As a landlord, are you confused about your boiler aftercare options?

When you’re faced with the possibilities of maintenance contracts, service contracts and service plans, the waters can become a bit murky which is why many landlords come to me for clarification.

In the past, I’ve written a number of blogs on maintenance contracts, service plans and aftercare options – but which is best if you’re a landlord?

Below, I’m going to compare maintenance contracts vs service contracts so you can weigh up the pros and cons of both, and make the best decision for you.

Maintenance contracts

Also sometimes known as ‘service plans’, most maintenance contracts are offered by larger companies such as Scottish Power, and are sometimes insurance-based.

A typical maintenance contract will cover annual checks and emergency repairs to boilers, energy efficient controls and thermostats, radiators, flues to meet gas regulations – everything you need to meet your legal obligations.

For this, you can expect to pay around £20 per month to cover call-outs. That translates to around £240 per year, but you’ll be covered in the event of anything going wrong – and especially if you have multiple properties, a maintenance contract is probably the way to go if you want ultimate peace of mind.

In fact, I’d go so far as to say that if you’re looking for cover 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, you can’t beat the type of cover you can get from the likes of Scottish Power and the big boys.

However, in most cases maintenance contracts are the more expensive option, and one disadvantage of having a contract with a national company is that they may increase the price you pay over time, as your boiler gets older.

After five or seven years, they may also request to cleanse or power-flush your system at an extra cost of £500 in order to be kept under contract.

On numerous occasions I’ve also come across landlords paying for extras they likely don’t even need such as electrical cover and drainage cover at a very high margin!

Finally, if your boiler is new, you may not need a maintenance contract after all. Read my blog post ‘Do Landlords Need a Maintenance Contract for a New Boiler?’ for more information.

Service contracts

If a maintenance contract seems like a pricey option, there IS an alternative. What I like to call ‘service contracts’ are offered by most good heating engineers, and they typically work out cheaper than maintenance contracts (around £7.50 per month or £100 per year).

These are particular good if your boiler is still under guarantee, as they cover your boiler’s annual servicing (CP12 certificate) and your boiler will still be covered by the guarantee for repairs or emergency call-outs.

You can also choose to pay slightly more (in the region of £130 per year) to also cover your existing pipework, radiators and controls – basically your entire system that isn’t already covered by your guarantee – in case you do run into problems.

But what if your boiler is no longer under guarantee? Glad you asked.

Heating engineers also offer ‘premium cover’ which ensures you’re covered for all of the above, plus emergency call-outs and repairs if your boiler breaks down or needs replacement parts. This premium service contract only costs around £14.99 per year – which is still cheaper than some maintenance contracts.

However, it’s worth noting that most small heating engineers will not be able to offer 24-hour call-outs, 365 days a year, unlike what you can expect from maintenance contracts from some of the larger companies.

Despite this, I have seen a few clients who wanted to deal with a smaller company, as it meant there was more of a personal touch. Some told me they were fed up of being on hold and having to explain the emergency to four separate operators.

Shop around for the best deal

The best advice I can give you is to thoroughly research all of your options and find a company that’s willing to offer you everything you need (always check the small print) at a price you can reasonably afford.

If you want ultimate peace of mind and cover for call-outs 24/7, 365 days a year, a maintenance contract with a larger company may be worthwhile. However, if in most cases your tenants can wait until the next day, you could potentially save a lot of money with a service contract from a smaller company.

If you do decide to opt for a maintenance contract, you may find my blog post ‘Landlords: 8 Questions to Ask When Choosing the Right Maintenance Contract for Your Boiler’ to be of help.

Remember, if something seems too unbelievably cheap, it’s probably a ‘new customers only’ offer, which may mean itwill go up significantly next year. Or you may find there’s a £50 excess for each call-out.

Conclusion

I hope this blog post has helped clear things up a bit when it comes to maintenance contracts and service contracts for landlords. It can be a bit confusing, which is why I recommend thinking carefully about exactly what you need and checking the small print to ensure you’re not going to be paying for anything extra.

Remember, a maintenance contract might not be necessary if your boiler is still under guarantee, and you could save a lot of money with a service contract that only covers things such as your annual service, CP12 certificate, pipework and radiators etc.

If you’re still unsure, feel free to leave a comment at the end of this blog post and I’ll try to answer as helpfully as possible!

The post Landlords: Service vs Maintenance Contracts [What You’re Actually Paying For] appeared first on superwarm blog.

Whether you have an old Worcester boiler, or a newer Worcester Bosch branded model, you’ll know how important it is to arrange an annual service.

Doing so ensures your boiler is not only safe to use, but also running optimally – perhaps even saving you money on your bills! And if your boiler is still under warranty, it also keeps that warranty valid for another year.

Having serviced and fitted many Worcester boilers over the years, you get to know many models and the quirks that come with them.

So, below, I’m going to tell you a bit more about the brand, as well as how much an annual Worcester boiler service costs to ensure you and your family are safe.

