Been Offered A Gloworm 30cxi -Replace F/standing Kingfisher

[UncleFesta]

Hello Again

Thank You for helping so much with my last query.

Can anyone express an opinion on the Gloworm 30cxi, I have never had a combination boiler and am wondering if this item is:
1.) reliable ?
2.) good value ?
3.) the right choice for longevity ?
4.) had previous good press ?

Thanks to all the professionals out there I feel much more confident in my choices, with a few pointers !

Cheers

UncleFesta

 

[Agile]

Its a very typical modern combi.

Whats much more important is if a combi would suit your lifestyle. It will only reliably feed one tap outlet at a time.

It also needs at least 18 litres per minute flow from your mains supply.

All this is clearly described in the fixed information on this site and others.

As usual your CORGI registered installer should be advising you!

Tony Glazier

 

[UncleFesta]

Excuse me, but I am here to ask questions that I would like to know the answers to. My Corgi Registerd Installer is advising me to let him install a Glow Worm 30cxi, and I like most people would like outside advice and opinions from others. There is no law stating that I have to completely rely on the information given by any one individual and I Thank God that we live in such a democratic society that allows me/us to do so.

Your information given is truly appreciated and I would appreciate further answers and opinions to my current queries from anyone wishing to do so.

Cheers

UncleFesta

 

[Agile]

I wonder why I have this feeling that you dont fully trust your CORGI.

It also worries me that you dont seem to be taking on board seriously the advice I gave you in the second and third line of my last posting.

That is the most important aspect of fitting a combi ! The actual make is of little importance.

You seem to have fixated on the make of boiler and chosen to ignore everything else because you dont want to try to understand that other aspects are more important.

Unfortunately I have the feeling that you view what I am writing as just yet another uneducated plumber and all you want are ten people to say a 30CXI is a wonderful boiler and then you will be happy ( until its fitted that is ) !

Tony

 

[UncleFesta]

Tony, if you don't mind me sounding too familiar, the circumstances are that I have zero demands from this soon to be fitted Glowworm 30cxi Condensing Combination Boiler. The Plumbing company suggested it, the council were happy with that selection and soon a council tenant/tenants will be using it, not I.

Hence, the way my questions are structured, I have heard from many people that the downside to a combination boiler is that you possibly can only ever have one hot water outlet open at a time. Which I must admit from my point of view does not seem very appealing at certain times during the morning and evenings. That said, I am merely trying to ascertain whether or not, in other peoples opinions, it is any good ?

There could be numerous reasons why a company would sell a particular brand, some of which for the better of the customer and some of whom would far benefit the company rather than the homeowner. After all business is business.

I assume you are some type of boiler specialist yourself as I note that you answer frequently and talk with an authoriative air about you. I would ask why you feel the need to answer my questions with such humourless wit.

I am not fixated on the Glow worm, I merely wish to find out positive and negative feedback from those experienced. I also wonder what your cryptic message of 'until it's fitted that is' actually means ? Is this boiler a pile of rubbish or are you just being pedantic ?

Anyone else that would like to inform me of the pros and cons of this boiler I would be most appreciative.

Cheers

UncleFesta

 

[EliteHeat]

humourless wit

Really? I enjoy reading Tony's posts.

I think all he is saying is; make sure you understand the limitations of a combi boiler, make sure your property is suitable for a combi, make sure the installation is done correctly and don't worry too much about the badge on the box.

 

[UncleFesta]

Ok, Thank You for your comments, although I have never judged a book by its cover, I am still looking for the answers to my original questions if anyone has anything further to add, as always I would be very appreciative.

Cheers

UncleFesta

 

[scatmanjohn]

UncleFesta...

Answers to your questions:

1, No
2, No
3, No
4, No

They leak.
The condensate trap blocks resulting in the combustion chamber filling with water (not good).
Their technical department tells lies to try and cover up known faults.
Blah Blah Blah.

If someone offered to install one for free in my house i would say no thanks.

 

[Soggy_weetabix]

why are you replacing the boiler you have?

DONT put a combi boiler in.

Your system....and even if your boiler if very old is worth hanging onto.

I advocate system upgrades, but never.....never a boiler change.

David

 

[ollski]

Have mentioned my feelings on the cxi before here...not impressed. Water leaks, heat exchanger blockages, noise, pcb failures. A couple of local installers to me who have been fitting them are now over to the greenstar juniors due to the callbacks. That said I see no reason to replace a cylinder with a combi....jsut no real benefit.

 

[ACOperson]

...unless you need the cupboard space!

Why not ask your plumber or whoever he is about simply upgrading the system you have to a more energy efficient and controllable one? EG:

- Condensing system boiler & fully pumped SEALED system
- Factory lagged DHW cylinder with a high (ish) recovery coil.
- New controls (pump, motor valves, cylinder stat, room stat if neccessary, TRV's)
- importantly, a decent programmer which will ensure that you have the hot water you need 7 days a week at the correct times.

The total cost of installation should be about the same as converting your current system to a combi.

You will have the benefits of hot water available from all taps at once if you require this at any time, and if done right you will not notice any negative performance aspects unless you want to run a mains shower (in which case you can get a shower pump!)

I only reccommend combi boilers to people in small flats who have no space for any storage cylinder, or to those who already have them and want a new one!

 

[Agile]

Humourless wit calling!

My warnings were about fitting a combi.

I have little preference for any particular boiler although the Viessmann is one of the best if only you can get your hands on one.

You should have explained your situation at the outset then we could have replied with what you NEED to know rather than what you THINK you want to know.

The simplest and cheapest ( and best ) solution is to replace the existing boiler with a Viessmann 18-20kW system boiler and keep the rest of the system as it is unless there are faults which you have not bothered to mention.

Tony Glazier

( possibly some sort of boiler specialist ! )

 

[Nige F]

What do you expect from Social Housing They always fit the cheapest, then rip it out later .........It`s all to do with politics and block funding from the Housing Corporation ......and most sacked their DLO`s years ago...me included.......I just don`t go on about it Like BOB DOLE What are you..a Social Worker

 

[Agile]

They dont always fit the cheapest but not always the best choice either.

Partly because they refuse to employ a professional heating engineer but rather a "plumber" on a plumber's wage and thats the highest level of technical expertise in spite of the massive cost of installing and maintaining the heating systems.

It always surprises me that they do not get manufacturers or firms to provide a lease/maintenance arrangement. They would pay £300 pa or so for 10 years for the boiler to be installed and operated for the 10 years. Just like car fleet provision.

Instead they pay £1200 for a new boiler to be fitted, £160 pa maintenance and often change it after three years because they have not been properly fitted, commissioned or maintenained. Whoever heard of water treatment in the social sector.

Tony

 

[ACOperson]

A company (who will remain nameless) who subcontract to a large council in the Southeast were given a contract to install about 500 new Vaillant boilers. This was on the condition that they were powerflushed well and inhibitor added, and that afterwards a water sample was sent off, analysed and if it was OK, the boiler would be given an extended manufacturers warranty.

After the 83rd powerflush which had failed its purity sample (many on the 2nd attempt), the project was abandoned

How hard is it people!!