New Oil Fired Boiler . . .

[dunwerkin]

Can you help me please? My oil fired boiler is 18 years old and I am thinking of replacing it before it dies. Looking at the options I am now even more confused by the range of combo - instant on demand; hot water tank in airing cupboard (which I currently have) and now I have found Ground Source Heat pumps and Air pumps. I live in N.E. Scotland the country where gas is not an option. What should I do?

[BRIGHT SPARK]

If you want stored hot water then replace with a standard boiler (like the current one) or if you want hot water on demand then have a combi. Dont rush into ground or air source heat pumps.

[The Builder]

In my experience, although I like Combis, they should be for smaller houses, or smaller households. Even with thermostatic valves on the showers, they really don't supply enough for more than one shower operating at a time.

If you have a working airing cupboard with immersion cylinder, then simply replace your conventional boiler. In 18 years, the efficiency of these boilers has risen massively. you'll notice a good saving in oil.

If there's only two of you, then certainly empty the airing cupboard and have a combi instead.

Worcester Bosch, Vaillant... any of the top (more expensive makes). Steer well away from "budget" boilers. It'll end in tears ;o)

[BRIGHT SPARK]

Scriv...lol.......Ethos/Microfill is the way to go.

[dunwerkin]

Thank you all for your responses . . . I am still undecided :-)

[Zacs-Master]

We've just asked someone to replace ours with a Worcester Greenstar one. Were a bit limited as we need one which will fit into a cupboard. Almost £3k tho!