Worcester boilers: a brief background

Premium brand boiler manufacturer Worcester actually became ‘Worcester Bosch’ in 1992. However, it was around 1995 by the time its boilers were branded under the Worcester Bosch name.

So, if you’ve recently moved house to find an old Worcester boiler, it’s probably at least 20 years old by now. And as an accredited Worcester installer, I could probably take one look at it and give you an indication of its life expectancy – along with any work that might be required.

TIP: Read my blog ‘5 Common Faults and Fixes For Your Faulty Worcester Boiler’ to get an idea of the biggest issues these boilers usually run into.

How much does a Worcester boiler service cost?

Assuming your Worcester or Worcester Bosch boiler is working normally, without any known faults, a standard service should set you back around £100 including VAT. However, some companies may charge a little less, and some (for instance, national companies) a little more.

TIP: If you know something is wrong with your boiler, please inform the engineer in advance when booking your service. Leaving it until they arrive could be frustrating for both parties, and may cost more.

I’d also always recommend using a Worcester Bosch accredited installer when arranging a service for your boiler, as they have the most knowledge and have gone through extensive training on the brand.

Ironically, I had a customer call me up today, who had someone round to service his Worcester Highflow – which had some hot water issues. The engineer who serviced the boiler diagnosed the problem, but then told the customer he wasn’t experienced enough.

The engineer in question had told him he’d be better calling Worcester, who then passed the repair onto us. In my opinion, he would have saved some time and money getting a Worcester accredited installer the first time.

What’s the best way to pay?

Some customers like to pay for their Worcester boiler service up front, however I’m finding one of the most popular options with my customers is our service plan – something offered by many Edinburgh companies.

Service plans are usually charged monthly – our standard one starts at £7.99 per month – and allows you to spread out the cost of your boiler service over a year. Many people prefer this, as it’s a less noticeable and easily manageable way to pay.

TIP: We also have other service plans to cover parts, labour and cover to the radiators, along with valves and pipework! Check out our servicing page for more information.

It also means that the responsibility for arranging the boiler service falls on the company, rather than the customer. So, you won’t have to worry about forgetting to call and arrange it on time!

From an engineer’s perspective

It’s so important to get all your gas appliances checked over annually, however, this is even more important with older appliances such as boilers.

If you’re unsure about how old your boiler is, look up and make and model on the internet. You can also check your paperwork (if you have any) to try and determine how old it is. Servicing is usually no problem, but even good brands like Worcester have a life span of 16 – 20 years.

As for repairs, if they are needed, I would advise customers to spend a maximum of£400 repairing a 10-year-old wall-hung combi, or £650 on a 10-year-old Worcester Highflow model, as both have plenty of life left in them.

However, if your boiler is getting to 16 years old, and the repairs are going to cost a lot more, I’d advise considering replacing your old Worcester boiler for a newer, A-rated model. You’d almost definitely save money on your energy bills!

Remember, engineers have to put safety above all other considerations (such as the customer having heating and hot water). They are governed by the Gas Safe Register.

Therefore, if an engineer points out defects of rectification work to be carried out, or changes need to be made to fit newer regulations, it’s for good reason.

Conclusion

I hope you’ve found this blog useful when determining how much a Worcester boiler service costs. I’m sure you agree with me that safety should always come first.

Got any questions about arranging a service for your old Worcester or Worcester Bosch boiler? Let me know in the comments, and I’ll be happy to help!

The post Worcester Boiler Service Costs: A Detailed Guide appeared first on superwarm blog.

If it’s coming up to that time, you’ll know how important it is to get your boiler serviced annually – otherwise, you could invalidate your warranty! It’s also important to get your older boiler checked, especially if it’s out of warranty and overdue for a service – mainly to ensure it’s safe to use!

You may also find arranging an annual service keeps your insurance policy valid and helps to reduce your fuel bills – it can even prolong the life of your boiler!

But how much can you expect to pay?

As an experienced heating engineer, this is something I get asked about all the time – although it will vary depending on a couple of factors. Let me explain, below.

How much is an annual boiler service?

The cost of a boiler service can vary depending on a few factors – for instance, small companies or engineers working by themselves may be cheaper.

However, please check what you’re getting for your money, as some companies can seem cheap, but then charge extra for a safety or landlord’s certificate. I feel this is wrong, as that is something that you should always get anyway.

Some may also quote a net price before adding VAT to catch you off guard!

So, getting down to actual figures, you’ll find that most small companies – or engineers working by themselves – may be as cheap as £60 – £70, as they may not necessarily be VAT registered.

National companies usually charge between £110 – £120 for an annual boiler service.

However, Superwarm, like a lot of companies, come somewhere in-between and charge around £100 for a service complete with safety or landlord’s certificate. I find this is a fair price most of my customers are happy to pay.

Can anything else affect boiler service costs?

The most common reason you might have to pay extra for your boiler’s annual service is if you have an old fire and back boiler. In theory, these count as two separate appliances, although most customers tend to refer to it as their boiler.

