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I Have A Question - Volume 268 [Read Only] - PoloGirl

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Edited by Dynamic Dave on 17/01/2009 at 20:17

VAT rate change - Mapmaker
An invoice issued on 19 December, in respect of work performed by an architect over the previous 12 months, as a part of an ongoing project anticipated to take a further year, and having commenced early 2007, what is the correct VAT rate?

No guesses, please!



VAT rate change - Altea Ego
I have 12, 24, 36 month contracts billable annually, all billable in advance. All those billed before the change are being credited pro rata

ie

old Bill 06/2008 - 05/2009 was billed on 06/2008 at 17.5% vat
now a credit note is being issued for 6 months 2.5% vat return to customer

so your friend bills you at 17.5% for part of contract prior to vat change and 15% for part of contract after vat change.



VAT rate change - Fullchat
I received an Architects bill for a years work. It was prepared the day after VAT went down and was all charged at the lower VAT rate.
VAT rate change - pmh2
I maybe out of date, but IIRC the rate is the rate prevailing at the invoice date not the date of supply of goods or services.

I suggest you clarify with whatever C&E are now called.


p
VAT rate change - spikeyhead {p}
Taken straight from the letter HMRC sent me, and I quote, (though the typos will probably be mine)

What about continuous supply of services e.g. work in progress?
For continuous supplies of services, such as ongoing construction work, you should account for the VAT due whenever you issue a VAT invoice or receive payment, whichever is the earlier. In these case, invoices issued or payments made on or after 1 December will be subject to 1% VAT.
VAT rate change - oldnotbold
It's always the prevailing rate at the tax point (which may not be the same as the invoice date, but is normally).
VAT rate change - Mapmaker
>>It's always the prevailing rate at the tax point (which may not be the same as the invoice date, but is normally).

Which is why I was surprised to receive an invoice dated December at 17.5%. However, it appears that in this case the tax point is when the work is done. It appears not to be a continuous supply of services, but a one-off piece of work taking 3 years, ad accordingly the 17.5% rate is correct.

www.vantisplc.com/Vantis/Sectors/Legal/Solicitorsa...m
Energy Saving R80 and LED MR16 spotlights - OrtonMark
Has anybody bought any energy saving R80 spotlights and if so, would they recommend them i.e. is the light output just as good as incandescent, do they fire up quickly etc etc?I'm looking to replace our bathroom lights.

Also in our kitchen we have 9 MR16 Halogen 20W spotlights and I would like to replace these with LED (light emitting diode) bulbs. There are a number on the market which claim to give the same light output as 20W halogens but I have my doubts! Has anybody bought any of these and would they recommend them?

Thanks.
Energy Saving R80 and LED MR16 spotlights - jbif
Halogen 20W spotlights


some discussion about alternatives to halogen spots is here:
www.hotukdeals.com/item/305169/energy-saving-led-g...4
www.hotukdeals.com/item/317970/7w-energy-saving-re.../

Energy Saving R80 and LED MR16 spotlights - OrtonMark
Thanks these links were useful.
Energy Saving R80 and LED MR16 spotlights - henry k
>>Has anybody bought any energy saving R80 spotlights and if so, would they recommend them
i.e. is the light output just as good as incandescent, do they fire up quickly etc etc?>>I'm looking to replace our bathroom lights.

>>
I too would be interested.
I have an R80 bulb above my shower. It is a fllodlight not a spotlight but it looks the same, has the same R80 label but I have had proplems convincing my local DIY supplier.

An Ebay search with - r80 energy saving bulbs - produced just a few hits and an extract below.
Once again it appears to be a dim result :-(

Megaman 15W R80 Compact Reflector Bulb E27 ES
This R80 energy saving bulb is 80mm in diameter and uses just 15 watts of power with an equivalent brightness of a 80 watt tungsten bulb. It features an Edison screw (ES/E27) cap fitting.

New energy saving R80 11w reflector bulb. Quality bulb with CE rating. E27 ES fitting,
11 watt bulb which is equivalent to a standard 60 watt bulb,




Energy Saving R80 and LED MR16 spotlights - OrtonMark
Thanks - I'll have a look at these. If I find any others I'll come back with details.
Energy Saving R80 and LED MR16 spotlights - adverse camber
I have an R80 bulb above my shower


Umm. I don't think that you are allowed to do that. Needs to be a suitable IP rated unit.

On the led thing

www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php...0

www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php...0

www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php...0
Energy Saving R80 and LED MR16 spotlights - henry k
>> I have an R80 bulb above my shower
Umm. I don't think that you are allowed to do that. Needs to be a suitable IP rated unit.

