ARmy Rumour SErvice

**BrunoNoMedals** · 06-08-2012, 18:22

I've got an Ideal HE24, admittedly-shit and probably getting on for 10-15 years old unless it was replaced since the house was built. It was serviced roughly a year ago and the lad replaced basically every major component (definitely got the most out of my £200-all-in repair job). I know it's a poor boiler but I can't afford a new one right now.

Anyway, about a week ago the hot water started going intermittently cold - usually felt in the shower but also noticeable trying to fill a bowl to do some washing up. I noticed the water pressure had dropped to zero so refilled the system up to a little over 1Bar. Some improvement was noticed but not back to normal, and after a couple of days I noticed the pressure had dropped to ~0.8Bar. I filled it up to 1.5 and it's been stable for a few days, but the water is still running cold quite often.

I've done a couple of tests. Firstly the hot water stays consistent when the tap is half-open, but starts messing about at higher flow-rates. Second, the hot water will drop considerably in flow rate when the cold tap is turned on. This is only noticeable in the upstairs sink which has the only set of separate taps in the house. I've no idea if this second point is related to the current issues or if it's always done it, but I can't say I've noticed it in the past.

A swift Google points to divertor valves, rubber diaphragms or simply the ambient temperature of the water coming in. I don't want to drop another £200 into a repair/service if it's simply the ambient temperature of the incoming water that's dropped, but I can't see it being that since it hasn't exactly started snowing in the West Country. Some independent expert advice would be most appreciated before I call in the expensive types!

Cheers,

Bruno

**comedy dave** · 06-08-2012, 18:36

is the boiler scrappage scheme still going? I would say that getting new boiler would make more economic sense with without the scrappage scheme

**vinniethemanxcat** · 06-08-2012, 18:47

Congratulations.... you must have the equivalent of a 35 year- old alsatian.

Don't spend a penny more on it, get a new boiler.

I would recommend the Intergas range, only combi's I've fitted for the last 4 years..... simple, reliable and well built.

**BarkingSpider** · 06-08-2012, 18:49

Not sure if the old scheme is still going but I'd heard they were running it again?
We got £400 squids back from the boiler scrappage scheme when we replaced our very old 'G' rated boiler for a nice shiny 'A' rated condensing boiler. Saved a packet on heating and hot water too since then.

**old_n_fat** · 06-08-2012, 18:55

Originally Posted by vinniethemanxcat

Congratulations.... you must have the equivalent of a 35 year- old alsatian.

Don't spend a penny more on it, get a new boiler.

I would recommend the Intergas range, only combi's I've fitted for the last 4 years..... simple, reliable and well built.

Been looking at the intergas boilers on that there internet. Confused as to the differences. I'm looking to buy one that will support 9 radiators and hot water for 3 adults. Does that give enough info to recommend one of the range?

**Effendi** · 06-08-2012, 19:10

Combi's, pfooey!

I did my plumbing course Leamington Spa, got CORGI and then did a one week combi troubleshooter fixit course at the CITB place in Norfolk. Whilst the law allows non-CORGI's to fix THEIR OWN boilers it is not advisable for a CORGI regd installer to advise - especially on't'web.

If you are lucky you are probably running at a 60% efficiency on the boiler, and I mean lucky, probably nearer 40%-50%. To help you make the decision to change out to a newer, better boiler translate efficiency to pound notes.........for every quid spent you are getting 40p worth of heat.

Ideal HE24 Combi Boiler Reviews | Boilers | Review Centre

**Effendi** · 06-08-2012, 19:12

Originally Posted by BarkingSpider

Not sure if the old scheme is still going but I'd heard they were running it again?
We got £400 squids back from the boiler scrappage scheme when we replaced our very old 'G' rated boiler for a nice shiny 'A' rated condensing boiler. Saved a packet on heating and hot water too since then.

All that happens with the cashback schemes is that the plumbers/fitters put their prices up accordingly.........seen it, toooooo often.

**vinniethemanxcat** · 06-08-2012, 19:13

I usually fit the 28KW, but if you want to go bigger, you can get a 36KW, the water delivery on them is unreal, but the software ensures that the heating is cranked down on fan/ gas- rate so it doesn't burn any more.

Nothing to do with the company...... just a happy installer.

The only difference in the whole range is the length of the heat- exchanger, so the service guy comes out with a small attache- case, every part for every boiler (13) and can fix it on the spot.

Just fitted one in my house and in my mothers'

**old_n_fat** · 06-08-2012, 19:21

Originally Posted by vinniethemanxcat

I usually fit the 28KW, but if you want to go bigger, you can get a 36KW, the water delivery on them is unreal, but the software ensures that the heating is cranked down on fan/ gas- rate so it doesn't burn any more.

Nothing to do with the company...... just a happy installer.

The only difference in the whole range is the length of the heat- exchanger, so the service guy comes out with a small attache- case, every part for every boiler (13) and can fix it on the spot.

Just fitted one in my house and in my mothers'

I think that reply is for me, thanks for the info.