Ariston or Vokera boiler?

[stuart noble]

Sorry to start another "Which combi" thread but my choices appear to be limited by the width of the casing. At 400mm it seems to boil (sorry) down to the Vokera Compact 24, Ariston Microcombi 23, or Ariston Microgenus 23. My current boiler is a similar spec to these, and is quite adequate, so I won't be considering a higher output. Much as I'd like a condenser, the budget won't quite run to it and I'm slightly put off by the fact that our biggest local trade outlet (6 permanent counter staff) doesn't stock a single condensing boiler. Did I read somewhere that Ariston have a 2 year guarantee? Any other reasons to go for one or the other? Thanks in advance.

[John Rumm]

Can`t comment on the boilers you mention since I have no experiance of either. However I can add to your confusion ;-) I also had the same width limitation when replacing my boiler recently, and found the Ideal Isar range are also less than 400mm wide. The 24kW condensing model would cost in the order of 600 to 700 quid. A google search of this group might also help since I seem to recal others have posted details of narrow boilers.

[IMM]

"stuart noble" single condensing boiler.

Does Fred Dibnah shop there?

I have a Microgenus, the more powerful model. So far it is fine after 20 months. A bit noisy, but it is in a solid cupboard in the bathroom so noise is not an issue. The Microgenus is well specced, it even comes with a built-in filling loop. It has a reduced gas rate for CH to reduce cycling and a built-in two minute anti-cycle function. Run a Honeywell CM67 stat/programmer (or equiv) which also has an anti-cycle function, they work well. It has a two year guarantee and a 5 year guarantee on the plate heat exchanger. It is easy to fit. I was talking to the Aniston service agents, their service guys rate the Microgenus and say it is quite reliable. Parts are easy to replace

Look at the Worcester-Bosch Junior combi. That has a v small casing too and v simple inside with no 3-way valve. I would probably go for the Junior if buying today. No matter what combi you fit, fit a phosphor de-scaler to the cold feed and replace the cartridge once a year. You should do this on any water system.

[steve]

Going on previous threads shouldn't that be microgenera ( genera the plural of the noun genus)

Have i got this in before Andy Hall? :-D

the more powerful model. So far it is fine after 20

[IMM]

You are witty, so witty.

[Ed Sirett]

I have worked on both boilers and would say the Vokera seems to be the better contructed. The both come from South of the Alps. I have not installed either unit so can't really comment further.

[stuart noble]

Thanks, John. I'll take a look.

[stuart noble]

So do you think it's noisy *because* it's in a cupboard? Noise I don't need as I'm often sitting next to it.

Better than the cdi range then?

[stuart noble]

Thanks, Ed. How does £350 inc vat fitting charge sound for the South East? Straightforward replacement with 22mm gas already in place and using the same flue hole.

[Ed Sirett]

That's a fair price if the guy flushes the system out as per instructions. Assuming there is no further work (TRVs, better controls?) then 2 days is reasonable allowance, including filling in the 'log book'.

I'd download the instructions (they're probably online) and read them up first as then you'll know what needs to be done.

[stuart noble]

Hm. A couple of replacements I know of were done without the flushing ("extra £400 guv"). What does it consist of exactly? Is it just running mains pressure water round the system, or something more complicated?

[Ed Sirett]

You don't really need to do anything other than organize for water to come in at one end and the dirty water to out at the other. I have yet to be convinced of the use of pumps and other gadgets.

Most boiler instructions will ask for existing circuits to be flushed out at least once.

At the very least the installer should sign to say he has flushed the system etc. in the log book because the warranty might depend on it.

A boiler could be exchanged safely and working OK without folling all the instructions in a day in which case £350 is a bit steep, or maybe I'm too 'reasonable'.

[IMM]

"stuart noble" as I'm often sitting next to it.

I think so. A brand new design, until next year when all will have to be condensing boilers.

[stuart noble]

instructions.

Thanks, Ed. Which part of the country are you in?

[stuart noble]

Cheers. I'll add this to my 400mm wide list

[Ed Sirett]

North London.

[stuart noble]

My God! I didn't think there were any "reasonable" Corgis up there.

[Ed Sirett]

I really need to have someone show me how you go about (over) charging. I tend to be guided by what a job costs me to do rather than how much someone is prepared to pay for it. If I ask myself how much _I_ would be prepared to pay it comes out a lot cheaper than what I charge!

[Colin eclipse 2]

Not so

Not every situation can be fitted with a condensing boiler due to nuiscance pluming (flats, etc) - so a choice will still be available (B rated).

Learnt that yesterday at a Corgi seminar.. (I previously thought as you did)

Regards

[Colin eclipse 2]

"stuart noble" single condensing boiler.

I personally wouldn't fit a Vokera - ever (or a Potterton for that matter)

I have had too many customers having difficulties with them - I ripped one out at the beginning of this week and fitted a glowworm the guy was so fed up with it.