Replacing Worcester Boiler Advice

[muggles]

Thanks muggles. So assuming I had a choice of only Vaillant or Worcester, how many kw boiler do you recommend for around 13-14 radiators and a shower?

I'd choose Faillant over Wooshitter, although only in the same way as I'd choose stubbing my toe over breaking my ankle.

As for the kW output required, that depends on whether you go for a combi or the sensible route of having a smaller boiler and a hot water cylinder. If you have the latter, which would be my recommendation, then something with a max rating of around 18kW would probably be appropriate (although I've not done a heat loss calculation on your house so it's hard to be accurate). If you're going for a combi, size it to the hot water requirement and accept that the heating won't be as efficient and you'll only be able to use one shower at a time

 

[PullerGas]

I think I'd take the free Vaillant Combi & fit a unvented cylinder at my own expense, well, if you've got a gaff that size you can afford it!!

 

[AGAS]

i bet he's got this on his mind now sort of defeats the whole reason of getting a energy efficient system installed .

 

[Gorgie boy]

Our firm does mainly private work, we do undertake a small amount of HCRO grant work. The bit that really sticks in my throat is when we fit free boilers to rented property. Landlords don't pay a penny as long as the Tennant qualifies. I've had landlords coming round wanting the earth for free "while you there mate" if they can't afford to upgrade the boiler they shouldn't be renting houses out.

 

[AGAS]

think the qualifying procedure is floored same with the benefit system , people getting paid handsomely to ascertain those guidelines don't have a fooking clue with whats going on in the real world , you just can't make it up . you get someone who works their a*s off but miss qualifying for a boiler by small amount of money ( and lives on a small amount of money & struggles ) and gets fook all , then you get someone who's got a four + bed house but has a benefit receiver or a pensioner living with them gets a free boiler .when obviously they can afford to buy a boiler for which i just can't see the sense in that

 

[securitynewbie]

Thanks for your replies.

I worked all my life just like the rest and I've actually got the house whilst I was earning a decent salary, but suddenly my health deteriorated and I had the choice to resign & go on benefits or take less hours and a lower rank position. I chose the latter as I didn't want to sit of full-time benefits and would rather work to pay of the mortgage. This allowed me to be within the income threshold required for the grant.

I'm sorry that I've upset some people as this wasn't my intention, but if the grant rules are made by the government and I have no control over what they say.

I'm saddened by the way I'm being judged without people knowing my full circumstances, but I was simply being honest as I could have blagged and lied to avoid such scrutiny, but I didn't.

 

[AGAS]

I'm not judging you as such but the guidelines they set out when there are people out there who are in more need of a boiler but can't because of stupid guidelines the same with benefits.
and appreciate your honesty and can tell from your posts anyway ( makes a change ) . but if i was you i would get the vaillant and spend a little money and get unvented installed while you have a choice before installation , also if any extensions or further bathrooms / showers are added your in perfect position for system to cope .

 

[securitynewbie]

Thank you for your understanding AGAS. I totally agree with you and feel for those whom don't get a fair deal. Lets just hope the government sees how stupid their criteria is and changes it for the better, although I wouldn't hold my breath.

Right, so Vaillant it is, but is 38kw too much for my size house and radiators? i.e would it use more energy, even though it will be underpowered? (I will be converting another room & adding more radiators though).

What is unvented?

 

[AGAS]

IMO 38w is way over what you need and not cost effective as described by muggles i think, you would be better with more like approx 18kw ( which depends on your rad sizes and future requirements of course ) for your heating which you need to check with a " heating loss calculator" , a combi will simply not cut it with your requirements . in simple terms an unvented cylinder will provide all the hot water you may need ( under pressure) with the size house you have ( or future requirements ), at the correct flow rate to supply your plentiful bathrooms/ showers you have . that way you would see the energy cost savings in the pocket , which is why i was laughing about it supposedly being a energy saving grant . if your installer says this is wrong get someone else to undertake your installation who is G3 qualified as well .

 

[securitynewbie]

Thanks AGAS. Unfortunately, I can't get an 18kw boiler. They only offer 35kw or 38kw, although I could contact other energy companies and ask them what they offer. Can you recommend any company?

 

[AGAS]

well fook me tell them do they want a energy efficient boiler installed or not , do you know what i mean ? or do they have set installers ? i don't know how it works TBH I've never got involved with it . maybe you can educate me of what the process is , all my work comes from private customers and insurances

 

[securitynewbie]

Your right in saying that most companies are not really interested in the energy efficiency side.. They are out there to make a quick buck and I get the awful feeling that they manipulate the consumption figures in order to get the grant.

The way it works is that:-

1.You get in touch with companies that are offering a free boiler / insulation through the scheme.

2. A so-called expert/surveyor comes out and assesses the type of system, checks your entitlement & offers the boiler they are providing.

3. Another expert is called out to do an EPC.

4. The company gets the go-ahead & the boiler is installed.