>>
Expanding on my simple statement. It is not just dangling or in an exposed fitting.
It appears to be an approved unit. It is flush in the ceiling and the glass cover is sealed to the main unit with an O ring. Not sure re IP rating.
Energy Saving R80 and LED MR16 spotlights - OrtonMark
Thanks adverse camber this made interesting reading. I've been somewhat put off the LEDS!
Energy Saving R80 and LED MR16 spotlights - Old Navy
I reverted to incandesent lights in my bathroom, the ES lamps take about a minute or two to come to full brilliance, (not good for a brief comfort visit). I have found that the "Megaman" brand of es lamps to be the best, particularly the par 38 replacement. My local cinema uses 2 of them to light the auditorium when required. The 2 20w lamps in my kitchen are a superb 120w replacement. I think that LEDs are useless for anything other than decoration.
Energy Saving R80 and LED MR16 spotlights - sierraman
I have some LED spots in a cupbord,I don't mean in a light fitting,that's where they went after trying them.Might be alright for a light over a picture but not if you want to see what you are doing.
Energy Saving R80 and LED MR16 spotlights - David Horn
The newer ones are fine (mail order them to ensure you have the latest design). We've lit a large room with them and they're proper daylight white, not the pale blue you got with the earlier ones.
Att Fothering Thomas - CH boiler - Altea Ego
My dear old chap

some time ago you wrote

>If you've a Stelrad floor mounted one, I can give you one that's been cluttering up my >garage for ages. It was new, used for about a month in the early '90s, then drained >and stuck in the garage on a pallet.

Mine has just sprung a major leak from the seams where do you live old boy?


Att Fothering Thomas - CH boiler - FotheringtonThomas
I still have it, and it's still in the way. You're welcome to it. Perhaps a mod. will send you my e-mail address, or send me yours.
Plant with very long thorns. - FotheringtonThomas
I've seen a plant with very long thorns, around 2" in length, smoothly tapered from base to tip, and as sharp as needles. It's not hawthorn, pyracantha, or similar which may have a 1/2" thorn coming off the tip of a piece of twig & *look* as if it's a 2" thorn, these things are vicious looking and (literally) bleeders. I think it's deciduous, and I saw it growing in a hedge.

What is it?

I want to grow some, to help prevent people getting where they shouldn't, the scrotes. Glass is getting expensive.
Plant with very long thorns. - billy25
Sea-Buckthorn or a "type" of Acaicia perhaps?

Billy
Plant with very long thorns. - FotheringtonThomas
a "type" of Acaicia perhaps?


Promising... I found this:

www.liv.ac.uk/~sdb/Safari-2001/Images/285%20Acacia...g


which does look similar. I will have to get a sample and compare it. Looks loke a very good defensive plant!
Plant with very long thorns. - jbif
.. I will have to get a sample and compare it. .. >>


How about uploading a photo of the plant you have seen so that
a. we can all see what it looks like [curiosity killed the cat trying to climb the plant],
b. someone might know what it is!

Plant with very long thorns. - pmh2
I quote

Pyracanthas are valuable ornamental plants, grown in gardens for their decorative flowers and fruit, often very densely borne. Their dense thorny structure makes them particularly valued in situations where an impenetrable barrier is required. The aesthetic characteristics of pyracanthas plants, in conjunction with their home security qualities, makes them a considerable alternative to artificial fences and walls.

Do a search for pictures.

Very good fast growing after year1. I use it extensively to keep people away from the pool. I do not know if it grows as fast in the UK.


p
Plant with very long thorns. - FotheringtonThomas
It's not a pyracantha. The thorns look like the ones in the URL above, but I'm not sure whether this is the exact plant.
Plant with very long thorns. - SpamCan61 {P}
I quote


>>> Very good fast growing after year1. I use it extensively to keep people away from
the pool. I do not know if it grows as fast in the UK.
p

Yep, certainly does grow fast here, quite an effort to keep it pruned once it's a couple of years old.
Plant with very long thorns. - henry k
Ahhhhh! Acaicia has a very very nasty set of thorns. I would gess they are some of the longest thorns aroun.
Well known in Africa.
IMO I would class it as a dangerous weapon (to scroats) .:-)
tinyurl.com/7e3q7f
tinyurl.com/76a6qh
Plant with very long thorns. - dereckr
If It's growing in a hedge, it sounds like a sloe bush.
Plant with very long thorns. - FotheringtonThomas
It is not a "sloe bush". Those don't have 2" thorns.
Plant with very long thorns. - dereckr
It may be that the plant you have seen is not a sloe (Blackthorn), but the sloe does have thorns this long.
Plant with very long thorns. - RichardW
Berberis?

