly from which
supplier?

I have a 3 bed semi, 1 bath, 1 kitchen, 8 rads in total.

Also, as I am running around trying to get prices for plumbers to
change my open vented system to a sealed system, what should I be
looking at paying for this conversion (london area).

All comments (constructive) appreciated.


Christian has covered a list of suitable makes (my preference is for the
Keston which includes the pump but not the sealed system bits) but they
are about 750.

Most boilers can be run as a sealed system and many require this.

Converting to a sealed system is a good move and a very small part of
upgrading a heating system. A guide price for the _labour_ for converting
a conventional non-condensing boiler system to a sealed system PLUS all
the other stuff that is likely to be needed (controls, TRVS, flushing out)
is about £1000.

HTH

BTW I had a new cusomter complain last night about did I think £900 was
the charge for replacing [a normal conventional] hot water cylinder!

--
Ed Sirett - Property maintainer and registered gas fitter.
The FAQ for uk.diy is at www.diyfaq.org.uk
Gas fitting FAQ http://www.makewrite.demon.co.uk/GasFitting.html
Sealed CH FAQ http://www.makewrite.demon.co.uk/SealedCH.html

"Ed Sirett" wrote in message
news
BTW I had a new cusomter complain last night about did I think £900 was
the charge for replacing [a normal conventional] hot water cylinder!

I trust you offered to do it for half that! ;-)