Advice on boiler choice..

[plum]

Hi guys,
Hoping you could help.
Been quoted approx £1500 (all inclusive) for a new boiler at semidet house.

Options include

Potterton 24KW combi condensing boiler (Promax or Heatmax) with about 3yr warranty

or

Alpha Intec 28x combi boiler with similar warranty.

Which would you go for? Been tearing my hair out!

I just want something reliable and that promises peace of mind!

Thanks everyone.

 

[dancinplumba]

promax

 

[Roger Welton]

Not alpha

edit to add: though I'd want the 28/30kW version of what ever make for improved hw performance.

 

[dancinplumba]

heatmax

 

[plum]

Thanks so much guys! That was quick!

Could you please explain a little bit why you prefer the Potterton? Not seen many reviews on the Alpha and the negative ones seem to be entirely regarding the older Alpha boilers not the newer Intec ones.

Gasfitter initially quoted for the Potterton and when I asked for a better boiler mentioned the Alpha Intec. Says can get a longer warranty or something to that effect.

 

[Rickster123]

Try and go for an ideal logic+30. Great boiler reasonable price and 7 year warrenty.

 

[plum]

Kinda short notice and not sure my fitter has access to any other boiler. Home occupants are stranded without reliable hot water unfortunately so don't have time to shop around that much..

 

[Rickster123]

Where are you based? Maybe someone on here that could help.

 

[TBServices]

Kinda short notice and not sure my fitter has access to any other boiler. Home occupants are stranded without reliable hot water unfortunately so don't have time to shop around that much..

Agreed on 30kw logic+. Definitely go for at least 28kw. tbh £1500 for a potterton/alpha seems a bit steep, if we're talking a straight swap.

Also, your fitter should be able to get anything within a day. A logic would be a stock item at my suppliers, potterton and alpha would be special order.

 

[plum]

Thanks.

In the North East.

Would appreciate if anyone could PM me if possible.

 

[TBServices]

Thanks.

In the North East.

Would appreciate if anyone could PM me if possible.

Where abouts? Post in the plumber wanted section.

 

[dancinplumba]

1500 could also be on the money or too cheap tho

 

[plum]

Alternatively, any suggestions of reputable engineers in Gastehead/Newcastle etc would be fabulous.

Thanks.

Back to the OP, seems that folks here would rather go for the Potterton though not sure which (Heatmax/Promax) is better. After the hassle of getting engineers who can handle my current boiler, wouldn't want another boiler that folks would be scratching their heads at in future.

 

[acecharly]

Agreed 30kw Ideal logic plus. I wouldnt bother with those others.

 

[REDSAW]

can get almost any boiler with a days notice

for £1500 i would expect a logic +28-30kw if no other work needed. one day install up north with free b&b

 

[plum]

Funny thing is, I've been seeing the Ideal around lately. My last rented flat and a friend's place. Both relative newbuilds ~5yrs old.

 

[REDSAW]

no, the new ideal logic + (plus) not the old ones

 

[TBServices]

Alternatively, any suggestions of reputable engineers in Gastehead/Newcastle etc would be fabulous.

Thanks.

Back to the OP, seems that folks here would rather go for the Potterton though not sure which (Heatmax/Promax) is better. After the hassle of getting engineers who can handle my current boiler, wouldn't want another boiler that folks would be scratching their heads at in future.

A boiler is a boiler when it comes to repairs/diagnosis provided you have a decent engineer. Ideal give you a 7 year warranty and these boilers are fantastic. I wouldn't even consider anything else on your budget.

 

[TBServices]

I have 2 friends with potterton Promax system boilers and I've had to repair them both, both only 3 years old.

Only ever get fitted in new builds cos they're bought cheap in quantity IMO

 

[johnnyplumb]

Alternatively, any suggestions of reputable engineers in Gastehead/Newcastle etc would be fabulous.

Thanks.