Most companies will charge extra for checking a second appliance, so it’s always best to be upfront with them when booking your service in and ensure they know which type of boiler you own.

Also, if you have a known fault with your boiler, let the engineer know in advance; don’t just book it in for a service and hope the engineer will fix it. This can often be frustrating for both parties, and it will end up costing more.

What’s the best way to pay?

I’m finding many of my customers like the idea of our service plan, which allows them to spread out the cost of their boiler’s annual service over an entire year – this works out at just £7.99 per month, and puts the responsibility on us to send reminders when the service is due.

This is a win-win situation, as our customers know they don’t have to worry about forgetting to book the service – we’ll call them – and they also have that added reassurance that we’ll be there when they need us.

Also, if something goes wrong in the depths of winter, we have an obligation to those customers, over, say, someone who hasn’t serviced their boiler in 3 or 4 years and then needs help.

Winter is the busiest time for us, and in those cases, we may not be able to help for 2-3 days, because our existing customers must take priority.

From an engineer’s perspective

It’s easy to thinking about skipping your annual boiler service and simply wish for the best in order to save money. However, I have had many customers change their mindset after being hit by unexpected boiler repair and replacement costs. It’s not worth it.

After having to fork out hundreds of pounds for repairs, many of them tend to decide to go on a service plan, or contract, that usually works out somewhere between £7.99 – £14.99 per month. It’s more manageable, and there’s no need to worry if there’s a breakdown.

Think of your boiler as being similar to a car; there are parts that wear down in boilers due to constant use. If you are pro-active with boiler maintenance – like an annual service – it always works out cheaper in the long-run. All manufacturers advice to have your gas appliances serviced annually.

Conclusion

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading, and by now you should have a better idea of roughly how much you can expect to pay for your boiler’s annual service. Remember, always check with a company that the price they quote is the full price you’re going to be paying – no added extras!

Got any questions about boiler service costs? Let me know in the comments, and I’ll reply as soon as I can!

The post How Much Should My Annual Boiler Service Cost? appeared first on superwarm blog.

If you’ve recently been faced with the decision of replacing your old, sluggish, temperamental boiler, the chances are you may not appreciate the next decision you’ll have to make: which brand do you go for?

That’s why I’ve been putting together a series of comparison blogs, where I pit Worcester Bosch boilers against many of the other leading brands (last week was Baxi Potterton).

(To find out more about Worcester Bosch, take a look at our recent blog post, entitled 7 Reasons Why Worcester Bosch should be your next boiler)

So, this week I’m going to be looking at Ariston boilers, and just how they measure up to the current market leader and Which ‘Best Buy’, Worcester Bosch.

Variety of styles/options available

Ariston offers combi boilers and system boilers (no regular boilers). Their boilers tend to be large and bulky, with no real compact range – so, unlike some Worcester Bosch boilers, they won’t fit inside your kitchen cupboards.

Ariston boilers also have a more limited range of boilers. In comparison, Worcester Bosch has the option of the more popular 24kW output, and a range of boilers that work well with all outputs and applications.

Reliability

Ariston boilers were always known to be not quite as reliable as other leading brands – such as Worcester Bosch, which is recognised as one of the most reliable boilers on the market. Saying this, Ariston boilers are known to be fairly reliable boilers now – and most recently, they’ve surprised everyone with their new CLAS NET ONE range – which is a bit of an upmarket surprise!

One of the main problems Ariston boilers tended to have is that they used cheaper components than Worcester Bosch, which in particular often leads to the passing and leaking of the expansion vessels. With Ariston boilers, these tended to need replaced or recharged after about five years of use – compared to up to 15 years for Worcester Bosch boilers.

However, with their latest CLAS NET ONE range, they appear to be upping their game significantly.

Guarantees

Ariston used to offer quite low guarantees, but like I said, the brand is now at a turning point. They’ve turned the corner, and are now offering amazing 12-year guarantees on some of their new boilers. This is enough to make Worcester Bosch question themselves.

One other thing is that their guarantees used to be managed by Domestic & General, rather than Ariston themselves. You might also want to check the small print and see if this is still the case.

Worcester Bosch’s market leading guarantee lasts up to 10 years, and manage everything themselves rather than going through another company.

Reputation

Ariston are known as a large global company with a relatively good reputation, despite usually being at the cheaper end of the market. You may even be familiar with some of their TV advertising. However, now, they’re turning a lot of heads with their latest offers and 12-year guarantee. Things are definitely looking up for Ariston!

When it comes to reputation, however, you can’t really get better than Worcester Bosch, which has been awarded the Which Best Buy for the fourth year running.

Cost

Ariston boilers are at the slightly cheaper end of the market, and this was mostly due to their cheaper components (although, again the CLAS NET ONE is an exception here). You can expect to pay around £350 less than a Worcester Bosch boiler, making this particular option an appealing choice if you’re a landlord on a budget.

