Dear all
Hopefully these questions are not too stupid. Recently my back boiler failed for the second time in two months. The company that originally repaired the back boiler said the part was under warranty but I would still be charged for labour, even though the bit they fitted had failed!!!! I found this totally unfair, hence I have decided that I will replace the system instead. I know this will cost me more in the short term but I was planning on the replacement in the next two years, and so now seems as good a time as ever.
I am planning on replacing all the single rads in the house, some have fins some don?t, and two are starting to rust. To be perfectly honest I have been looking for a reason to replace them with higher powered double convection rads for a while. I am also looking for a seven day timer.
I have had a number of Corgi register gas fitters round to my house, I am happy to do most things my self, but the tight regulation on the gas industry worry me slightly.
I have asked each the gas fitters for the minimum costs, I am happy to reroute the water, heating and electric, just leave the gas to them. I basically want to keep the labour costs to a minimum.
I live in a standard 1960s 3 bed semi detached and have been recommended two main models of combi boiler the Baxi 105E and the Baxi 130HE. Has any one heard good or bad things about either of these? I am a little confused about which one to select. I know the 130HE has 16L of hot water a minute compared to 12, and it also seems the 130HE is the high efficiency condensing boiler. Exactly what are the advantages of a condensing boiler? If it worth the considerable extra cost? Which one should I select and on what grounds?
Most of the gas fitters would fit the boiler in the kitchen as requested, how ever one of the fitters is suggested a loft installation which sound a good idea especially as the old back boiler pipes are easily accessible as they seem use a compartment in or next to the chimney (not sure which).
Any comments about loft installation of boilers?
Lastly I am going to replace the radiators my self, any comments on the screwfix double convection rads , with the pegler thermostatic vales
I really appreciate your expert opinions
Andrew
PS Why are the gas fitters quotes never broken down in to parts and labour!!! This is just annoying. I have had to specifically ask for the quotes to be broken down.