New combi boiler. What's the going rate?

[NickG]

Thought I would ask for some experience shares from fellow plotters.

I need to replace our powermax combi boiler later this year and wanted to ask what price people have paid when they have replaced theirs.

We live in a 3 bed detached with a main bath, plumbed mixer shower, an ensuite with plumbed mixer shower (neither are electric, they run from the combi) and we currently have a powermax combi boiler thing.

A local has quoted 3,100 for a decent valiant combi replacement fitted but wanted to ask for advice whilst I source some more quotes.

Thanks in advance.. ...... ....

[Bigmallly]

Potty's ya man if you can wait till he sees the thread.

[NickG]

Thanks BM, not in a rush, looking to replace in the next couple of months

[Bigmallly]

Send Potty a PM, I'm sure he won't mind.

[jonny the plant pot]

If its the 832 vailliant hes quoted you for then the boiler with the flu alone are around 2000 so to replace you old with one of these isnt a bad price .

[DannyK]

If its the 832 vailliant hes quoted you for then the boiler with the flu alone are around 2000 so to replace you old with one of these isnt a bad price .

Circa £1,300 here Vaillant ecoTEC Plus 832 - ERP Combi Boiler 0010018354

NickG you have my sympathy, finding a reliable tradesman is a problem. Just because someone is Gas Safe doesn't mean they are any good. My installer, recommended by architect, messed up. 3 rads were heating up in summer due to incorrectly plumbed bypass. Eventually got sorted by another firm who said it was a basic error.

[Miss Mousetrousers]

I subscribe to Which? and can access Which? Local who lists recommended firms for all sorts of trades. If you want to PM me with your location I can see if there's anyone they have on their list in your area. I presume it's a gas fitter you need. We don't have gas so can't help with the combi-boiler, but can have a look on Which? to see if they have any listed and, if they do, what they rate as Best Buys. It's no trouble to do this as DannyK rightly says, good tradesman are hard to come by, and don't just go by their "Gas Safe" qualification just as you don't get a double-glazing firm in because they are FENSA registered because they don't mean a thing on their own - just looks good on paper! Will get back to you soon when I've looked on Which? website.

[Miss Mousetrousers]

Have a look at Worcester Bosch boilers - they have various models and all have a score of 92% so go on-line and have a look. There are also several Valliant models all of which score 83%. One thing to bear in mind is that they were all tested a couple of years ago, not that it matters.

[NickG]

Thanks all so far. I did think myself about 2k to replace so 3k was a surprise. The guy has done loads on our estate with solid reviews, I suppose I just wanted reassurance that 3k was about right.

He didn't say which model other than it would be a high spec one with a new flue as well as flush and magna filter

[Guest]

If he is doing a proper powerflush as well than 3k is understandable. As simple as the job is, it is still an expensive one. I will check with hubby tonight what going rates are round here. I personally wouldn't touch vaillant - they used to be a fair price boiler but in recent years have hiked their prices up to make themselves look like a higher standard than they are but not improved the boilers (IMO), I wouldn't touch Baxi either but I shan't go into that one

[jonny the plant pot]

Everyone is just thinking that a boiler costs this and fitting costs that .
These gas safe engineers have to pay a lot of money to gain this qualification and its an ongoing expense that they after keep paying its obvious that they are gunna keep passing this cost to us.
Remember by cheap buy twice.

[Potstubsdustbins]

Valiant good boiler but too expensive for what they are.

Worcester Green Star great boiler I have one.

Baxi Duo Tech good boiler now with 7 year manufacturer's guarantee parts and labour.

Magna clean or similar very good idea I have one.

Powerflush really depends on the present state of your system, though I use mainly a Magna Flush which is gentler on an old system.

As to price there are a lot of variables the biggest being the flue, straight through the wall flue less than £80 to buy fitting negligible, vert flue up to a £1000 to supply and fit.

Then add-on's by law you will need a room thermostat with a time clock, TRV's are very advisable.

Also bear in mind you will need at least a 32Kw with your hot water needs best advise 33Kw.

Round here a Baxi EcoBlue Advanced 33 with manufacturers 10 year guarantee, standard flue. time clock. radio frequency room stat, magna clean, straight swap for another combi approx. £1900 plus £250 for flush if required.

[Potstubsdustbins]

Just an aside there is a safety alert issued on the Potterton Powermax for boilers made between 2001 and 2005 concerning the flue, there is a low risk of corrosion within the flue if you have a boiler made between those dates Potterton will fix it free of charge.