Another Boiler Question

[Prudie]

Apologies, I don't want to search - this may have been answerd to others before.

Why do so many plumbers and heating engineers give conflicting advice?  Anyway we have a standard Baxi Solo gas boiler that needs replacing - not working currently and we've replaced so many parts over the years)  it's like Trigger's broom.

One quote says yes can replace like for like, not too difficult

Another says yes can replace with similar but all boilers must  have a condenser now so you'll need a new pipe fitted from the boiler to the drain/water waste somehow. He is gas-safe registered.

Which is correct please? We want an old-fashioned boiler like this so don't bother suggesting combis :-)

[Old_Geezer]

Hopefully they are presently both Gas Safe registered.

[barry1010]

All new boilers fitted after 2005 will have a condenser. However, homeowners have a choice of three different condensing boiler types: combi boilers, conventional boilers and system boilers. Each utilises condensing technology to recycle heat produced as part of the combustion process. 

https://idealheating.com/products/boilers/ideal-combi-boilers/combi-boiler-vs-condensing-boiler

[barry1010]

I had my first new boiler in 40 years last year - a combi and I'm very happy with it

[barry1010]

I have just googled your boiler Baxi currently make Solo condensor boilers, maybe that is why you are getting conflicting advice.  

[Prudie]

So it does need pipework and holes drilled through walls and worktops etc to reach the water waste pipe?

[davebro3]

They will find a way. With mine the boiler is in the centre of my flat with a flue through the roof. They drilled through a wall and ran a pipe through the back of a cupboard to reach the kitchen/bathroom drain on the outside wall.

[The Builder]

Of all the various trades I've dealt with over the years, plumbers and Heating fellas are by far the most bolshy and opinionated (no offence - 😋)

There are a thousand ways of accomplishing most things. These people usually only know one ...  their way.

The first guy is right IF your old boiler is pre-2005. You can replace like for like. However, efficiency is dire (maybe 65-70%). A condensing boiler can acheive over 90%.

The second guy is right IF your existing one is post-2005.

Condensers need a 'condensate pipe' to carry away condensed water to a drain. As Dave said ... there's usually a way.

That's it really Prudie.  😎

[davebro3]

Not sure but I've been told it's now illegal to fit a new gas boiler that isn't condensing?

[barry1010]

Condensing boilers must be fitted by law unless the property scores enough points to qualify for a non-condensing one, apparently.  This is one of several websites saying the same thing.

https://www.boilerguide.co.uk/can-i-buy-non-condensing-boiler

[The Builder]

This is the problem Prudie.  On the one hand, there's a form to fill in, and a points system to negotiate.  On the other hand, other opinion will state that you can replace a non-condenser if your boiler is pre-2005.

To be quite honest Prudie, I would go for the much more efficient Condenser and find a way to route the condensate pipe.

If you can't face that, then go with chap no. 1. After all, he's surely Gas-Safe registered.

 

[Prudie]

Thankyou the Buider - any chance of your direct number? :-) :-)

They are both gas safe registered, the boiler is 25 years old but yes we will go with the condenser route as suggested.

[The Builder]

I don't think you'll regret it.

Awww..... I'd love to do it but I'm not Gas-Safe registered. 😓

 

[Prudie]

Just in case someone looks again, we've had the quote from the first plumber who said yes like for like. The boiler on it is a Baxi 400 18KW heat only with rear flue. No mention of condenser needed and no mention of a point sytem to check if that's not needed either. The current boiler is from 1999. So is he right??