Well known as a hedging plant with spines to deter visitors. Often purple.
LLP ? - wd 40
Is there any significant difference between a company which is LTD and a company which is LLP ?

LLP ? - L'escargot
Ltd ............ tinyurl.com/8evnvt

LLP ............ tinyurl.com/9ezm54
LLP ? - Mapmaker
Make sure if reading the LLP link you are looking at the UK bit:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LLP#United_Kingdom


The answer to your question, though, is "it depends". As in, yes, for one is a company, and the other a partnership; but as in no for you still get limited liability.

So why do you want to know?
LLP ? - borasport20
So why do you want to know?

>
I work for an LTD. It sells a service, but as as a sideline, has sold some products. More focus is being devoted to these product sales, and specific individuals within the company are now allocated to this side of the business, whilst still beying fully employed by the LTD, but the company through which the products are sold is an LLP

anything obvious I ought the be aware of ?
Ryanair to Stockholm - any info on hotels/costs - BobbyG
Just realised that when kids are off school in Feb we can get return flights from Prestwick to Stockholm (Skavasta) for £20 each.

Sweden is down as one of our countries to "tick off" to say we have been. Some questions

How far is Skavasta from Stockholm?
What are transfers like and approx price?
Any cheapish hotels anyone can recommend?
What are eating / drinking costs there?
Is there any skiing close to Stockholm as wife and son think they are keen skiiers!!

Anything else I need to think of - we are only talking a Thurs to Sun, not wanting to spend much, would be quite happy with snowball fights all day! Seem to remember horror stories when football matches were on that it was something like £6 a pint etc?

Any advice appreciated!
Ryanair to Stockholm - any info on hotels/costs - BobbyG
I can now answer my first couple of questions in that it is about 100km from Stockholm and the transfers are about £10 each way. So thats the prices doubled already!
Ryanair to Stockholm - any info on hotels/costs - Altea Ego
Bobby G

Prestwick? to some unknown grass strip miles from anywhere? Has to be Ryanair.

check your costs on the website. You flight costs can easily be doubled or trebled by:

a:credit card surcharge (good one this you can only book online by a credit card)
b:passenger handling fee
c:airport check-in fee
d:checked baggage fee.




Thermal glass for double glazing ? - Petel
Could anyone please advise which is the most thermally efficient sheet glass for use in double glazing at this time ?

The last time I looked into this question ( many years ago ) all the local glaziers were pushing Pilkington K.

Thank you.

Edited by Petel on 15/01/2009 at 10:58

Thermal glass for double glazing ? - FotheringtonThomas
It's P-K, or similar, but this isn't efficient because of "thermal mass", it's due to a "low emissivity" coating in the D/G units.
Thermal glass for double glazing ? - billy25
Looking in our local paper, the "specialists" seem to be in-favour of two products, one is called "ETI Plus" and the other is a variation of one you mention, "ePilkinton Energikare".
No doubt most installers will use thier own, or favorite suppliers products, but which if any are superior to each other i don't know.

Billy
Thermal glass for double glazing ? - billy25
Just a thought! - if you want good insulation and energy savings from your double-glazing, have you considered Triple-glazing as an alternative?

Billy
Thermal glass for double glazing ? - FotheringtonThomas
Depending on your window, secondary glazing can be best. It looks OK in its' more modern guises, too. Double glazing won't, unless fuel price increases several times over, save actual money (especially if the D/G units fail and need replacement). There's also the noise insulation effect to consider.
Thermal glass for double glazing ? - adverse camber
If you're doing it properly then you need to look at more than the glass.

Also consider the spacer material - do not allow metal ones - and the material of the frame.
Then there is the gas used in the gap. Krypton is beter than argon is better than air but the optimal spacings are different for different gasses.

All makers should be able to quote you a u value - just be clear that they are quoting the u value for the entire window unit and not just the u value of the centre of the pane (away from the bridge of the spacers).

You may also want to get the g values - this gives the amount of solar thermal gain you will get - some panels reflect solar heat back out. That may be what you want with large glazing areas on a south facing aspect. But equally may not be.

