Ferroli Optimax HE 31C New Boiler required?

[dtc016]

Sorry if this is not in the right section...I am not a plumber, but a consumer. Here is the story so far:

My mother is having problems with the Ferroli Optimax HE 31C gas boiler installed in her house. I employed a local tradesman to install the central heating and boiler system, in December 2008, and I assumed (foolishly) that he would arrange for the correct documentation etc ..to be completed. However, this was not the case and I suppose that I should be grateful that Ferroli sent out an engineer on acouple of occasions to repair the boiler in the first couple of years without my mother being able to produce the paperwork. The persistent fault code and usual problem is F35 which “signifies an electrical frequency error on the pcb”according to Ferroli. Now the boiler has packed up again, and the F35 code is showing again. Another local plumber has looked at the system and informed me that I need to buy a new boiler. I have been quoted £2400 from British Gas (Potterton Promax 28+) and this really seems expensive.

I was looking to get a servicing contract from them as they are advertised as “from £11 permonth” .. but as the boiler needs to be repaired the best they can offer is £30.13 per month!

I was looking to get a one off repair through BG at £79.. but they then told me that this was only if the repair could be completed within a certain time .. if it took longer than 30 minutes it would rise to £199 or even to £409 !! As I have no idea how long this repair would take .. I am wondering if the “best” solution would be to buy a new boiler… Any advice on this matter would be appreciated.

John

 

[TBServices]

British Gas will have quoted you approx twice as much as a local engineer would have to fit new boiler. Why do people still go down this route?

Anyway, get a quote for a new boiler from an independant engineer, preferably recommended, you'll probably get a better boiler and better standard of work than from BG. where are you located?

 

[dtc016]

My mother's house is near the ***bria / Northumbria border. Am I right to be wary of Ferroli, in your opinion?

 

[Dotty]

Let's put it this way.






Yes.

 

[dtc016]

What make and model of boiler would you recommend (3 bed semi-detached, ex council house)?

 

[plumber0808]

And.... In come the Intergas brigade.

intergas for me.

 

[Billy Bob Bob]

the promax is basically a duotec 1 and is a absolutely cracking boiler,one of the best you can buy,the ferroli is tat,and bg are charging far to much,get a good independent gas engineer to fit you either a duotec 1 HEA or potterton titanium both now come with a 7 year warranty

 

[dtc016]

So is there any point in me trying to get the Ferroli repaired?

 

[Billy Bob Bob]

So is there any point in me trying to get the Ferroli repaired?

not if you can afford to replace it there total rubbish

 

[plumber0808]

They are total rubbish as said. never fitted one for that reason but have been out to loads.

they are cheap allowing the installer to give you a cheap quote and make a bit of ££ on it. Shame as most customers have no idea and go with the installers recommendations

 

[lame plumber]

And.... In come the Intergas brigade.

intergas for me.

and me

 

[Killy Bing]

Intergas for me too

its a false economy going for a cheaper brand.

as for ferroli boilers, they are good for one thing, seeing how far you can throw them into a skip!