Choosing a new boiler is a significant investment, and it’s essential to get it right. With so many brands and models on the market, the process can feel overwhelming. One name that often comes up in conversations about reliable, budget-friendly heating is Glow-worm, particularly its Easicom range.
But is this the right boiler for your home? Let’s take a deep dive into the pros and cons of the Glow-worm Easicom range to help you make an informed decision. And remember, when you’re ready to install, a qualified gas engineer is your best resource. For expert installation and advice, you can contact GMC Heating and Plumbing Ltd at 07736937010.
What is the Glow-worm Easicom Boiler?
The Glow-worm Easicom is a popular series of boilers known for offering excellent value for money. Manufactured in the UK by Glow-worm, a brand that is part of the larger Vaillant Group, these boilers are designed to be a straightforward, efficient, and affordable choice. They’re available in a range of outputs, making them suitable for many different home sizes.
The Easicom range typically includes combi and system boilers, with combi boilers being the most common choice for many households due to their space-saving design.
Pros of the Glow-worm Easicom Boiler
Here’s why the Glow-worm Easicom range might be a great fit for your home:
- Affordability: One of the biggest selling points of the Easicom range is its price. These boilers are positioned as a budget-friendly option, offering a lower initial cost compared to many premium brands. This makes them a fantastic choice if you’re on a tight budget.
- Reliability: Despite their lower price point, Glow-worm boilers are known for their reliability. Being owned by the Vaillant Group, they often share components with the more expensive Vaillant boilers, which is a big plus for build quality and performance. The brand has a strong reputation, with many positive reviews from homeowners and installers alike, including many a gas engineer we’ve spoken to.
- High Efficiency: The Easicom boilers are all A-rated for energy efficiency (ErP A-rating). This means they’re highly efficient, which can lead to significant savings on your energy bills, especially if you’re upgrading from an older, less efficient model.
- Compact and Easy to Install: The Easicom combi models are designed to be compact, making them easy to install in tight spaces like a kitchen cupboard. They also come with an easy-to-use LCD display and are compatible with a range of smart controls, like Glow-worm’s own MiGo Select, allowing for even greater efficiency and control. This ease of installation is often appreciated by a plumber near me or a local gas engineer.
- Solid Warranty: Glow-worm typically offers a solid warranty on its Easicom boilers. While a standard warranty might be 3 years, this can often be extended to 5 years or more when installed by a Glow-worm Club Energy installer. A longer warranty provides peace of mind and protection against potential future repair costs.
Cons of the Glow-worm Easicom Boiler
While the Easicom range is a great option, there are a few things to consider:
- Mid-Range Performance: While reliable and efficient, the Easicom is considered a mid-range boiler. It may not offer all the premium features and advanced technology found in a top-of-the-line model from brands like Worcester Bosch or Vaillant. For example, some models may come with a basic analogue timer as standard, though they are compatible with more advanced controls.
- Potential for Common Issues: Like any boiler, the Easicom isn’t immune to problems. Some users have reported common issues that can lead to error codes, such as low water pressure (F9 fault) and ignition errors (F1 or F4 faults). However, many of these issues are often straightforward to fix by a qualified gas engineer. It’s also worth noting that Glow-worm boilers can be particularly sensitive to dirty sensors and sludge build-up, so fitting a magnetic filter is a great way to prevent future problems.
- Lower Efficiency on Older Models: While newer Easicom 3 models boast high efficiency ratings, some older Easicom boilers had a slightly lower efficiency, which is something to be aware of if you’re considering a refurbished or older unit. Always check the specific model’s efficiency rating (ErP A-rating is the goal!).
- Limited Outputs for Larger Homes: The Easicom combi range is generally available in 24kW and 28kW outputs. While this is perfect for small to medium-sized properties with one bathroom, it may not be powerful enough to meet the heating and hot water demands of a larger home with multiple bathrooms. If you need a higher output, you may have to look at a different Glow-worm range or another brand entirely.
Final Verdict
The Glow-worm Easicom range is an excellent choice for homeowners seeking a reliable, high-efficiency boiler on a budget. Its affordability, combined with the proven technology and backing of the Vaillant Group, makes it a compelling option. It’s a boiler that performs well, helps reduce energy bills, and comes with a good warranty.
However, if you have a larger property with high hot water demand or if you’re looking for the absolute latest in boiler technology and smart features, you might want to consider a higher-end model. For most standard UK homes, though, the Glow-worm Easicom range is a solid, trustworthy investment that won’t break the bank.
Always remember to consult with a Gas Safe registered engineer to ensure you choose the correct boiler output for your specific home and to get a professional installation. If you’re in the local area and need assistance, search for “gas engineers near me” or, specifically, “gas engineers Stoke on Trent” to find a qualified professional who can help. For expert boiler advice and installation, don’t hesitate to contact GMC Heating and Plumbing Ltd on 07736937010.
