Boiler Install Query & Fully Funded Grant

onlymeself

I have an oil boiler system, it's about 20 years since installed and it's in been in actual use about 15 years as house was not used for first 5 years. In it's last service I was told it's highly likely it won't get through another winter. I want to change to a condenser boiler. Grant vortex. Can get it for under €1900. I'll need to change oil tank to bunded, and can see the one I need online for €1400. I got a quote from someone who by all accounts is a very good plumber. He quoted €7950 to install the grant vortex, the same tank I was looking at and flush the system. This seems extremely expensive to me, but maybe that's just the going rate. There's nothing at all particularly difficult or unusual about the job. Radiators are all coming on piping hot even with the old boiler and pump. Only changing because I don't want to be in the middle of winter and it suddenly gives up. Am I being had, or is this a reasonable quote?

Also, I have just found out that I will be eligible for fully funded SEAI grant. Should I be changing out the oil boiler at all. My house would probably be ok for a heat pump system if the insulation in cavity and attic was upgraded and heat loss through ventilation was improved. I'm going to apply, and I know theres an extremely long wait, but it would be some shame to fork out nearly €8k only to find out there was a better, and free option, in the not too distant future.

Wearb

Has your boiler been serviced annually?

Maybe post some pictures here.

If well maintained, that's not an extreme age for a standard efficiency boiler.

onlymeself

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122743168#Comment_122743168

It was never serviced by a plumber, just kept going by someone with a bit of knowledge. I got a plumber to look at it last year and he said he did as much as he could with it but that I'd be lucky if it lasted another year. Something about the baffles being wrecked and something else too, can't remember. Problems with the pump too quite often, have to loosen it up now and again.

Lenar3556

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122743201#Comment_122743201

€8k seems a lot, but it depends on what is involved.

In the circumstances maybe get a good boiler technician to have a look at it and see can it be overhauled at a reasonable cost. Baffles for example can usually be replaced.

onlymeself

Ya I thought so too. Literally just replace tank, boiler and flush system. Very ordinary standard semi detached house, radiators not old and all working perfect and no cold spots. Couldn't get any word back from other plumbers, must start ringing again.

declan b

The system does not need a power flush.15 year working oil boiler is considered oid.baffles probally damaged because the boiler hasnt been serviced by a compentent boiler technician. a picture would tell alot

onlymeself

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122746662#Comment_122746662

Sorry, haven't a picture at the moment. The last person to service said it's in a bad state and wont last long. I don't want to take a chance in it and want to change to new boiler. But 8k seems very high to me.

declan b

8k is high.A boiler will last as long as it doesnt leak in general. Unless there is alot or corrosion etc. Baffles or a pump sticking are very minor issues for a boiler technician that specialises in boilers.

monseiur

Is your boiler in a garage or is it a self contained unit ?

Say €2k for boiler, €1.2k for bunded tank and €150 for pump = €3,350 Labour : 20 hours @ €75.00 = €1,500

Total should not exceed €5,000 with a VAT invoice.

But plumbers who work for a weeks wage for contractors are known to do side jobs - evenings, weekends etc. for cash, you could save half the price of a bunded tank….or more😊