Try these makers:
Scandinavian Window Systems (various import), Green Building Store (UK own design), Russell (UK own design), Sashless (UK own design), Scandinavian Timber, Swedish Timber (SP), Tanums, Rembrand (Traryd), Inwido (formerly Swedhouse), fonster

And just want to make the point that TG is better than dg if properly made - squeezing tg into the standard dg size is pointless and results in poor performance.

Edited by adverse camber on 15/01/2009 at 12:18

Thermal glass for double glazing ? - mfarrow
I think I've got some print-outs from the building regs (or similar) at home somewhere, with thermal values on there for different glazing types. I'll have a look later.
CH boiler replacement quote - Altea Ego
How does this sound cost wise

Remove old cast iron floor mounted boiler
Powerflush system
supply and fit new wallmounted HE condensing boiler
supply and fit new programmer
supply and fit new diverter valve

£1800
CH boiler replacement quote - pmh2
To make a meaningful comment I suggest that you specify the Boiler size and manufacturer. Different makes can vary widely in price (and in reliability) and manufacturer backup. You are probably better on asking the question on something like the Screwfix plumbers forum.


Remember modern boilers whilst cost efficient have the life of the average washing machine and the price of some spares (like a car) can make economic repair impossible after as little 3 yrs say. Also plumbers and electronic control do not mix well! Once again, like mechanics and cars!

My advice would be to keep the old cast iron boiler going! My Potterton is built like a brick xxxx house and at 18 yrs old all spares including bolier are still available. Also everybody understands it, including me.


I am not a fan of diverter valves. My sytem uses twin pumps non return valves and allows full control of both heat and hw. Pumps are almost as cheap as valves and inherently more reliable.

Look carefully at the control system specified. Some boilers with integrated controls may look neat and be easy to install but constrain you to manufacturers replacement parts. A programmable thermostat is ideal for house that is only occupied for part of the day and/ or an a sporadic basis.




p

Edited by pmh2 on 15/01/2009 at 13:24

CH boiler replacement quote - pmh2
Also add

Power flushing has a mixed reputation, if you have an old system, with corosion problems, it may accelerate the formation of leaks.


Whilst he system is empty you should consider adding thermostatic valves in bedrooms and hallways to provide some savings.


p

Edited by pmh2 on 15/01/2009 at 13:31

CH boiler replacement quote - Mapmaker
However...

The power flush will be necessary for the warranty on the new boiler.

IME central heating fitters hate doing them. They take all day, are messy and expensive for the punter. And if a one-man band, they generally hire the equipment to do it from HSS or similar.
CH boiler replacement quote - Altea Ego
However...
The power flush will be necessary for the warranty on the new boiler.


Indeed thats why its specified
CH boiler replacement quote - Altea Ego
>My advice would be to keep the old cast iron boiler going!

alas not possible - its sprung a major major leak in one of the cast iron heat exchanger seams and has had it big time.

The boiler will be basic, no integral pump, no condensate pump, no integral controls
all it needs to do is turn on gas when told & ignite it, turn on flue fan, keep water at 70c and turn main c/h pump on and off.
CH boiler replacement quote - FotheringtonThomas
I e-mailed you this morning, in the (very) small hours. If you don't want my boiler, perhaps you'll let me know.
CH boiler replacement quote - Altea Ego
I e-mailed you this morning in the (very) small hours. If you don't want my
boiler perhaps you'll let me know.


FT

you have mail. Thanks for your help.
CH boiler replacement quote - buzbee
Hi pmh2.

"My Potterton is built like a brick and at 18 yrs old all spares including boiler are still available"

I also have a potterton --- fitted in 1963 and still using the original circulator pump! A few years ago I rang Potterton and asked "Is it possible to buy a pilot light assembly". Answer, "Yes, how many do you want?"

I presently have a few very slow leaks from under the inspection covers on the boiler that need fixing due to the black, rubber looking, gaskets having perished. I have obtained some 4 mm thick neoprene ready for doing them myself in the summer.

However, ready made ones would make my life easier. So I am very interested in knowing where you get your spares. I searched the web for stockists without success. Perhaps not surprising as we are a dying breed. At 45 years, they may no longer be available.

As a tip to those having their system drained, for whatever reason, get the plumber to save the drain water, let the muck settle out, and use it again. After the first bleed of the radiators after refilling, no other maintenance was needed by me on the two occasions I did this. The story using fresh water and new inhibitor was much worse. But then, I do live in a single story dwelling.
CH boiler replacement quote - pmh2
leaks from under the inspection covers on the boiler that need fixing due to the black, rubber looking, gaskets having perished. I have obtained some 4 mm thick neoprene ready for doing them myself in the summer. >>>



neoprene and high temperatures? are you talking about the heat exchanger? I would not have thought it was suitable!

www.boilersparesdirect.co.uk look to carry a very comprehensive stock of spares - whether genuine or pattern I do not know.





p
CH boiler replacement quote - buzbee
" leaks from under the inspection covers"

Thanks for the reply.

