Like the look of Worcester Bosch compact boilers? Wondering if one might be right for you?
If so, you may have heard somewhere that they can be tricky to work with. And if they’re tricky to work with, is that going to cause problems getting it serviced or repaired? You may be worried that the worst-case scenario happens and it has to get torn out of your kitchen cupboard and scrapped.
Well, let me set your mind at ease right now; that won’t happen. No, seriously; you’ll be fine!
As a heating engineer with over 20 years’ experience, let me tell you why you shouldn’t have to worry about Worcester Bosch compact boilers.
Are Worcester Bosch compact boilers trickier than other models?
First, let me begin by telling you where this notion may have come from. When the compact models were first released a few years ago, a lot of engineers criticised them. My thinking is that a lot of older engineers were worried about how tight they looked, and they didn’t have a lot of experience working with them.
I can understand this. When you first set eyes on a Worcester Bosch compact boiler, take the casing off and see what’s inside, you might think: “Oh my god! It’s really tight. How do you get in?”
To a laymen or inexperienced engineer, it may appeal daunting,
However, these boilers are actually incredibly well-manufactured. They open up easily once you know how, and once you’ve done the right training. There are special little clips and screws with you remove, and it’s really easy once you have that knowledge.
Why you shouldn’t have to worry
I’d never expect a homeowner to have to worry about whether or not their boiler is tricky to get into. I’d say as long as you go with an accredited Worcester Bosch installer, there’s no reason why they should have any problems fitting your boiler. They’ll know to fit it to the brand’s specifications.
Plus, your new boiler will be backed up with a fantastic 8 or 10-year guarantee. Any problems? They have dedicated engineers to attend to call-outs, who will have gone through all the same training. It’s a no-brainer.
Plus, your new compact boiler will be able to save you lots of space. You can even install one in a standard-sized kitchen cupboard or Edinburgh press!
There is one thing to watch out for, though…
Advice from an experienced engineer
If you get your boiler fitted in your kitchen, and take advantage of that great space-saving technique of fitting it in a kitchen cupboard – great! However, if you’re getting a new kitchen installed at any point, be warned.
Kitchen fitters are notorious for fitting new units and not leaving enough access room for your boiler. A lot of the time, they won’t bother to read the specifications, which tells you how much access space is required. Here’s how much space you should need for the Worcester Bosch compact range:
- Sides: 10mm
- Above: 170mm
- Below: 200mm
- In front: 600mm
This is the space that will be required for an engineer to work on your boiler. Not all kitchen installers will, for instance, cut a horseshoe-shaped space in the unit, underneath where your boiler is located, to allow for that extra 200mm access.
So, if you do get a new kitchen, show your installers the manual that came with your boiler, and ensure they’re aware of the access requirements!
TIP: Want to read more about the Worcester Bosch compact combi range? I’ve written a more detailed overview right here.
Conclusion
Still interested in a Worcester Bosch compact boiler? These boilers are fantastic little beasts! They do a fantastic job, and have been well-engineered so that working on them shouldn’t be tricky – at least, not for engineers in the know. As a homeowner, you shouldn’t need to worry too much about your boiler, as long as it’s fitted to the brand’s requirements as stated in the manual.
Luckily, if you choose an accredited engineer, they’ll have been through the correct training. This should mean they’ll know how to work on your boiler without any problems! They should also be able to carry out your annual service, too.
Do you have any other questions about Worcester Bosch compact boilers? Let me know in the comments. I’d love to hear from you!
