Project of the month: replacing an old boiler

Beverley and Andrew Weedon replaced their old Potterton hot water and heating boiler with a new energy-efficient Greenstar Worcester boiler, and immediately started noticing the difference.

Fact file The owners: Beverley Weedon, a writer, and her husband Andrew, a landscape gardener The property: A three-bedroom semi-detached house The location: Warwickshire What they spent: The couple spent £3,100 installing a new boiler system

‘Three years ago we had our annual inspection from the gas board to inspect the boiler and its efficiency. Unfortunately, we were told that our boiler was only 40 per cent efficient, and as it was a Potterton hot water and heating boiler with a separate hot water tank, we were advised to switch to a combi boiler- however, we were quoted £4,900 for the work!

Above: The original boiler system was an in practical Potterton hot water and heating boiler with a separate hot water tank

‘It wasn’t until October 2011 that we started to really set the balls in motion for replacing the boiler. I think it was the prospect of another harsh winter, which really spurred us into action.
‘We were keen to get a couple of quotes and source a reliable tradesperson, who knew exactly what they were doing. I spoke to a number of colleagues at work, who had all had a new boiler system installed by Dave Walker of Warmsafe, and he came highly recommended.
‘Dave came to the house and spent over two hours going through the various options of systems, which we could have for a house of this size. Originally we were told by the gas board, that a 40si Worcester boiler would be the best option, however, Dave suggested a smaller system was just as efficient for what we needed.
‘We took Dave’s advice and chose the Worcester Greenstar 30si combi boiler, which is 90 per cent more energy-efficient than our original boiler. Within four days the boiler was completely up and running and we were already enjoying the benefits of hotter water in the bathroom and kitchen.

Above: The couple opted for a Worcester Greenstar 30si combi boiler, which is 90% more efficient than their original boiler

‘Since the new boiler has been installed, we have noticed the difference in the overall warmth of the house, plus by having a combi system fitted it means we're not heating unused hot water, which is always a bonus.
'This is a job we have been putting off due to costs, but it really has been worth it in the end. The boiler is extremely efficient and we have already started to notice the difference in our energy bills. The craftsmanship from Dave was also exceptional- we can’t fault him.’