The two covers, that use six studs, are on the boiler front and are at water temperature which is quite a bit less than boiling. Nowhere near any flames.

In the past I have used the stuff for making hot-tap washers. It is very durable. It was invented during the 39-45 war.

Googled --- >> Neoprene polychloroprene is an extremely versatile synthetic rubber with more than 75 years of proven performance in a broad industry spectrum. ...
www.dupontelastomers.com/products/neoprene/neopren...p - 20k -

Far superior material to the *** of the usual tap washer and probably better than Potterton use (?). But the Pot ones are probably molded to the funny shape of the uneven mating surfaces.
CH boiler replacement quote - henry k
>>
I am not a fan of diverter valves. My sytem uses twin pumps non return valves and allows full control of both heat and hw. Pumps are almost as cheap as valves and inherently more reliable.
>>
I like the idea of twin pumps for a traditional system but for a multizone system the pumps take up a lot more space.

I have had several motors replaced on one of my valves.
CH boiler replacement quote - Stuartli
We've just had central heating installed under the WarmFront scheme (full £2,700 grant); for that we received an Ideal HE mid-range combi boiler, five Stelrad radiators (four fitted with Honeywell thermostatic valves) and Honeywell electronic/wireless thermostatic control; because we required seven radiators we paid an extra £600 for two radiators and thermostatic valves.

You can gain an idea of the prices of various makes of boilers from:

www.bhl.co.uk/category/Condensing_Combi_Boilers (pretty competitive compared to similar websites)

and the other items. That should give an idea of the labour costs involved.

In our case the work was done in just seven hours, mainly by two fitters (the third had to go for the two extra radiators which had not been loaded on the van through a company error).

We reckoned that the package represented good value by the central heating company for WarmFront, especially as before and after fitting service and checkups were very thorough. The electronic control system was fitted the following day by an electrican.

Incidentally the fitters all hailed from Yorkshire and spend several days at a time in a particular area undertaking the WarmFront grants work.

Edited by Stuartli on 15/01/2009 at 14:27

CH boiler replacement quote - jbif
... WarmFront scheme (full £2,700 grant) ... >>


all in the name of preventing Global warming.

CH boiler replacement quote - Mapmaker
>> ... WarmFront scheme (full £2 700 grant) ... >>
all in the name of preventing Global warming.



Really? To be fair, it is providing central heating and insulation for people on benefits - or benefits scroungers as they are usually known on this forum. Brave man, stuartli...
CH boiler replacement quote - billy25
>>- or benefits scroungers as they are usually known on this forum. <<

Ooooh! - steady on! I've paid tax and N.I all my working life, and because of ill-health i can no longer, so I spend my days miserably "lurkin an potterin" down my allotment.
I think it was the best insurance scheme i ever paid into! at least now one consolation is i'm only getting what i deserve and what i paid in.

Scrounger indeed! ;-) ;-)

Billy

p.s

any chance of a bob for a cuppa?

Edited by billy25 on 15/01/2009 at 15:30

CH boiler replacement quote - Stuartli
>>Brave man, stuartli>>

No cause to be brave (rank me with Gordon Brown on that score!) - it's my wife who was eligible for the grant due to her serious health problems over the past 16 years; she receives Attendance Allowance as her sole benefit.

She learned about WarmFront from a leaflet handed out to all who had a flu jab at her doctor's surgery towards the end of last year. I was pestered endlessly until I finally applied for the grant on her behalf on-line.

Some two or three years ago we had free cavity wall insulation and topped up loft insulation through PowerGen (E-On), who operate the StayWarm scheme on behalf of the Government (fixed sum per month for gas and electricity); this is open to all who are 60 or over.

As we have a Victorian semi-detached property with 11ft high ceilings, it meant that the central heating had a solid foundation for maximum efficiency; the house retains heat so well that the central heating control only operates infrequently, depending on outside temperature.


Edited by Stuartli on 15/01/2009 at 15:44

CH boiler replacement quote - jbif
Really?