Other factors

Although the latest offerings from Ariston looks on paper like great pieces of kit, Worcester Bosch is tried and tested. As an experienced engineer, I like to err on the side of caution until newer boilers have been proven to be effective. I’ll be keeping an eye on these, and looking out for consumer reviews.

Another thing to consider is that Ariston boilers are known to be a lot noisier than Worcester Bosch boilers – the latter in particular is known for being one of the quietest brands on the market.

Conclusion

So, now we’ve discovered how Worcester Bosch compares to Ariston. Both have good reputations, although Worcester Bosch wins out in terms of reliability, variety and noise.

If you’re on a budget, Ariston may be appealing, although you should always check the small print on your extended warranty, in case you encounter any leaks due to those cheaper components. That doesn’t apply to the new CLAS NET ONE, though – this is clearly a step up for Ariston. And good on ’em!

The post Worcester Bosch Boilers vs Ariston Combi Boilers appeared first on superwarm blog.

In that case, you’ve probably already got your eye on the EcoTEC Plus range – which I’m going to be reviewing individually.

Today, we’re going to take a closer look at the EcoTEC Plus 825 combi boiler. So sit back, relax, and read on…

Introduction

Vaillant boilers are one step ahead of the game (or, as the company itself likes to put it; ‘Vaillant thinks ahead’). They’re incredibly reliable (in my eyes, the only direct competitor to Worcester Bosch), and Quiet Mark accredited – so they’re actually one of the quietest boilers on the market (another huge plus point).

The EcoTEC Plus range delivers great performance – almost instant hot water – with a compact size, and no need to worry about extra storage tanks or cylinders taking up space!

Let’s find out more about the 825, shall we?

Output and flow rate

For a small house or flat, the EcoTEC Plus 825 is one of the best boilers on the market right now because it delivers brilliant value for money.

It has a hot water output of 25.4kW, delivering 10.5 litres of hot water per minute to your taps, which is absolutely ideal if you regularly use the shower in your small house or flat.

The 825 can also handle a bath, although it can be slower to fill. If you have a deep cast iron bath or two showers, I’d steer clear of this model, as it’s not equipped to deal with higher hot water usage.

The 19.6kW heating output means it’s ideal to heat a 1-2 bedroom, one-bathroom flat, or a small house with a low hot water usage (so again, one bathroom).

Size and other features

The EcoTEC Plus range is ideal if you don’t have a lot of space, as they can easily fit in a kitchen cupboard or Edinburgh press cupboard.

Plus, the lack of hot water cylinder and storage tanks mean you can truly optimise the space in your small home – meaning you can keep that extra suitcase, after all!

These models are also quite stylish, with a contoured case and drop-down flap, so they don’t look out-of-place in your home.

Guarantee

You’ll be glad to know that the Vaillant EcoTEC Plus 825 used to come with Vaillant’s brilliant 10-year guarantee (when fitted by an accredited installer and serviced annually by a Gas Safe Registered engineer). Now, however, you’re looking at a 7-year guarantee, as Vaillant has scrapped its extended warranties – unless you want to pay extra.

And, much like Worcester Bosch, Vaillant also has its own dedicated engineers to attend call-outs if you ever need them.

Another reason I recommend Vaillant’s guarantees is that there’s no hidden small print or unexpected credit card charges to catch you out, unlike other similar boiler companies.

Tech Specs

Below, I’ve put together a brief summary of everything you need to know about the Vaillant EcoTEC Plus 825 at a glance:

• Heating output: 19.6kW
• Hot water output: 25.4kW 10.5 litres per minute
• Ideal for: A small home with one shower room
• ERP rating: A, 89.4% efficiency
• Guarantee: 7 years

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a compact Vaillant boiler to heat your small Edinburgh property (house or flat), the 825 could be your ideal choice. It’s ideal if you mainly use the shower, although the 825 can handle a bath, despite being a bit slower to fill. I wouldn’t recommend this boiler if you own a deep cast iron bath, or have more than one bathroom in your home.

The compact size means it’s perfect for making the most of your available space, and the EcoTEC Plus range can easily fit in your kitchen cupboard or Edinburgh press – plus, they look stylish, too!

Finally, the EcoTEC Plus 825 also comes with Vaillant’s no-quibble 7-year guarantee (when fitted by an accredited installer and serviced annually by a Gas Safe Registered engineer), so you’ll be covered on the off-chance something does go wrong.

What do you think of the Vaillant EcoTEC Plus 825 combi boiler? 

The post Review: We Reveal Just What the Vaillant EcoTEC Plus 825 Combi Boiler Has to Offer appeared first on superwarm blog.

Regardless of how old your Vokera boiler is, I’m sure you’re probably aware how important it is to arrange an annual service to ensure it’s safe and running optimally.

Not to mention, if you Vokera boiler is newer, it will ensure your warranty stays valid for another year!

Having been working with boilers for over 20 years now, I’m familiar with the Vokera brand. In fact, I’ve fitted and serviced many in my time. I also know pretty much all there is to know about their common faults and quirks!

