- Thread starter fluffytail10
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Duh... I'm an idiot! I didn't see the replies (lol, just discovered there's a second page). Many thanks for the suggestions... I think I should get a second opinion then on the current state of the boiler because if it can be fixed, it won't need to be moved. Funny enough I could never smell oil or anything from the boiler. I'm wondering if the tenants let the oil tank run dry whilst the heating was on (don't know if that would've affected it at all).
JoceAndChris
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I know our Rayburn got terribly grumpy when we did that to it ( we were snowed in, or rather, the tanker was snowed out) It took 4 hours of expert fussing to set it straight.
I second the idea of a second opinion.
I second the idea of a second opinion.
We've just had a Grant Boiler installed after our 40 year old boiler decided to convert our boiler room into an indoor swimming pool.
Strapped for cash? Try and get a 2nd hand one. We did. Cost of boiler was only £150 (3 years old), as opposed to £1000+. It is very efficient and copes with 15+ radiators with ease.
To be completely honest with you, if you are going to buy a new one, try and go the renewable energy route; i.e. a log burning boiler; these can be installed inside or in an outhouse if you haven't the room. The cost of oil is going to go through the roof in the next couple of years.
Strapped for cash? Try and get a 2nd hand one. We did. Cost of boiler was only £150 (3 years old), as opposed to £1000+. It is very efficient and copes with 15+ radiators with ease.
To be completely honest with you, if you are going to buy a new one, try and go the renewable energy route; i.e. a log burning boiler; these can be installed inside or in an outhouse if you haven't the room. The cost of oil is going to go through the roof in the next couple of years.
worms
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Quite agree...Woody3 said:
...but I bet the cost of wood will keep pace!Woody3 said:
Flyfisher
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worms said:
Especially as they're going to convert Drax to burn wood. Still, since it will burn more than the UK's entire forestry production each year they'll have to import import the wood fuel anyway, so there should be a few logs left for all our wood stoves. :roll:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-20303668
Flyfisher
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robgil said:
Probably because the cost of everything else is largely dependent on oil.
worms
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I wouldn't bet on it! We are already seeing the residual brashings baled for use in making pellets for wood boilers, so there is less forestry waste available and fewer scavenger licenses for local residents.Flyfisher said:
So, if someone wants to lend me a spare hundred thousand or so, I will offer to buy them a tax-efficient forest and tend it for them, in return for a couple of trees a year!
Woody3 said:
We have a bad case of 'where's the thermostat' at the moment and asked a local renewables/alternative company to pop round and give us an idea of what would work. The guy dutifully turned up, had a good look around the house/garden, checked his compass (we are south-ish facing) and a sunlight thingy programme and was fairly candid in his opinion that none of these new fangled heating options would do us any good and that our best bet was oil (no piped gas round these parts).
Jury is still out about what to fit....
vicky whitworth
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As I told Warmflow I would do whenever I have the opportunity, I just want to say never, ever buy a Warmflow boiler. Ours has been c**p from the outset and the customer service worse.
Thank you and good night. Vicky
Thank you and good night. Vicky
Flyfisher
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I'm all for sharing product experiences, good and bad, but may we know the reasons?
DJH
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I'm keen on Grant boilers. I've had one for six years and it hasn't let me down, mind you I haven't fitted it yet!! :lol: But seriously I replaced a neighbour's clapped out boiler with a Grant vertical balanced flue over six years ago and he's had no difficulties at all with it and, despite my advice, hasn't had it serviced yet!! :shock: I hope I haven't put the kibosh on it by saying that. 
DJH
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Blimey. That does seem a bit steep for a boiler change. Obviously I don't know the ins and outs of your requirements but I might come out of retirement and do it 10 quid cheaper!!
Wow - they are having a giraffe, if it's just a boiler swap!
