Are you currently in the market for a Worcester Bosch system boiler you can rely on?
Market leader Worcester Bosch are still the go-to brand for many of my customers, and if you’re looking for a high efficiency system boiler that can provide you with all the hot water you’ll ever need, the Worcester Bosch 30i and 30CDi are both great choices.
But how will you know which one to choose? Well, although both of these boilers may sound very similar at first glance, there are some key differences to be aware of.
As an engineer with over 20 years’ experience in the Edinburgh area, I’m going to compare both of these boilers below – so you can make a more informed choice when the time comes.
Introduction
Having fitted so many of these over the years, I’ve come to know Worcester Bosch system boilers like the back of my hand. Usually, I fit them for customers who are ready to replace their tired, old regular boiler. They tend to have an existing expansion tank, and are looking to upgrade from an old one-pipe central heating system to a more energy efficient boiler.
The big appeal of system boilers is that they’re cleaner, quieter and more energy efficient than standard heat-only boilers. However, you have to be prepared for a bit of extra upheaval, as it’ll be necessary to switch to a pressurised system. Especially if your flooring is sealed or concrete!
Outputs and flow rates
With a central heating output of 30kW, the 30CDi and 30i can both heat a large family home (3 – 5 bedrooms) with 10 – 14 radiators. However, if your home is larger, or you have high ceilings and stone floors/original windows, you might be better off with the 35CDi classic system. Mention it to your engineer and see what they say!
The good news is that both of these system boilers will heat your existing or new hot water tank. So, you can expect the same flow rates as you’re accustomed to in your home. Alternatively, you can also opt to fit an unvented cylinder with either of these Worcester Bosch beauties, for even more power to your taps.
Size and special features
The Worcester Bosch 30CDi measures in at 760mm x 440mm x 360mm, making it a wall-hung boiler. What’s particularly neat about them, is that they come with a steel wall-mounting jig, so that your engineer can fit your pipework behind the boiler. Which means it can be pre-piped before it’s even fitted to the wall!
Now, this is where things get a bit more interesting. The 30i is part of a new generation of system boilers, making it smaller and lighter than most of the other boilers in the same range! Measuring in at just 690mm x 390mm x 280mm, it can easily fit inside a standard-sized kitchen cupboard. So, if space is a concern, this could be a great choice!
Another thing that separates the 30CDi from the 30i, is that the 30CDi can run a longer flue distance – 7900mm, compared to the 30i’s 6000mm.
There’s also the option to fit both of these boilers with Worcester Bosch’s own range of high efficiency indirect, solar compatible Greenstore cylinders.
Guarantee
If you’ve found it not particularly easy to choose so far, I don’t blame you! Hopefully this section will make it easier, as a good, long guarantee should be a top priority (if you’re planning on staying in your home for a while, at least!).
The 30CDi comes with Worcester Bosch’s amazing 10-year no-quibble guarantee when fitted along with the brand’s own cylinder, controls and magnetic central heating filter by an accredited installer. Or, you could just opt for the filter and controls, and still get an 8-year guarantee on your new system boiler.
Whereas, the 30i comes with Worcester Bosch’s brilliant 8-year no-quibble guarantee, when fitted with the brand’s controls and magnetic central heating filter. Otherwise, it has a 5-year guarantee as standard.
TIP: All Worcester Bosch’s guarantees are subject to the boiler being serviced annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
At a glance:
Here’s the best bit, designed to give you a much better look at which boiler might be best suited to your own home and circumstances.
TIP: I always like to tell people to treat this next part as a rough guide. An engineer should always check your home’s heat loss before installing a new boiler, to be sure it will meet your needs.
Worcester Bosch Greenstar 30CDi:
- Output: 30kW to heat radiators and hot water tank
- Ideal for: A large 3 – 5 bedroom family home with 10 – 14 radiators
- Guarantee: Up to10 years (when serviced annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer)
- ERP rating: A
- Size: 760mm x 440mm x 360mm (wall-hung)
Worcester Bosch 30i:
- Output: 30kW to heat radiators and hot water tank
- Ideal for: A large 3 – 5 bedroom family home with 10 – 14 radiators
- Guarantee: Up to 8 years (when serviced annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer)
- ERP rating: A
- Size: 690mm x 390mm x 280mm (compact)
Conclusion
I hope you’ve found this comparison helpful when comparing the Worcester Bosch 30i and 30CDi Greenstar boilers against each other. At first glance, there doesn’t seem to be a huge difference between the two, but if you look closely at the guarantee and the sizes, you may be able to pick a clear winner that best suits you.
Unsure of which boiler you need? An experienced engineer should be able to measure your home’s heat loss, and talk you through all your options – for instance, if you have very high ceilings and stone floors, the 35CDi might be a better option to ensure you stay cosy in winter!
Do you have any questions about the Worcester Bosch 30i or 30CDi Greenstar boilers? Let me know in the comments. I’m always here to help!