So, if you’re worried about how much a Vokera boiler service costs, keep reading.

Vokera boilers: a brief background

Vokera boilers have been around for a while, and happen to be one of the most popular budget boilers for landlords and first-time buyers, as they’re significantly cheaper than premium brand boilers such as Worcester Bosch and Vaillant.

These boilers are manufactured in Italy, and are built to a cost. Because of this, they are typically made using cheaper components, and come with shorter guarantees.

It goes without saying that arranging annual checks is important for any gas appliance. However, if your Vokera boiler is older, it’s even more important, as they can wear down over time.

If you’ve moved into a new home to find a Vokera boiler, it can be difficult to tell if your boiler is five years old or 15. In which case, you might benefit from arranging a service, so you can get a better idea how healthy your Vokera boiler is and how many more years it can give you.

Vokera boiler service costs explained

If your Vokera boiler seems to be running normally, without any faults, a standard service should cost around £100 including VAT. Got to warn you, though – there’s no standard price for servicing. Some smaller companies may charge a little less, whereas large national companies can charge up to £120.

TIP: If you know your Vokera boiler is faulty, please tell the engineer in advance when booking your service. Otherwise, it could end up costing you more – not to mention being frustrating for both parties!

I’d also recommend hiring an experienced Gas Safe registered engineer when arranging a service for your boiler. They should preferably specialise in boilers, rather than being a jack-of-all trades. It may sound obvious, but some plumbers fit baths one day, toilets the next and also service boilers, so may not have the experience.

I’ve personally serviced many Vokera boilers. You have to check for normal wear and tear, as well as various parts such as the pressure relief valve, auto air vent etc.

I’ve had the odd client who asked for a service because their water was only getting lukewarm. They thought calling me would solve their problem, only to find it actually needs a replacement part.

It’s better to replace fault parts now than waiting for the entire boiler to fail.

What’s the best way to pay?

Some of my customers now prefer to pay for their Vokera service up front, however another way to pay is via a service plan. These are usually charged monthly – our standard plan starts at £7.99 per month.

Paying this way allows you to spread out the cost of your boiler service over a year, making it seem like a more manageable cost.

TIP: We also have other service plans to cover parts, labour and cover to the radiators, along with valves and pipework! Check out our servicing page for more information.

The other big benefit? When you pay every month, it becomes the gas engineer’s responsibility to make sure you don’t miss your annual service. So, you’ll never have to experience the panic of missing your annual service again!

From an engineer’s perspective

Unsure of how old your Vokera boiler is? My advice is to look up the make and model online. You could also check your paperwork (if you have it) to get a better idea of when the boiler was installed.

Typically, Vokera boilers tend to last for around 10 – 12 years, but don’t get me wrong – there are exceptions to this and some continue working for up to 18 years! So, when you’re faced with repairs, it’s wise to ask yourself how much more value you can get out of your current boiler.

There will come a point where you’d be cheaper investing in a new model. Plus you’ll enjoy more energy savings that way!

Remember, engineers like myself are governed by the Gas Safe Register, which means your safety has to come first. Even if that means you won’t have heating or hot water for a little while!

Therefore, if we tell you that your Vokera boiler needs to be repaired, or has a fault, there’s a good reason. I promise you we’re not just trying to make your life more difficult!

Conclusion

I hope you’ve found this blog helpful. And now you know how much Vokera boiler service costs, I hope you’ll agree it’s worth it to ensure you and your family are safe.  Plus, ensuring your boiler is running efficiently could save on gas bills!

Need to know more about arranging a service for your Vokera boiler? Either get in touch directly, or leave a comment below. I’m here to help!

The post Vokera Boiler Service Costs Explained so You Don’t Overpay appeared first on superwarm blog.

Whether your Vaillant boiler is new or old, you probably already know how vital it is to arrange your annual service on time, every time.

Regular service checks most importantly ensure your boiler is safe to use, but they also keep it running optimally. Plus, if you have a newer model, your warranty will remain valid for another year.

Having personally serviced and fitted many Vaillant boilers over the years, I know these models inside out; including all the quirks and common faults that come with them.

So, below, I’m going to shed a bit more light on the brand, and tell you exactly how much an annual Vaillant boiler service costs.

Vaillant boilers: a brief background

There’s so much to say about the Vaillant brand, but perhaps most famously, they were the original inventor of the combi boiler. Over the past few decades, Vaillant has been at the forefront of German heating and engineering excellence.

They sell one of the quietest boilers on the market (having won awards), but Vaillant are also well-known for manufacturing boilers that truly last the distance. They’ve also recently made a large Scottish investment in the form of a dedicated training centre.

Just like any boiler or gas appliance, it’s important to arrange annual checks, however, it’s even more important for older Vaillant models.

If you’ve recently moved house to find a Vaillant boiler in your cupboard, it may not be obvious if your Vaillant boiler is five or 15 years old. Arranging a service can give you a much better idea of its health and life expectancy.

