We all know that Champdogs is the place to find out information about absolutely anything. I remember Lea giving me excellent concrete advice etc. so I'm chancing my luck that there is someone out there who knows everything there is to know about gas boilers :)

I've currently got an old back boiler behind my fire and separate hot and cold water tanks. I'm having all that taken out and a lovely new condenser boiler put in instead. I know it's going to be much more efficient than the existing setup but the boiler the chap has recommended is sedbuk band B. Is that ok? Or should I be asking for a band A? I've done a bit of googling and established that sedbuk band B is between 86 and 90% efficient - is that sufficient?

I've to choose between the Vokera Compact 25HE and 35HE, the difference being in the hot water flow rate apparently. The 25 does 10.2 litres per minute and the 35 is 13.9 l/m - what does that mean in real terms? I don't have an electric shower, just a shower head coming from the mixer tap in bath - is the 25 sufficient for a reasonable strength shower?

Any help, insight, comments or suggestions welcome :)

:::sits back and waits for Cd to work it's magic

OH works in this field and said you should get a sedbuk A and either a worcester or a vailant boiler. The brand you mentioned is in his words 'rubbish'. Vokera is the same make as chaffato (sp) and my mother has had her brand new one fixed 7 times in its first year. The outlay will be more expensive but the reliability will make that pay for itself.

He just shouted that they are both good makes but the vailant is best by a long shot.

Hope this helps xx

Thanks very much, yes this is exactly the kind of feedback I need - off to look at Vailant boilers now :)

Anyone else any experience or opinions?

We have a Worcester Bosch Greenstar 28i Condensing Combination boiler, Energy efficiency Band A,  there are 6 of us in the house, and it's great for baths and shower.

We did wonder if we needed the bigger boiler, but this one is perfect, our first winter bill came in £140 CHEAPER than our previous one with our old boiler and hot water tank.

Not only has it saved us a fortune (and probably paid for itself) it's great to have hot water on tap constantly.

Great we are having one of those 28i fitted next month, like you was wondering because of the size would it be ok so your've answered that question for me there is only the 2 of us

Don't know much about this particular type but can attest to the reliability of the Vaillant brand.  Our combi boiler is about 20 years old now, Hubbie had to fit a new pump about 2 years ago but no other trouble, touch wood.