Ours was a 1/6th of that price and included:
30kW Grant Boiler (admittedly second hand, but a new boiler doesn't cost £5k! )
New Room Thermostat - Wireless
Install new pump (supplied by us)
New Digital Control Panel
New Pipework to cylinder/loft space (approx. 5m away)
Patch up existing flue aperture in roof
Make new aperture in wall for new flue
Dig soakaway for condensation pipe
If I remember correctly they did the lot in a day (7:30am - 6pm). 2nr Plumbers all day and 2nr Electricians half a day.
I'd get a couple more quotes to compare if I was you...
Ours was a 1/6th of that price and included:
30kW Grant Boiler (admittedly second hand, but a new boiler doesn't cost £5k! )
New Room Thermostat - Wireless
Install new pump (supplied by us)
New Digital Control Panel
New Pipework to cylinder/loft space (approx. 5m away)
Patch up existing flue aperture in roof
Make new aperture in wall for new flue
Dig soakaway for condensation pipe
If I remember correctly they did the lot in a day (7:30am - 6pm). 2nr Plumbers all day and 2nr Electricians half a day.
I'd get a couple more quotes to compare if I was you...
vicky whitworth
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Flyfisher - how long have you got?
Boiler broke down within weeks of installation and then three times in the first year. As an example of the dreadful customer service, Warmflow's own repair man said it was knackered and should be replaced. He spoke to Warmflow to discuss this with them while he was in my house. They shouted at him until he cried - and he was not a wus but a grown man. When it broke down the next time, a different Warmflow repair man was sent out. he said it was knackered and took photos of the corrosion caused by the multiple leaks - did I say that was the problem? It leaked like a sieve and would flood the scullery if you didn't happen to be at home to notice. He sent the photos to Warmflow and recommended it was replaced. They refused to do so and patched it up again. And so we carried on through the guarantee period. In subsequent years it has continued to break down about twice a year. We now have a fantastic plumber who comes and sorts it out. After four years we have had to face up to having a replacement.
Even little things drive you nuts. The front door has never fitted and every now and then just drops down on the floor with a huge clang. So the repair man was told by Warmflow to make and attach some wooden blocks to try to make it fit. He did, but it still doesn't fit.
The last repair bill was £400 - this time a problem with the flue leaking CO2.
I think it was cheap but you get what you pay for.
I told Warmflow's general manager that I would use every opportunity to bad mouth them. He said that was my choice. So I am exercising my choice.
Buy anything, but not a Warmflow. Vicky
Boiler broke down within weeks of installation and then three times in the first year. As an example of the dreadful customer service, Warmflow's own repair man said it was knackered and should be replaced. He spoke to Warmflow to discuss this with them while he was in my house. They shouted at him until he cried - and he was not a wus but a grown man. When it broke down the next time, a different Warmflow repair man was sent out. he said it was knackered and took photos of the corrosion caused by the multiple leaks - did I say that was the problem? It leaked like a sieve and would flood the scullery if you didn't happen to be at home to notice. He sent the photos to Warmflow and recommended it was replaced. They refused to do so and patched it up again. And so we carried on through the guarantee period. In subsequent years it has continued to break down about twice a year. We now have a fantastic plumber who comes and sorts it out. After four years we have had to face up to having a replacement.
Even little things drive you nuts. The front door has never fitted and every now and then just drops down on the floor with a huge clang. So the repair man was told by Warmflow to make and attach some wooden blocks to try to make it fit. He did, but it still doesn't fit.
The last repair bill was £400 - this time a problem with the flue leaking CO2.
I think it was cheap but you get what you pay for.
I told Warmflow's general manager that I would use every opportunity to bad mouth them. He said that was my choice. So I am exercising my choice.
Buy anything, but not a Warmflow. Vicky
Flyfisher
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A tale of woe indeed Vicky. Sound like the boiler was unfit for purpose? A brand new boiler should not be leaking or corroding within the first year!
Totally fed up with this Having 2 more quotes next week along with confirmation that the existing boiler has had it. Did some research and read some dreadful reviews on Grant boilers (but to be fair, happy customers don't usually write to tell people). Here's my quote:
Existing Heating System Removal
To drain down the existing Potterton Statesman oil boiler and heating system and isolate the oil tank supply and clear the boiler from the property.