Vaillant boiler service costs explained

If your Vaillant boiler is working normally, with no known faults, a regular service should cost you roughly around £100 including VAT. However, there’s no set standard in terms of pricing, so some companies may charge a little less, with national companies ranging from £110 – £120.

TIP: If you know your boiler has a fault, please inform the engineer in advance when booking your service. Leaving it until they arrive could be frustrating for both parties, and may cost more.

I’d also always recommend using a Vaillant accredited installer when arranging a service for your boiler, because of the knowledge and training they have under their belt. It makes such a difference.

Here at Superwarm, we receive many calls from people who find us on the internet, as we’re Vaillant accredited engineers. It also means we get jobs passed directly from Vaillant’s service department if they are too busy to respond.

What’s the best way to pay?

Some customers like to pay for their Vaillant service up front, however I’m finding one of the most popular options with my customers is our service plan. This is actually something offered by many Edinburgh companies.

Service plans are usually charged monthly – our standard one starts at £7.99 per month. This allows you to spread out the cost of your boiler service over a year. Many people prefer monthly payments, as they are a less noticeable and easy way to pay.

TIP: We also have other service plans to cover parts, labour and cover to the radiators, along with valves and pipework! Check out our servicing page for more information.

There’s also another advantage. When paying monthly, the responsibility of arranging your annual service falls on the company, rather than you as the homeowner. So, you won’t have to worry about forgetting to book!

From an engineer’s perspective

Unsure about the age of your Vaillant boiler? Simply look up the make and model on the internet. Checking your paperwork (if you have it) can also help you pinpoint how old it is. Servicing older models is usually no problem, but even premium brands like Vaillant only last 16 – 20 years.

As for repairs, if they are needed, I would advise you spend up to a maximum of £450 repairing your Vaillant wall-hung combi. This is because it’d mostly likely still have plenty of life left in it. However, when it gets to 16+ years old, it might be time to think about replacing it for a new A-rated model.

And by doing so, you’d almost definitely save money on your energy bills!

Remember, engineers like myself have to put safety above all other considerations (such as the customer having heating and hot water). They are governed by the Gas Safe Register.

Therefore, if an engineer points out a defect, necessary repair work, or changes to meet new regulations – it’s for good reason. They aren’t just doing it for fun or to be a jobsworth!

Conclusion

I hope you’ve found this blog useful when determining how much a Vaillant boiler service costs. It’s a price worth paying to ensure you and your family are kept safe – plus, if your boiler isn’t running optimally, it could lead to higher fuel bills!

Want to know more about arranging a service for your Vaillant boiler? Just pop your question in the comments’ section, and I promise to answer when I can!

The post Vaillant Boiler Service Costs Explained appeared first on superwarm blog.

This week, I’m going to be reviewing the Vaillant EcoTEC Plus 832 and putting it through its paces, so you don’t have to.

Are you sitting comfortably? Then let’s begin.

Introduction

‘Vaillant thinks ahead’ is the company motto, and these are incredibly thoughtful boilers (as boilers go). A huge plus point is that they are incredibly reliable (in my eyes, they were the only direct competitor to Worcester Bosch before they scrapped their extended warranties), and Quiet Mark accredited – so they’re actually one of the quietest boilers on the market.

The EcoTEC Plus range delivers fantastic performance – almost instant hot water – with a compact size, and no need to worry about extra storage tanks or cylinders taking up space!

So, let’s take a closer look at the 832. This boiler is the direct replacement for the Vaillant EcoTEC Plus 831 and slightly higher specification.

Output and flow rate

With a heating output of 24.4kW, the EcoTEC Plus 832 is ideal for comfortably heating a 3-4 bedroom property.

With an output of 32kW on the hot water, It’s also got a little more power than the 831 it replaces, and can supply 13 litres of hot water per minute, which means it’s more suitable if you’ve got one shower and a bath, or even a couple of bathrooms.

Lot of manufacturers have 30kW and 35kW boilers available, but I particularly like the 832 as for once, it’s right in the middle. This means it’s great value for money and has a better flow rate than the 30kW models, without bumping you up to a 35kW.

Size

The EcoTEC Plus range is perfect if you want to make the most of the available space in your home, as they can easily fit in a kitchen cupboard or Edinburgh press cupboard.

Plus, the lack of hot water cylinders and storage tanks mean you can have more storage space in your attic or storage cupboard for those suitcases or furniture you want to keep a hold of.

The EcoTEC Plus models are also quite stylish, with a contoured case and drop-down flap, so they don’t look out-of-place in your home.

Guarantee

Great news! The Vaillant EcoTEC Plus 832 comes with Vaillant’s brilliant 7-year guarantee* (when fitted by an accredited installer). This is a bit of a step down from the 10-year guarantee previously offered on this model, but you can still extend this if you’re willing to pay extra for a longer guarantee.

And, much like Worcester Bosch, Vaillant also has its own dedicated engineers to attend call-outs if you ever need them.

