New Gas Boiler

[MargoTester]

Our old boiler is 14 years old but was virtually rebuilt last year by a British Gas engineer under an insurance policy we have with them. They are now offering us a new one at a cost of £3,500 with the option to purchase interest free over 3 years.

Does this sound reasonable and as we are both approaching 80 would we be likely to be accepted and if not would if affect our credit rating? I would appreciate your thoughts 

[davebro3]

Get estimates. I had a new boiler from BOXT last year, not a straightforward replacement - cost £2300.

[davebro3]

PS - if you current boiler is working fine then it's not cost effective to replace it IMV.

[MargoTester]

Thanks Dave, not heard of BOXT

[bookbinder]

This offer does sound reasonable. Your old boiler might not last much longer, and, having a new one would remove any anxiety about a breakdown of your heating arrangements. At 80, you no doubt want a steady and reliable life, with no worries about your heating. I can't see, on the face of it, why you shouldn't be accepted for the purchase arrangements. Best of luck.

[MargoTester]

Thanks bookbinder

[barry1010]

Before doing anything check to see if you are eligible for a free boiler, I know several people who are very happy with the boiler and the service they got.

Some have savings and don't qualify for benefits so it's worth spending a few minutes to check.

If the checker says no, talk to your council. It might have its own scheme

https://www.gov.uk/apply-boiler-upgrade-scheme

[MargoTester]

Thanks Barry I'll look at that

[davebro3]

I wouldn't worry about being left without heating - 

1. your boiler will probably give warning signs if it's on the blink.

2. installers are falling over themselves to get your business & will be onto it pdq.

[barry1010]

My neighbour was very surprised when she qualified, she didn't think she would be.  She only phoned the council for recommendations for a gas fitter 😁

[davebro3]

that link seems to be for heat pumps & biomass boilers Barry

[barry1010]

Wrong link, the scheme is EVO4

[barry1010]

https://www.boilergrantadviceservice.co.uk/60-seconds-to-a-replacement-boiler/?gad_source=1&;gclid=CjwKCAjw1920BhA3EiwAJT3lSW2yM4tu6_NUpvkMwvOLW616he8p8WsuoA-xTj4M3b7yGiYcJdZqVRoClooQAvD_BwE

[douglas9401]

That's one very expensive boiler they've quoted on.

We got a new one a couple of years ago for less than a thousand and it's brilliant.

 

[MargoTester]

Was that including fitting Douglas

[davebro3]

A decent combi gas boiler is probably about £600 - £700. A friend bought one (new) on ebay & a local gas engineer charged £500 to install it - it was like for like, not much new pipework involved. 

The big installers - British Gas etc. are charging £1500 - £2500 for a couple of days work. It's pretty much a rip off but most people don't have any easily available alternative. IMV

[Prudie]

I'd be inerested to know wher you live davebro only because we need a new boiler and some separate plumbing and we ring, text 4 or 5 times over weeks before the heating engineers and plumbers even deign to take the call. No-one is falling over themselves for work in Dorset that's for sure

[Old_Geezer]

Chances are, the more desperate you are to get it sorted, the higher the quotes become.

[ladybirder]

Hope you don't mind me asking Margot but I'm wondering if ABers have their boilers serviced every year?  

[davebro3]

//Hope you don't mind me asking Margot but I'm wondering if ABers have their boilers serviced every year?  //

It's recommended & if it's a new boiler an annual service is usually a condition of maintaining the warranty which may run for 5 - 10 years. My old boiler lasted 26 years & I think it was serviced 4 or 5 times.

[ladybirder]

Same as for my Worcester Bosch boiler davebro, 7 years.  I'm OK with that as I get it done by an Ofgem guy for £50 cash.