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House and home

cost of new combi boiler

(42 Posts)
Franbern Mon 01-Jul-24 08:58:10

I think I am going to have to have the combi boiler in my flat replaced.
It is now twenty years old, looked after by British Gas who say they can supply all spare parts. All such servicing and parts are supplied free of charge under the contact my block of flats have with BG
Has had considerable replacement and work this year, and still not working properly.

Just need to have small combi oiler to servie two bathrooms (kitchen hot water is supplied separately via Franke boiling water tap._, plus five radiators.

Just wondered if I could get some idea as to the sort of cost this will involve.

Franbern Wed 24-Jul-24 15:52:25

Got my three quotations and Yes, the British Gas one was more expensive than the two local companies. Did get a further reduction from them when I phoned to discuss this.

They also offer interest free loans for up to three years (only two for me due to my age), which does suit me as it means I do not have to delph to deeply into my savings.

silverlining48 Tue 02-Jul-24 12:37:11

I do worry it will break down in winter and urgently need replacement 🥶. This old house is detached single brick so can get cold at the best of times. We have a wood burner, but that won’t allow us to cook or heat water. 💦 food for thought.

Mollygo Tue 02-Jul-24 11:36:39

silverlining48 I’d have agreed with you totally until recently when, after several repair attempts, they said they simply didn’t have the parts needed to repair our old boiler.
I was delighted to find how much the gas usage/bill had dropped after the installation of the new one though.

silverlining48 Tue 02-Jul-24 10:31:58

We don’t have a problem with our boiler.
Marydoll no repairs and few services so it hasn’t cost us much.
Petra the new boilers may be efficient, but they don’t last long.
I was only passing on my experience and what I was told about new boilers. Up to the individual what they choose to do.

Marydoll Tue 02-Jul-24 08:37:53

I would weigh up the cost of repairs, servicing over thirty four years, factor in reduced gas consumption and a warranty before dismissing installing a new boiler.
...and of course, the house was much warmer!

loopyloo Tue 02-Jul-24 08:32:54

I too would avoid British gas.
Also when the new boiler was fitted I was amazed how much less gas we were using with a more modern unit.

petra Tue 02-Jul-24 08:19:14

silverlining48

So why would an experienced boiler engineer say keep your old boiler as long as you can because the new ones, which obviously bring him more business , are nowhere near as reliable.?

The answer is simple: there’s no money for him in a new boiler because they are so efficient now. Whereas as long as he can keep earning £50? an hour fixing/ servicing old boilers, why would he🤷‍♀️
It’s the same logic as dentists. As long as you have teeth in your head there’s money in it for them. Simples.

Marydoll Tue 02-Jul-24 08:08:16

I can only speak from my own experience. We certainly saw a difference.

silverlining48 Tue 02-Jul-24 08:06:29

So why would an experienced boiler engineer say keep your old boiler as long as you can because the new ones, which obviously bring him more business , are nowhere near as reliable.?

Marydoll Tue 02-Jul-24 08:00:38

I agree, Petra. Our gas bill dropped dramatically, after we replaced our boiler.
The bonus was that the parts of our home, which the previous boiler struggled to heat, were significantly warmer.

petra Tue 02-Jul-24 07:50:36

silverlining48

Gangster. Our boiler is. 34 years old, we havnt had it serviced for many years. My mums was 55 years old. Was still going strong last time I heard.
The new boilers have built in obsolescence and don’t last much more than 10 years and we have been told by a an experienced
Fitter that while our boiler is working then hang onto it.

Every appliance we buy has a built in obsolescence. They will still be working after many years, but, it’s the efficiency of the appliance. Your boiler is only working at 60%? efficiency. This will be reflected in your gas consumption.

silverlining48 Tue 02-Jul-24 07:37:43

Ginster apologies for not noticing my phone took it upon itself to change what I typed to what it thought I meant. I have given it a good talking to. 😊

Milest0ne Mon 01-Jul-24 22:56:48

We have LPG but our boiler is a Worcester /Bosch with a 10 year warranty .Any time we have a problem the engineer comes within 24 hours . When I had a technical problem I spoke to a lady engineer who talked me through the settings, then agreed with me about the repair needed. Worth a lot to me

keepingquiet Mon 01-Jul-24 19:58:52

Yes, if it is still working don't fix it!

silverlining48 Mon 01-Jul-24 19:06:49

Gangster. Our boiler is. 34 years old, we havnt had it serviced for many years. My mums was 55 years old. Was still going strong last time I heard.
The new boilers have built in obsolescence and don’t last much more than 10 years and we have been told by a an experienced
Fitter that while our boiler is working then hang onto it.

Gingster Mon 01-Jul-24 18:57:37

We recently (about 3 months ago) paid £4,000. The ‘old’ one was 13 years old.

silverlining48 Mon 01-Jul-24 18:47:55

My mum had a long term service contract with BG who suddenly refused to continue because they wanted her to buy a new boiler. That was 15 years before she went into a care home and the boiler was then, and probably still is, working well.

Franbern Mon 01-Jul-24 18:21:01

Thanks everyone who replied. I was just trying to get some ball park figures.
I will definitely ask BG for a quote and also get one from at least two local qualified people who can be recommended to me by local people.
It is interesting that so many make comments about BG charging so much more.
I will let you know how I get on in this matter.

Germanshepherdsmum Mon 01-Jul-24 16:50:57

I believe the OP is the secretary of the management company which looks after her block of flats. As the man co has a contract with BG she might be able to secure a discount.

Shirls52000 Mon 01-Jul-24 16:04:06

Had mine changed in 2020 and it was about £1400, a Weissman boiler, very efficient

Marydoll Mon 01-Jul-24 14:44:51

Newtothissite

Britis Gas overcharge and don't service properly. Maybe try a good well recommended private plumber

Unfortunately I tried a well respected plumber, hence the reason for going with British Gas the next time.
The new boiler was faulty and flooded my kitchen when I was seriously unwell in bed.
The plumber didn't want to know and told me to phone the manufacturer.
It lasted only three years. I got a great price from British Gas for its replacement, because it was summer time.
I didnt regret it.

Newtothissite Mon 01-Jul-24 14:32:28

Britis Gas overcharge and don't service properly. Maybe try a good well recommended private plumber

Mollygo Mon 01-Jul-24 14:07:59

Our Worcester Bosch (above) has a 10 year guarantee, but I’ve no idea where the parts come from. It comes under affordability.

keepingquiet Mon 01-Jul-24 13:34:25

I had a new boiler installed by a local engineer for £3000 last year. It is an Ideal boiler all British made with British parts guaranteed for 12 years which you don't get with Worcester Bosch.

BG quoted twice the price for an inferior boiler. My advice is to shop around and go with your gut.

cc Mon 01-Jul-24 13:34:08

Sparklefizz

I would advise getting 3 quotes. British Gas quoted more than double the quote of a local company.

Yes, I agree. My mother's quote from British Gas was very high although she was supposed to get a discount as they serviced her existing boiler