One of the best things about Vaillant’s guarantees is that there’s no hidden small print or unexpected credit card charges to catch you out, unlike other similar boiler companies.

Tech Specs

Below, you’ll find all the important information you need to know about the Vaillant EcoTEC Plus 832:

• Heating output: 24.4 kW
• Hot water output: 32kW (13 litres per minute)
• Ideal for: A 3-4 bedroom home with one shower and bath
• ERP rating: A, 89.4% efficiency
• Guarantee: 7 years*

Conclusion

The Vaillant EcoTEC Plus 832 is the perfect boiler for your medium-sized Edinburgh property, and is particularly handy if you have a shower and a bath, or a couple of bathrooms. I’m a big fan of this boiler, mainly because it sits right between a 30kW and a 35kW (which is what most companies provide).

The EcoTEC Plus range is ultra compact, so the 832 will easily fit in your kitchen cupboard or Edinburgh press – allowing you to make the most of your available space. And because it’s a combi, you can get rid of those extra storage tanks, with instant hot water in just five seconds!

I love Vaillant’s guarantee, as there’s no complicated fine print or call-out charges – plus, they have dedicated engineers if you do ever need a call-out. But I just wish they’d kept up the 10-year length, as some manufacturers are even offering 12 years now.

What do you think of the Vaillant EcoTEC Plus 832 combi boiler?

*7-year guarantee is only valid if serviced annually by a Gas Safe Registered engineer

The post Review: Find Out Why You’ll Love the Vaillant EcoTEC Plus 832 Combi Boiler appeared first on superwarm blog.

In that case, the Vaillant EcoTEC Plus 835 could be the boiler for you – but just to make sure, I’ve reviewed it below so you can find out all you need to make your final decision.

So, let’s get started, shall we?

Introduction

Vaillant is one of the best boiler manufacturers, although they’ve fallen down a bit recently. In my eyes, they used to be second only to Worcester Bosch. But now, they’ve lost a considerable amount of market share due to the fact they’ve scrapped their extended warranties. I don’t know why they’ve done this.

The company motto is ‘Vaillant thinks ahead’, and as a result you’re left with an incredibly efficient, stylish and reliable boiler that has the potential to last you decades. They’re also Quiet Mark accredited – and are actually one of the quietest boilers on the market.

The EcoTEC Plus range delivers fantastic performance – almost instant hot water – with a compact size, and no need to worry about extra storage tanks or cylinders taking up space!

Let’s take a closer look at the 835 in particular.

Output and flow rate

With a central heating output of 31kW, the 835 will comfortably heat a large 4-bedroom home with 10 – 13 radiators. So, if your home is smaller than this, I’d recommend going for the next model down.

As for the hot water output, it provides 35kW at a very decent flow rate of 14.3 litres per minute to your taps. It’s great if you have two bathrooms, and can easily run two showers and a bath.

However, before you choose the 835, I’d recommend having your engineer test your incoming water pressure, as you won’t get the full benefit of the hot water output if your property’s water pressure isn’t high enough. In which case, you might be better off with the 832.

I think this boiler is great value for money, and provides what most family homes need.

Size and other features

Worried about taking up too much space in your home? Then the EcoTEC Plus range is perfect, as it lets you make the most of the available space in your home. They can be comfortably fitted in a kitchen cupboard or Edinburgh press cupboard.

As an added bonus, the lack of hot water cylinders and storage tanks mean you can have more storage space in your attic or storage cupboard – so you can keep a hold of those extra suitcases!

One final note: the EcoTEC Plus models also look pretty nifty, and feature a contoured case and drop-down flap, so they don’t look out-of-place in your home.

Guarantee

Although Vaillant boilers are ultra reliable, you still need to make sure you’re covered on the off-chance that anything goes wrong. So, you’ll be glad to know that The Vaillant EcoTEC Plus 832 comes with Vaillant’s 7-year guarantee* (when fitted by an accredited installer).

This used to be 10 years – and you can still get an extended warranty if you’re willing to pay a bit extra.

And, much like Worcester Bosch, Vaillant also has its own dedicated engineers to attend call-outs if you ever need them – so you can have ultimate peace of mind. I often recommend Vaillant guarantees to my customers, as there are no hidden small print or unexpected credit card charges to catch you out, unlike other similar boiler companies.

Tech Specs

Below, you’ll find a brief overview containing all the essentials you need to know about the Vaillant EcoTEC Plus 835:

• Heating output: 31kW
• Hot water output: 35kW (14.3 litres per minute)
• Ideal for: A large home with two showers and a bath
• ERP rating: A, 89.3% efficiency
• Guarantee: 10 years*

Conclusion

If you’re looking for the ideal Vaillant boiler for your large Edinburgh property, the Vaillant 835 could be your ideal choice – however, I’ve reviewed it above so you can make the best decision for your home’s heating and hot water.

The 835 is ideal if you have a large four-bedroom property with 10 – 13 radiators, but any less than that and you really don’t need this boiler. As for hot water, you’ll find you can comfortably run two showers and a bath, with a flow rate of 14.3 litres per minute.

