Baxi's new back boiler unit is one of the most cost effective ways to replace an old back boiler

(17/08/2010)

When it was launched in 1966, the Baxi Bermuda back boiler revolutionised home heating. The idea was simple: a boiler to provide heating and hot water in the home, which fitted into the existing fire place, rather than taking valuable floor or wall space elsewhere in the home.

The product was so practical and reliable that the name Baxi Bermuda was synonymous with back boiler expertise. It is estimated that over 80 per cent of back boilers were Baxi installations. Today, many homes across the country still rely on a Baxi Bermuda for heating and hot water.

When the Building Regulations changed in 2005, all new boiler installations and replacements had to use high efficiency boilers, also known as condensing boilers. This meant that replacing back boiler units (BBU) became a complicated and expensive business. Space needed to be found to re-site the boiler, pipes rerouted and fireplaces and the surrounding wall redecorated. And if there really wasn’t an alternative site for a new boiler, special permission had to be sought from the local planning office to make an exception.

Baxi has developed a brand new, high efficiency back boiler unit. It is the only condensing model on the market, and is one of the most cost effective ways to replace an old back boiler. And the good news is that, because it is a high efficiency, A-rated boiler, no special paperwork or permission is needed when you decide to install one.

The package includes a state-of-the-art Valor Dimension electric fire, featuring the very latest patented hologram technology to create an exceptionally lifelike coal effect fire.

There’s a special online product selector to help you choose from a whole range of different fire fronts and surrounds, or you may like to retain your own fire surround, which can be removed and then replaced after the new boiler has been installed.

Benefits of installing a new Baxi Bermuda BBU HR:

• SEDBUK 2005 Band A boiler, over 90 per cent efficient, which means savings of up to £235 per year on gas bills (According to Energy Saving Trust)
• Valor Dimension fire can produce 2kW of heat output or it can be run without heat to give a realistic flame effect focal point for your room
• No special planning permission is required because it complies with the Building Regulations
• Existing pipe work can be used
• Little or no decoration is needed after installation
• No cupboard or wall space needs to be lost elsewhere in the home
• Easy to use controls are located on the fire front
• Range of attractive fire fronts to choose from, from stylish traditional to sleek modern.
• A choice of fire surrounds, complete with back panels and hearths, so you can choose the perfect design to complement your fire.

Frequently asked questions:

Q Can I replace my back boiler and keep the old gas fire?
A No. In order to make it a condensing boiler, the flue, which goes up the chimney, has to be replaced with a single concentric flue. This means there is no where for the gas fire’s combustion gases to escape.

Q Won’t running an electric fire be more expensive than the gas fire?
A No. Electric fires are 100% efficient at the point of use and give out heat as soon as they are switched on. Gas fires need to heat the flue before they become efficient, which can take more than 20 minutes.

Q How long will it take to replace my old boiler?
A It should only take about a day to replace both the boiler and the fire.

Q Are there any grants available to help me upgrade my old back boiler?
A Yes. The new Baxi Bermuda BBU HE is eligible for CERT (Carbon Emissions Reduction Target) funding of £64, which you can claim directly from your gas supplier.

Q In the future, I may want to install solar. Will I be able to use it with my new boiler?
A Yes. The only change would be to replace your hot water storage tank with a solar cylinder, such as the Megaflo Solar cylinder.

Related categories:  Boilers - Domestic   Fireplaces   Residential applications