Thanks to all who replied to my previous posts, I'm slowly getting a better idea of what I want. Unfortunately, the two quotations I've had gave opposing advice (number three didn't bother to turn up). Given that a combi seems to be the way to go: Heating engineer no.1 says: Ferroli F30, non-condensing, reliable in his experience. Fitted, tanks etc removed from old system, power flush with hired equipment (if I want, but would prefer to remove rads and flush outside), should take about one day with his mate, cost £1230. Seems reasonable?
No.2 says: Vaillant ecoMax 835E condensing, the only boiler he recommends. Ferroli are very unreliable. Non-condensing are a waste of time because the Government is likely to reduce the time manufacturers have to stock spares for old boilers so we all have to have condensing. Need to replace all lockshield valves 'cos they'll leak, and room 'stat for £115. Powerflush essential, and better than taking rads off, £350. Boiler £3292. 2-3 days work. Discount if I take out a BG service contract.(Why?) He seems to be trying it on at £3292 to install a roughly £1000 boiler. He's a local (2 man) trader, but surely even BG would be cheaper? At least he tested the mains water pressure and flow (20 l/min) which is more than no.1 did.
Installer no.1 is the brother of a friend doing the work in his spare time as he works for someone else. He isn't Corgi registered in his own name, so would it be legal for him to commission the new boiler?
I'm leaning towards a condensing combi as more up to date, though maybe there are bargains to be had if stocks of obsolescent non-condensing boilers have to be shifted before April 2005. From what I've read here, Vaillant or Worcester Bosch might be safer bets than Ferroli?
Her indoors is starting to mutter about why pay a fortune to get rid of the Glow worm gravity system which is simple, not to say primitive, and reliable, but the DHW flow is pathetic, and the gas bills are high. There's still the sludge to shift whatever we do about boilers of course.
So, three options: no.1, possible. No.2, er, no, I think not. Or, stick as we are until the Glow worm conks out and go through this all over again.
Rob