Mappy, I believe so.
... property with 11ft high ceilings ... >>


Install some mini-fans at ceiling height [or point floor standing ones upwards] and run them on the gentlest setting. You will then save even more as the hot air at ceiling level will be circulated towards your feet where you really need the warmth.

Edited by jbif on 15/01/2009 at 16:15

CH boiler replacement quote - Mapmaker
>>>> Really?
>>Mapmaker, I believe so.

Well... insulation and DG make the world (a house, anyway) a much nicer place to live. And in my view, people - particularly poor pensioners and those on benefits - should be looked after by the state in that sort of fashion. It's giving them comfort, not money.

My parents' 1970 house always used to be a draughty place with its massive windows and warm-air circulation heating.

With double glazing and 12" of insulation in the roof and a new "boiler", the improvement in comfort is worth every penny - even if the costs will never be recouped. (No cavity wall insulation as a result of its shocking reputation.)


CH boiler replacement quote - jbif
With double glazing and 12" of insulation in the roof and a new "boiler", the improvement in comfort is worth every penny - even if the costs will never be recouped. (No cavity wall insulation as a result of its shocking reputation.) >>


Staywarm is perfectly OK if it is NOT sold by the politicians as a means to save the planet.

IMO, everything you have listed - apart from the new boiler - will pay back [some slower than others]. As reported above, the new boilers tend to be expensive "disposable commodities" with lives similar to cheap washing machines. They will never save enough in energy efficiency to pay back just the capital cost, ignoring any other costs such as fitting and increased maintenance due to their badly/cheaply designed/made unreliable parts.

The house I live in was apparently cavity insulated in 1985 and I have seen no signs of any problems. It makes the the whole house feel evenly warm.

CH boiler replacement quote - Stuartli
>>Staywarm is perfectly OK if it is NOT sold by the politicians as a means to save the planet.>>

You appear to be confusing StayWarm with WarmFront.

The reason for all these schemes, including free or giveaway prices for low energy light bulbs and other energy saving measures, is that the Government "encouraged" the energy companies to pay for them by threatening the possibility of imposing windfall taxes on profits.

A clever way of ensuring, as most Labour governments do, that it doesn't have to hand out the money; the same is true to a large extent for similar schemes operated by local councils.

One valuable benefit of the new combi boilers is that, since 2005, their specifications require them to be at least 90-91 per cent efficient.

Regarding the mini-fans suggestion; thanks, but I don't feel that would be necessary...:-)

In fact some of the Victorian properties in my area have 14ft ceilings and I know how much some occupiers are paying monthly for gas and electricity use - frightening.


CH boiler replacement quote - FotheringtonThomas
In fact some of the Victorian properties in my area have 14ft ceilings and I
know how much some occupiers are paying monthly for gas and electricity use


Draughts, insulation. Unfortunately, there's no easy way of getting a grant for insulating solid walled houses, and to actually do so would spoil the appearence of many.
CH boiler replacement quote - henry k
>>Unfortunately, there's no easy way of getting a grant for insulating solid walled houses
>>
especially a 1930s house like mine that has some 4inch external walls.

I have recently had Critall steel windows replaced with aluminium d/g throughout and although it was not cheap the overall effect is most pleasing.
I have been surprised at the sound insulation and have to admit that I am often unaware it is chucking it down with rain.
CH boiler replacement quote - Happy Blue!
Don't want to disagree with you henry "especially a 1930s house like mine that has some 4inch external walls" but would suspect that you have a solid wall house with 9" walls or a cavity wall house with two 4.5" walls separated by a 2" cavity.

Getting rid of Crittal windows is a good idea and any form of d/g will provide a significant improvement in sound insulation.
CH boiler replacement quote - henry k
Don't want to disagree with you henry "especially a 1930s house like mine that has
some 4inch external walls" but would suspect that you have a solid wall house with
9" walls or a cavity wall house with two 4.5" walls separated by a 2" cavity.

To clarify. Most of the house is 9" solid walls but the upstairs bays are 4" and part of the walls in another bedroom are 4". I was able to dry line the wall in the bedroom to eliminate the cold / condensation.
I assume, to improve the bays I would need new window cills, dry lining and new skirting boards ( after relocating radiators ).

IMO The house is so badly built I almost snarl when neighbours say " The do not make em like the old days"
CH boiler replacement quote - Stuartli
>>..a grant for insulating solid walled houses..>>

Erm, actually my Victorian property and most of those in my town have cavity walls...:-)

How else, in fact, could cavity wall insulation be undertaken?