Back to the OP, seems that folks here would rather go for the Potterton though not sure which (Heatmax/Promax) is better. After the hassle of getting engineers who can handle my current boiler, wouldn't want another boiler that folks would be scratching their heads at in future.

the potterton titanium is the same boiler as the promax, but you get a 5 year warranty , better to go for a 28kw imo

 

[plum]

Agreed on 30kw logic+. Definitely go for at least 28kw. tbh £1500 for a potterton/alpha seems a bit steep, if we're talking a straight swap.

Also, your fitter should be able to get anything within a day. A logic would be a stock item at my suppliers, potterton and alpha would be special order.

Thanks, apparently a straight swap. Was told that those would "fit my existing pipes".

 

[TBServices]

Thanks, apparently a straight swap. Was told that those would "fit my existing pipes".

Sounds like he's recommending boilers based on their pipe orientation rather than recommending the best for you. I.e. he wants the job to be as easy as possible and still get his money.

All combis have the same pipes under them, the order may not be the same but thats why we have benders and fittings!

 

[johnnyplumb]

the baxi duo tec, baxi platinium, potterton titanium, gold, promax, heatmax are basically all the same boilers under different names, the only real difference is the warranty and price, you'll get 1yr, 2yrs or 5yrs depending on which model you go for.

if you were up here, i could do you a titanium 28kw for the price you've been quoted.

 

[Orry Clayton]

I think the promax and the logic+ are the same for pipework.

£1,500 for a straight swap doesn't sound too bad, if you got the Logic +, so long as it's installed before December.

 

[jefaz]

I'm in the north east and could get you a logic+ tmo!! They are not hard to come by! I've fitted dozens!

 

[TBServices]

Plum, you need to delete some pms from your inbox

 

[plum]

Thanks.

I've emptied my inbox (shame it allows only 3 messages).

 

[plum]

Heard that the Ideal Logic Plus requires a magnetic filter and the warranty apparently only possible via Ideal Approved fitters.

That'll push the cost up...

 

[TBServices]

Heard that the Ideal Logic Plus requires a magnetic filter and the warranty apparently only possible via Ideal Approved fitters.

That'll push the cost up...

This is tosh. Should have a filter fitted anyway (thought the £1500 might have included this) but its not mandatory. Ideal dont have approved installers afaik, the extended warranty is open to everyone.

 

[petercj]

Hi guys,
Hoping you could help.
Been quoted approx £1500 (all inclusive) for a new boiler at semidet house.

Options include

Potterton 24KW combi condensing boiler (Promax or Heatmax) with about 3yr warranty

or

Alpha Intec 28x combi boiler with similar warranty.

Which would you go for? Been tearing my hair out!

I just want something reliable and that promises peace of mind!

Thanks everyone.

I would go with the boiler with the longest warranty in the range that you can afford - with so many GSRs on here recommending the Ideal, I would think it's a no-brainer.

£1500 sounds a good price, try haggling to include a filter - imo it would be a false economy not to fit a filter to any new boiler installation.

The work of a filter is explained here:-

trappex | advanced magnetic and non-magnetic particle filter

 

[plum]

I would like to thank everyone for all their help so far.

One more question please, with a manufacturer warranty, do I still need Boiler Cover?

 

[TBServices]

I would like to thank everyone for all their help so far.

One more question please, with a manufacturer warranty, do I still need Boiler Cover?

You'll need to have your appliance serviced every 12 months from date of installation, but all repairs relating to the boiler will be covered by warranty. Note, this does not include radiators, leaking pipes etc.

 

[plum]

Thanks TBS, thought as much.

 

[plum]

Thanks everyone for your help, boiler fitted!

I need some further advice, what sort of documentation should I expect from my gas fitter? The invoice I received has absolutely no details of the boiler or parts that he used, is that normal? There is no breakdown of costs, nothing.

Should I get any specific paperwork for my warranty?

Thanks a lot. Rather confused.

 

[Mike Jackson]

It's not normal to break down an invoice, this would normally be detailed at the estimate stage. In your case the invoice would state something like " To supply and fit Ideal Logic + 30 combi, flush system and commission all as estimated £****.00 "

You'll need to register the boiler to get the warranty, if it's an Ideal logic+ you need to do this within 30 days to get the 7 year warranty.

Your installer should also register your boiler through Gas safe and you'll get a building regs certificate through the post.