Our 14 year old Worcester Bosch gas boiler has sprung a leak and failed and will likely need replacing as it's probably not economical to repair given its age. I've been spec'ing out a potential replacement, but I'm unsure of where it's best / safest to buy from, whether to purchase online or use a local installer who is recommended or has good reviews.
My main concern is that our existing wall-mounted boiler setup is a little untidy in the pipework (I should stress untidy, not unsafe). Also the external wall that the flue exits through has some damp and crumbling plaster issues at the base, but not where the flue exits higher up and it's otherwise structurally sound. Ideally we wanted to fix the latter problem before changing the boiler, but events have superseded this, hot water comes first!
I worry that the online services like Boxt, iHeat and Worcester Bosch Fast Track, where you submit photos of the current install, might baulk at these potential issues. Or more to the point, the photos might be accepted but the installer on the day might decide they have issues.
What are people's experiences with the likes of Boxt, Fast Track etc when it comes to slightly non-straightforward installs where the current setup might be ageing and perhaps not in perfect repair? Are they flexible and accommodating, or are they averse to any situation where they can't come in and bash out a straightforward install? Boxt make lots of nice overtures on their website about doing whatever is necessary in terms of pipework etc, but I wonder how this pans out in reality?
Or would we be better getting a local installer to do the work? The trouble with this is it's likely to prove more expensive than buying online, potentially subject to 'price drift' if there are any installation issues and probably not as prompt a service either.
Any advice please?
My main concern is that our existing wall-mounted boiler setup is a little untidy in the pipework (I should stress untidy, not unsafe). Also the external wall that the flue exits through has some damp and crumbling plaster issues at the base, but not where the flue exits higher up and it's otherwise structurally sound. Ideally we wanted to fix the latter problem before changing the boiler, but events have superseded this, hot water comes first!
I worry that the online services like Boxt, iHeat and Worcester Bosch Fast Track, where you submit photos of the current install, might baulk at these potential issues. Or more to the point, the photos might be accepted but the installer on the day might decide they have issues.
What are people's experiences with the likes of Boxt, Fast Track etc when it comes to slightly non-straightforward installs where the current setup might be ageing and perhaps not in perfect repair? Are they flexible and accommodating, or are they averse to any situation where they can't come in and bash out a straightforward install? Boxt make lots of nice overtures on their website about doing whatever is necessary in terms of pipework etc, but I wonder how this pans out in reality?
Or would we be better getting a local installer to do the work? The trouble with this is it's likely to prove more expensive than buying online, potentially subject to 'price drift' if there are any installation issues and probably not as prompt a service either.
Any advice please?