To cut back the existing metal flue to the chimney and supply and install an air vent grille to leave the existing chimney ventilated.
To disconnect and remove the existing faulty central heating pump and clear from the property.
Power Flushing
To carry out a full system Power flush via a mechanical power flush machine introducing a sludge remover chemical to the existing radiators and pipe work to remove the existing black magnetite that accumulates in the heating system over several years.
Boiler
To supply and install a Grant Vortex 26/36 utility oil fired boiler to be sited in the existing larder cupboard on the external wall within the utility room with a Grant vertical flue to terminate to the roof tiles.
To supply and install a new copper supply oil line from the existing point of entry to the house by the back door and run surface on the outside wall with a oil filter and new fire at the point of entry by the new boiler.
To supply and run a new condense/waste pipe to the existing drain.
To supply and install 28mm copper flow and return pipe works from the new boiler position and run at high level on the surface into back dining room, into the kitchen and around the chimney breast into the existing boiler cupboard and reconnect to the primary pipe work.
To supply and install a 28mm Fernox total filter unit to the return end pipe work to the new oil boiler.
To supply and install a new central heating and hot water circulation pump in place of the existing faulty pump in the airing cupboard.
A competent electrician to the Institute of Electrical Engineering standards including and relevant supplementary earth bonding but not including any main earth bonding will carry out all electrical work.
Other Work
To refill the system on completion adding a Fernox corrosion inhibitor and heat test, balance and commission the appliance.
To carry out a full balance and heat test on the existing radiator system.
To register and notify Oftec and Local Building Authorities of the installation for registered documentation and approval.
GRANT VORTEX 26/35 UTILITY (2 Year Manufacturers Warranty)
ALL WORKS COMPLETE FOR THE SUM OF: £ 6248.00 INC VAT @ 20%
Having 2 more quotes next week along with confirmation that the existing boiler has had it. Did some research and read some dreadful reviews on Grant boilers (but to be fair, happy customers don't usually write to tell people). Here's my quote:Existing Heating System Removal
To drain down the existing Potterton Statesman oil boiler and heating system and isolate the oil tank supply and clear the boiler from the property.
To cut back the existing metal flue to the chimney and supply and install an air vent grille to leave the existing chimney ventilated.
To disconnect and remove the existing faulty central heating pump and clear from the property.
Power Flushing
To carry out a full system Power flush via a mechanical power flush machine introducing a sludge remover chemical to the existing radiators and pipe work to remove the existing black magnetite that accumulates in the heating system over several years.
Boiler
To supply and install a Grant Vortex 26/36 utility oil fired boiler to be sited in the existing larder cupboard on the external wall within the utility room with a Grant vertical flue to terminate to the roof tiles.
To supply and install a new copper supply oil line from the existing point of entry to the house by the back door and run surface on the outside wall with a oil filter and new fire at the point of entry by the new boiler.
To supply and run a new condense/waste pipe to the existing drain.
To supply and install 28mm copper flow and return pipe works from the new boiler position and run at high level on the surface into back dining room, into the kitchen and around the chimney breast into the existing boiler cupboard and reconnect to the primary pipe work.
To supply and install a 28mm Fernox total filter unit to the return end pipe work to the new oil boiler.
To supply and install a new central heating and hot water circulation pump in place of the existing faulty pump in the airing cupboard.
A competent electrician to the Institute of Electrical Engineering standards including and relevant supplementary earth bonding but not including any main earth bonding will carry out all electrical work.
Other Work
To refill the system on completion adding a Fernox corrosion inhibitor and heat test, balance and commission the appliance.
To carry out a full balance and heat test on the existing radiator system.
To register and notify Oftec and Local Building Authorities of the installation for registered documentation and approval.
GRANT VORTEX 26/35 UTILITY (2 Year Manufacturers Warranty)
ALL WORKS COMPLETE FOR THE SUM OF: £ 6248.00 INC VAT @ 20%