Gas boiler choice - advice please
Discussion
We currently have an Ideal Classic RS360, but are building a new kitchen extension so want to take the opportunity to replace it with a newer condensing model.
Worcester Bosch seems to be the make to get, but which one is an equivalent output and design to the one we have? I know it's not a combi so is it Regular or System? I reckon it's the 18i or Ri
Ideal Classic RS360 spec - http://www.homeheatingguide.co.uk/efficiency-table...
Worcester Bosch seems to be the make to get, but which one is an equivalent output and design to the one we have? I know it's not a combi so is it Regular or System? I reckon it's the 18i or Ri
Ideal Classic RS360 spec - http://www.homeheatingguide.co.uk/efficiency-table...
vanman said:
As an installer I would say that Worcester aren't as good as the some people like to make out,I have fitted quite a few in the last 3 years and they are not without their problems,much like most other makes.
Ssssshhhhhhhh....You'll upset all the 'experts'.
Proper experience of these things counts for f
k all I think you'll find.Festive Ferg said:
Proper experience of these things counts for f
k all I think you'll find.
WRONG - some us do listen to you guys and DO appreciate the steer and advice that you post in the threads
k all I think you'll find.
So help the OP (and me)and guide us to when you think the boiler scrappage scheme will be seriously be up and running plus which make of boiler would you guys recommend

Edited by T5R+ on Thursday 31st December 16:39
From experience, don't get a new Ideal (ours at home is utter crap, and has been since new).
I have half a dozen Worcester Bosch boilers fitted in my rental places, they've all been excellent, no issues at all.
Purely from own experience, I would say Worcester Bosch.
If I had time, and the six flue extensions were compatible, I would be changing the Ideal for a Worcester, even though it's only six months old. I'm already seeing regular repairs looming....
I have half a dozen Worcester Bosch boilers fitted in my rental places, they've all been excellent, no issues at all.
Purely from own experience, I would say Worcester Bosch.
If I had time, and the six flue extensions were compatible, I would be changing the Ideal for a Worcester, even though it's only six months old. I'm already seeing regular repairs looming....
Festive Ferg said:
vanman said:
As an installer I would say that Worcester aren't as good as the some people like to make out,I have fitted quite a few in the last 3 years and they are not without their problems,much like most other makes.
Ssssshhhhhhhh....You'll upset all the 'experts'.
Proper experience of these things counts for f
k all I think you'll find.The older ones I have repaired have been tricky. Diverter valve on the old CDI is a joke.
O/P. Not sure what heat output you require, but if you are replacing it with another conventional boiler. I'd go for an RI instead of a CDI if you can get away with it it. They are much easier to install and if you are lucky you might get away with not having to run extra cables to the boiler, which you would definately need to do if you fit a CDI.
Said it on other posts; Vaillant are good from personal experience, However, depending on whether your heating system is new or the boiler is a replacement there is a bit of a design flaw in some models.
We have an ecoTEC exclusive 938 combi which is great, except for the fact that it has a plastic impeller on the pump that is susceptible to damage from particles in the heating side. Debris can damage the impeller which then goes out of balance and knackers the bearings. Apparently this is due to Vaillant booting out their third party pump supplier and going it alone for particular models with an in house pump, which is s
te. I havr no idea which boilers they have done this tweak to, only going by knowledge passed from an approved installer who's less than impressed by their design. Still, good price and quite efficient really. Just something to be aware of.
We went through 3 pumps (under warranty) in the first year until we could get all the rubbish out of the system. We replaced all 18 radiators and have a MagnaFlow and inhibitor installed. Finger crossed.
Dr Rick
We have an ecoTEC exclusive 938 combi which is great, except for the fact that it has a plastic impeller on the pump that is susceptible to damage from particles in the heating side. Debris can damage the impeller which then goes out of balance and knackers the bearings. Apparently this is due to Vaillant booting out their third party pump supplier and going it alone for particular models with an in house pump, which is s
te. I havr no idea which boilers they have done this tweak to, only going by knowledge passed from an approved installer who's less than impressed by their design. Still, good price and quite efficient really. Just something to be aware of.We went through 3 pumps (under warranty) in the first year until we could get all the rubbish out of the system. We replaced all 18 radiators and have a MagnaFlow and inhibitor installed. Finger crossed.
Dr Rick
To be honest, no we didn't. Hindsight being 20-20 and all that would suggest that we should have done, but hte plumber went for fill-empty-refill-empty a number of times. Up here in Scotland we're not on water meters so there's no real grief for using that sort of volume of water. That and the good rates we were getting for the install, the fact that Vaillant replaced the pump under warranty due to a known design flaw and that we were replacing all the radiators (in phases when money was available) I don't think we fared too badly.
We've now had about 18 months without incident and have added the bonus feature of the MagnaFlow just in case. I'll open it up once we're done with this snowy spell and see what crud has accumulated.
Dr Rick
We've now had about 18 months without incident and have added the bonus feature of the MagnaFlow just in case. I'll open it up once we're done with this snowy spell and see what crud has accumulated.
Dr Rick
Best and cheapest arn't words that go well together with boilers. Even a straight boiler swap can turn expensive.
You need to take a condensate drain pipe into a suitable outlet. You will most likely need at least a 22mm gas supply, chances are there is only 15mm feeding your boiler. The heating will need upgrading to fully pumped if it isn't already and you'll mostly likely need to run extra wires to the new boiler as most new ones have a pump over-run facility.
If your boiler is next to the gas meter, on an outside wall, with a drain nearby and the airing cupboard directly above, it'll be a doddle.
If not, like most jobs, it'll be a PITA
You need to take a condensate drain pipe into a suitable outlet. You will most likely need at least a 22mm gas supply, chances are there is only 15mm feeding your boiler. The heating will need upgrading to fully pumped if it isn't already and you'll mostly likely need to run extra wires to the new boiler as most new ones have a pump over-run facility.
If your boiler is next to the gas meter, on an outside wall, with a drain nearby and the airing cupboard directly above, it'll be a doddle.
If not, like most jobs, it'll be a PITA
Ricky_M said:
Best and cheapest arn't words that go well together with boilers. Even a straight boiler swap can turn expensive.
You need to take a condensate drain pipe into a suitable outlet. You will most likely need at least a 22mm gas supply, chances are there is only 15mm feeding your boiler. The heating will need upgrading to fully pumped if it isn't already and you'll mostly likely need to run extra wires to the new boiler as most new ones have a pump over-run facility.
If your boiler is next to the gas meter, on an outside wall, with a drain nearby and the airing cupboard directly above, it'll be a doddle.
If not, like most jobs, it'll be a PITA
fully pumped, 22mm, drain nearby You need to take a condensate drain pipe into a suitable outlet. You will most likely need at least a 22mm gas supply, chances are there is only 15mm feeding your boiler. The heating will need upgrading to fully pumped if it isn't already and you'll mostly likely need to run extra wires to the new boiler as most new ones have a pump over-run facility.
If your boiler is next to the gas meter, on an outside wall, with a drain nearby and the airing cupboard directly above, it'll be a doddle.
If not, like most jobs, it'll be a PITA

whats that about the airing cupboard? its in the airing cupboard
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