Replacing gas boiler options

smax71

I got my old potterton primo gas boiler serviced on Sat and it hasn't worked since,even though it's been flawless up to now.. I'm told that a part needs replacing and as it's over 25 years old no parts available. What are my options for replacing? Preference is probably a replacement gas boiler as in rented house and needs replacing asap. Appreciate any views on best boiler and if preferable to replace existing timer clocks and other controls at same time.

As a matter of interest, as there seems to be grant's for everything these days, is there any grant for replacing an old boiler with a newer more efficient model or is this only available as part of a more extensive upgrade to heating / insulation?

standardg60

Call me cynical but sounds dodgy, did the same guy who serviced a working boiler that then wasn't working say it needs a part that isn't available and a new boiler is required?

smax71

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121458706#Comment_121458706

My thoughts exactly. I wasnt there when work done but I'm told that it was serviced on Sat and worked fine for about 2 hours after when pilot light went out. Was looked at again today and some wd40 sprayed on a fan but guy said that part was shot and needed replacing. Boiler worked again for approx 2 hours and same issue arose. When I spoke to them this PM I was told it's an obsolete boiler and no parts available so needs replacing.

I'm not too surprised given that it's over 25 years old and would have to be replaced at some point but the fact it was working perfectly until serviced is certainly annoying especially due to the time of the year it now needs to be sorted immediately.

standardg60

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121458770#Comment_121458770

Ah ok that sounds more plausible, a faulty fan will cut the boiler out. I dare say you'd find one sitting somewhere or online but as you say time is of the essence.

smax71

Received an online quote from Bord Gais for €3,000 to install a Worcester Bosch 4000 18kw boiler including magnetic filter and all other electrical, piping and fittings. It also covers a system cleanse and treatment. Does this involve the flushing of the complete system which is probably necessary as it hasn't been done for a number of years?

Any view on this ballpark quote? Is the Worcester a decent boiler or are they better out there for a 1,250sq ft terraced house?

10-10-20

There is a positive review here as this crowd stack it up against the Vitodens 050.

https://www.boilercentral.com/boiler-reviews/worcester-4000-vs-viessmann-vitodens-050/

I was looking at both recently, haven't made the call yet, but both are good. Worcester are well known here, Vitodens less so, and that does impact installation and servicing somewhat.

Andrewf20

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121461288#Comment_121461288

We got a Bosch Worchester boiler replacement for 2.2K in 2018. Not sure what size it is but its for a bread and butter 3 bed semi. Didnt get a flush done as done not long before.

Only extra work was getting a hilti drill to put a new hole to the outside. 2 lads working all day had it done by 7pm that evening.

smax71

@10-10-20 and @andrewf20. Thanks for info. Mine is going into a std 3 bed also. I had intended looking into updating controls including thermostats and/or thermostatic valves but for now I just want to get boiler operational and look at other upgrades later. Is there any minimal upgrades I should go with now or am I ok just to link up with existing 20 year old 7 day timer.

Out of interest is there any benefit going with Bord Gais for a boiler installation or do people have a preference going with independent installers?

10-10-20

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121466108#Comment_121466108

Some of the control upgrades are necessary for the boiler to operate effectively in condensing mode. I wouldn't be putting them off too long if I was you but I'd install thermostats at a minimum.

Not sure on how Bord Gais operate, do they sub-contract out the installation work anyway?

Calahonda52

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058325813/replacing-gas-boiler-options

no grants for old to new fossil kit

smax71

I've got a 2nd quote that's approx €150 higher but doesnt include a free 1st service or a system cleanse and treatment. Given that I was recently quote €700 by the same installer to cleanse the system this seems like a significant price differential. I'm surprised an independent installer is so much more expensive that Bord Gais. Is this normal?

Presuming it's important the system is cleansed and treated before new boiler is commissioned, especially since it's been a number of years since it's been done before?

Grassy Knoll

Price seems ok for what is a decent boiler system. There is nothing for nothing nowadays. Personally I would go for the control upgrades etc now when they have the ‘hood open’ and easier to do. Go for an up/ down stairs & heating zonings, I have it in and it is good, the heating costs would be worse only for it now.

smax71

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121485223#Comment_121485223

Thanks. Yes I'm not unhappy with prices tbh. Only issue is that 2nd quote doesnt include a cleanse and treatment of system. Presumably this is essential in an old system so needs to be added to 2nd quote