Frequently Asked Questions
To help answer any queries you may have about Baxi back boilers, we've put together this list of frequently asked questions.
Q What type of chimney can the Baxi Bermuda back boiler be installed in?
A Any Class 1 brick chimney - a traditional chimney in the UK. A Class 1 flue is the most versatile of all flues. It is 7" in diameter and is usually found in properties with conventional chimneys
Q What is the maximum length of flue for the BBU HE?
A The maximum flue length is 12.5m. However the average chimney height in the UK is 9m. To cater for taller building our flues are sold in two lengths, 10m and 12.5m
Q During the annual service how can the integrity of the flue be checked?
A The integrity of the single piece concentric flue can be checked using an analyser and the test points on the Bermuda back boiler unit. Check the air within the outer flue and there should no CO present.
Q When fitting the O-rings to the flue is there a recommended lubricant?
A We would recommend the use of talcum powder to lubricate the O-rings. Liquid or silicon based lubricants should not be used on the flue.
Q Is there any requirement for a secondary seal on the flue?
A The concentric flue eliminates the need for a secondary flue seal. However, good practice would be to seal the chimney/flue to prevent corrosion and debris falling into the room.
Q What size of builders opening is required for the Bermuda back boiler unit?
Q How far can the condensate be discharged from the BBU HE?
A The maximum vertical distance from the boiler to the discharge point is 3.5m. There is no limit horizontally, providing the pipe has a 'fall' away from the appliance.
Q What size of pipe work is required for the condensate?
A The condensate can be discharged through conventional 10mm Speedfit pipe.
Q Can the condensate sump be removed for cleaning?
A Yes, simply remove the pump and twist out the sump for easy cleaning.
Q What electrical connections are required for the BBU HE to operate?
A The BBU HE requires a Switched Live, Neutral, Earth and a permanent Live. The supply to be Bermuda BBU HE should be protected by a 3 Amp fuse.
Q What material is the primary heat exchanger manufactured from?
A An Aluminium/Silicon alloy. It is used for a variety of reasons:
- Aluminium is a lightweight material used because of it's excellent heat transfer properties. Silicon is included because it elevates the operating temperature of the heat exchanger and reduces friction within the waterways.
- The material has been used by our sister company Brotje who have manufactured over 500'000 boilers with only a handful of failures.
- Aluminium/Silicon alloy can be cast with wider waterways making it suitable for use on traditional open vented as well as sealed systems.
Q Is there any funding available for changing to the BBU HE?
A Yes, the Bermuda back boiler unit is eligible for CERT funding, claimed directly from the company supplying gas to the property and equates to £64 per boiler.
Q How noisy is the boiler in operation?
A The noise level depends on a number of factors including the size and material of the opening. As a guide the new back boiler will be 45 dB(A)@1m. As a guide a conversation would be around 50 dB(A) and a quiet library 40 dB(A).
Q How much energy does the flame bed on the Dimension fire consume?
A Low energy LED's are used to light the flame bed. These bulbs use 5 Watts of energy which equates to approximately 6p per day based on 8 hours of use.
Q What is the expected life of the LED's within the fire?
A The life of the LED's will be around 35 years.
Q How efficient is the electric fire compared to a gas fire?
A Electric fire are 100% efficient at the point of use and provide usable heat immediately they are switched on. Gas fires, need to heat the flue before they become effective as a heat source. This can take in excess of 20 minutes.
Q How easy is it to control the new Bermuda back boiler?
A The unit is factory set to optimise performance and fuel efficiency, with a user control fitted into the fire surround. This simple-to-use control has 2 buttons which enable the user to switch the back boiler on and off, and to reset the unit.
Q Will the user notice a difference in their gas bills by using this High Efficiency Bermuda BBU?
A Yes. The EST have recently issued their energy savings guide which shows that on a like for like usage users could save between £125 and £310 depending on the property size.
Q What is the normal installation time associated with changing the existing BBU with a new Bermuda BBU HE?
A Our experience, obtaining during the field trials, demonstrated that the installation of the BBU and fire could be completed within 1 day.
Q How much redecoration will be necessary after the installation?
A Again our experience shows that where the existing fire surround and hearth are retained no re-decoration is necessary.
Q Why should I install a high efficiency back boiler unit rather than a standard efficiency BBU?
A Firstly, the Bermuda BBU HE is a room sealed appliance which eliminates the risks associated with older open flued appliances. Secondly, Condensing boilers offer greater levels of efficiency which provides users with annual savings of £125 to £310 depending on the property size.
Q Can the user retain the use of the existing gas fire with the new Bermuda HE BBU?
A The existing gas fire cannot be used with the Bermuda BBU HE as the open flue has been replaced with the single piece concentric flue. Therefore there is no means for the combustion gases to escape.
Q Can the Bermuda BBU HE used in conjunction with other Low and Zero Carbon technologies?
A Yes. As part of a "solar ready" installation the current cylinder can be replaced by a Megaflo Solar unvented cylinder which can be connected to solar panels at some future date. This make the system future-proof as well as offering lower energy bills associated with the provision of domestic hot water.
Q Can the existing cylinder be retained when a new Bermuda BBU HE is installed?
A Yes providing the cylinder is an indirect model and is of serviceable quality.