I do recall that PowerGen originally turned down the insulation package application on the grounds that only properties built from the 1930s onwards had cavity walls, until I gently pointed out the error.
CH boiler replacement quote - rtj70
Our Edwardian house does not have cavity walls. It is two bricks thick with bricks turned 90 degrees every so often to act as "wall ties". Wish we could put some insultation in - the gas bills can be pretty high.

When I got our floor standing boiler replaced a number of years ago I went for the simplest possible and fitted it was about £1200. It's a bit of a beast and had to be carried down the cellar!
CH boiler replacement quote - Pugugly
A neighbour (whose a builder) and I are looking at doing a geothermal set up.
CH boiler replacement quote - adverse camber
Go spend some time on the green building forum.
Lots of users and installers who can offer good advice.

www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/


//pedant mode

whose ?

Edited by adverse camber on 16/01/2009 at 09:00

CH boiler replacement quote - Mapmaker
>>Geothermal

Wow!

Are you sure? Do you have hot springs nearby? Or are you prepared to sink a borehole a mile deep? Only that way will you capture heat within the earth.

Or are you thinking of a ground-source heat pump, which captures the sun's warming effect on the earth?

Jeff Howell is pretty damning about them in terms of their payback time. www.askjeff.co.uk/news.html
CH boiler replacement quote - daveyjp
Mr Howell is damning about a lot of things, some I agree with, but in this case he does seem to have gone off on one about high costs and sales tactics, rather than consider viable alternative technologies

Try the Dick Strawbridge site for info on heat exchange units and whole house ventilation systems.

CH boiler replacement quote - Stuartli
Some info on such systems:

tinyurl.com/8nhk5n

www.gshp.org.uk/gshp.htm

www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk/micro/ground/

I seem to recall one of the Grand Designs programmes on Channel 4 featuring one of these systems being installed as part of a new home design.
CH boiler replacement quote - Altea Ego
I told the wife this morning that on the advice of the BR, we would not be replacing the boiler, but would be going green and investigating and investing in geothermal sources, and solar energy, and that this would take some 6 months and 10,000 pounds.

She has requested I obtain the names and addresses of the BR members. I get the feeling she is not coming round to thank you all.
CH boiler replacement quote - Stuartli
Perhaps she wants to point out to them that they are talking a load of hot air?

The effects of this can, it seems, be measured:

tinyurl.com/7y8qge

Perhaps we should learn to harness it? The House of Commons would be a good place to start..:-)
CH boiler replacement quote - FotheringtonThomas
Unfortunately, there's no easy way of getting a grant for insulating solid walled houses, as stated before.
Which combi boiler - gordonbennet
A coincidence indeed, whilst you CH experts are answering AE's question, could i ask for some advice please.

Our combi boiler is probably 15 years old, and under the British Gas maintenance scheme, its a Vaillant, model number not known at the moment, but it does struggle to supply enough hot water for our Mira shower, its still working ok at the moment though and its due a service next month.

I've lost touch with my very good old plumber since we moved here some 6 years ago, (probably too far away now anyway) so basically would you chaps advise using BG or should i find another plumber to change, and should we come out of the BG scheme anyway?

Thats by the way my main question is what make of boiler should we be looking at, we don't mind paying but we want something of quality with long reliable life and good spares back up.
If you have any particular boiler suggestions, i'd be obliged.
We have a large bungalow, stepped so the living room is high, and currently 10 radiators but may want to increase the rads if we put a conservatory on.
Thanks for reading.
Which combi boiler - daveyjp
Vaillant are still regarded as one of the best manufacturers.
Which combi boiler - Mapmaker
Vaillant are still regarded as one of the best manufacturers.



Really? On the Screwfix forums, last time I checked, the fitters regard them as little better than a pile of scrap.
Which combi boiler - pmh2
Last time I investigated Worcester Bosch were rated as one of the best - certainly they provided very good manufacturer support when the plumber experienced some problems. No issues thereafter in about 4 years of ownership in a buy to let. (But it was 8 years ago).




p
Which combi boiler - Clk Sec
>>>Vaillant are still regarded as one of the best manufacturers.

I put one of these into a property about eight years ago. I don't think I'd buy another.

Clk Sec
Which combi boiler - Armitage Shanks {p}
Adding to the combi boiler thread, with slight drift! I have a 15 year old combi boiler which has developed a fault with what I think is called the "Diverter Valve". The effect of this is that, even with the central heating pump off and the thermostat in the lounge set to 5C, when I try to get a sink of hot water the whole central heating system warms up as well = slow and expensive to wash up! The part costs £160 + VAT + fitting. Should I throw money at it or replace it, making a choice from the discussion earlier in the thread? I have found boilers with a 2 year warranty under £1K. Ariston I think; perhaps the cheapest is not the way to go? Advice and comments most welcome!
Which combi boiler - Clk Sec
£160 + VAT + fitting + 15 years old. If it was mine it would be replaced.