Top it all off with a compact size and a 10-year guarantee,* and you’re looking at a very decent, reliable and energy efficient boiler that will potentially last you decades.

What are your thoughts on the Vaillant EcoTEC Plus 835?

*7-year guarantee is only valid if serviced annually by a Gas Safe Registered engineer

The post Review: Why You’ll Choose the Vaillant EcoTEC Plus 835 as Your Next Combi Boiler appeared first on superwarm blog.

Regardless of whether your Baxi boiler is still under warranty, or has done its duty for many long years, I’m sure you already know how important it is to get it serviced every year.

A standard boiler service provides peace of mind that your boiler is safe to use, but it also means it’s not slogging along and guzzling more fuel than necessary – potentially costing you more money!

Not to mention, if your Baxi boiler is under warranty, a service will keep that warranty valid for another year.

Having personally spent a lot of time fitting and servicing Baxi boilers in the Edinburgh area, I’m one of the best authorities there is. I can tell you about their most common faults and quirks just off the bat!

That’s why I’m going to shed a bit more light on the Baxi brand, as well as how much a Baxi boiler service costs.

Baxi boilers: a brief background

Good old British brand Baxi were very well-known for their famous back boilers back in the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s. However, they’ve had to keep up with the times. Gone are the days when old fire and back boilers featured in UK living rooms, but despite this, the brand is still going strong.

These days, they produce modern, high efficiency, A-rated boilers you can trust. And with parts readily available in the UK, they’re still a brand many engineers stock and sell.

In fact, Baxi remains a well-respected household name among homeowners, too. In the past, they did fall a bit behind, like many other boiler manufacturers around 15 – 18 years ago. This is when many tried alternative cheaper components and started manufacturing condensing boilers.

However, I think they all quickly learned from their mistakes, and now Baxi are back at the top of their game, with 7 – 10 year guarantees.

TIP: If you’ve recently moved house and don’t know how old your Baxi boilers is, a service could help you determine its age and life expectancy.

How much does an Baxi boiler service cost?

If your Baxi boiler is running as it should, without any known problems, a standard service should typically cost around £100 including VAT. Not all companies charge the same price, though. You may find some to be slightly cheaper, with national companies costing up to £120.

TIP: If you know your boiler has a fault, it’s always best to inform the engineer when you book. Otherwise, it could end up costing you more, in terms of both time and money!

I always recommend booking a service through a Baxi accredited installer, rather than a company who may be less experienced with the brand. This is because accredited installers go through rigorous training and have much more knowledge. It really makes a difference!

I’ve serviced many of the older Baxi Solo boilers in the past. They are so easy to work on, very reliable and lasted forever. I also have many customers with newer Baxi boilers, and we service them to keep them up-to-date with their 10-year guarantee.

What’s the best way to pay?

Some homeowners like to cover the cost of their Baxi boiler service up front. However, I’m finding these days that more and more are going for our service plan. It’s not limited to us, either – many Edinburgh companies offer the same.

Service plans are popular because they usually allow a customer to pay monthly – ours starts at £7.99 per month. This means they can spread out the cost of their boiler service over a year. It also makes it seem like a more manageable cost.

TIP: We also have other service plans to cover parts, labour and cover to the radiators, along with valves and pipework! Check out our servicing page for more information.

There’s also one other advantage of paying monthly. The responsibility of arranging your annual service will no longer fall on you as the homeowner anymore. Instead, the company has to get in touch with you, so you won’t have to worry about missing a service ever again!

From an engineer’s perspective

Uncertain about the age of your Baxi boiler? Google is your friend. If you can find the make and model number, you can easily do a search online. You can also check your paperwork (if you have it) to get a more exact idea of when your own boiler was installed.

Servicing old Baxi boilers is usually no issue, however, when thinking about spending money on repairs, remember even good brands like Baxi have a life span of 14 – 16 years.

For instance, I’d easily spend £300 repairing a 10-year-old wall-hung combi – there’s life in the old dog yet! However, if your Baxi is 13 or 14 years old, it may not be worth it. Instead, I’d consider investing in a replacement.

In fact, doing so and installing a new A-rated boiler could save you money on your energy bills!

Remember, engineers like myself have to put safety above other considerations (such as you having heating and hot water). We are governed by the Gas Safe Register.

Therefore, if we point out a problem or tell you a repair is necessary, it’s for good reason. It’s not just to be a jobsworth or to get money out of you!

Conclusion

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this blog post, and by now you should have a better idea of how much a Baxi boiler service costs. Remember, just like any gas appliance, you should never skimp on actual checks. If your boiler is older, even more reason to get it looked at!

Is an annual £90 service fee really worth risking people’s lives over? I didn’t think so.

Got any questions about arranging your Baxi boiler service? Feel free to leave them in the comments – I promise to answer just as soon as I can!

The post Baxi Boiler Service Costs: All You Need to Know appeared first on superwarm blog.