Clk Sec

Which combi boiler - Armitage Shanks {p}
Thanks Clk Sec - my thought too. I'll start Saving!
Which combi boiler - sierraman
The Ideal Isar is rated as a top model,although mine still struggles to provide better than lukewarm water when the c/h is going full bore.This is more a general drawback with combis though,the direct draw plate can never be as efficient as a dedicated gas water heater.Wish I'd kept mine and had a seperate boiler installed really.
Which combi boiler - Pugugly
Had a Bosch Worcester for 11 years (after very bad experiences of a French made boiler - dodgy electronics !) had a new pump and a PCB thing. All covered with BW's excellent service package (they even backdated when I forgot to renew and still covered the callout - try getting a car warranty like that).
Which combi boiler - gordonbennet
Thanks chaps for all your input, thats 2 so far saying Bosch Worcester are good.

A French boiler with dodgy electrics, would never have dreamt that..;)

I'd only heard good things about Vaillant before, but then the one in our home is getting on a bit, and products and companies change which we see so much in the cars, and not always for the better.
I too had a good old Potterton floor standing model in my previous home, it must have been 30 years old when it eventually pegged it.

By the sounds of it i could do worse than have a lurk around the Screwfix forum, didn't know there was one.
Which combi boiler - Number_Cruncher
>>thats 2 so far saying Bosch Worcester are good.


Make that 3 GB!

We inherited a Worcester Bosch combi when we escaped to the suburbs** about 2 years ago. The (c. 1995) boiler had been rather neglected, but a combination of the excellent manual which is available to download from the Worcester Bosch homepage, and the good availability of parts has enabled it to be brought back into reliable operation. It now works very well, and I'm far happier with it than I was with the Glowworm which we had installed in our old house.

** We couldn't face the thought of bringing up Number_Nipper so close the centre of the People's Republic of Derby!
Which combi boiler - Number_Cruncher
>>a combination of the excellent manual....

Not forgetting some excellent advice from RichardW on the subject of the accumulator / pressure vessel!

Which combi boiler - Big Bad Dave
"after very bad experiences of a French made boiler - dodgy electronics !"

I've got a French De Dietrich. What a piece of crap. It was installed new in a new-build house two and a half years ago and hasn't worked properly from day one. It leaks. We have to keep a bucket under it. It loses pressure and has to be topped up daily. No one has ever heard of it and we can't find an engineer who has experience with one. We can't get parts for it. It wasn't particularly cheap. At the moment we have heating but no hot water. Sometimes hot water but no heating.

I don't know what to do. Replace the boiler or replace the wood-burning fireplace with a system that will heat water. At least then I wouldn't have to worry about Russian gas supplies and their spiraling prices.
Which combi boiler - geoff1248
Don't forget that Screwfix are a subsidiary of B&Q albeit slightly more aimed at the trade. However two points about Screwfix 1. if you are buying quite a bit of stuff you can haggle on price and 2. Screwfix are on Quidco (Google Quidco if you haven't heard of them before).
However as both B&Q and Screwfix carry roughly the same sock if you are over 60 then you qualify for a 10% discount card from B&Q.
We have been through exactly the same problems of an old boiler (non-combi) needing replacement. We went for a Biasi which are Ideal by another name and got it for a very good price from Screwfix. Been running just fine for the past 6 months. It came with a 2 year guarantee.
Rather than feed a shower from a boiler we decided to go for an electric shower. So if the boiler did go kaput at least we could shower.
The make of boiler you go for is a matter of gathering as much opinion as you can. However which ever one you go for there will always be someone who has a horror story about that boiler. Take it with a pinch of salt. (I once owned what appears to have been the only reliable Allegro in the country so if you had asked me about Allegros I would have been full of praise.)
Which combi boiler - Stuartli
>>I would have been full of praise.>>

Only the comparatively few people who are unhappy tend to complain about products or services - many thousands of others are perfectly satisfied, but don't broadcast it as they got what they had expected from the start.
white goods -best comparison web sites?? - wotspur

typical new year and 2 out 3 10yr old white goods are palying up -so had good usage and need replacing -what web sites ahve been useful -cheers