Both Glow Worm and Intergas offer reliable boiler options, but they serve different needs. Glow Worm is your budget-friendly choice, with prices starting around £500 and efficiency ratings of 89%, while Intergas leads in innovation and efficiency at 92% but costs more, starting at £700. You'll get longer warranties with Intergas (7-10 years vs. 2-7 years for Glow Worm). Your ideal choice depends on whether you prioritise upfront savings or long-term performance. Let's explore what matters most for your situation.
Key Takeaways
- Intergas boasts higher efficiency ratings at 92% compared to Glow Worm's 89.3-89.7%, resulting in better energy savings.
- Intergas offers longer standard warranties (7 years) and greater longevity (15-18 years) than Glow Worm's 2-7 year warranty options.
- Glow Worm provides more affordable pricing, with entry-level models starting at £500-£600 versus Intergas's £700-£800 starting range.
- Intergas's innovative dual heat exchanger technology requires fewer repairs, while Glow Worm offers cheaper replacement parts.
- Glow Worm has a more extensive service network for installations, while Intergas receives better after-sales support feedback.
Brand History and Market Position
Two historic European heating brands stand in contrast when comparing their journeys.
While Glow Worm has been warming British homes since 1934, Intergas began its story in the Netherlands in 1939.
You'll find Glow Worm's roots deeply embedded in British soil, with their factory in Derbyshire still operating today. They made waves in 1963 with their groundbreaking 'balanced flue' boiler, and in 2001, they joined the prestigious Vaillant Group family.
Intergas took a different path, remaining independent and focusing on innovation. They're the clever folks who introduced the first condensing boiler in 1989, and their two-in-one heat exchanger technology has turned quite a few heads in the industry.
While Glow Worm has positioned itself as your friendly, budget-conscious choice, Intergas has been steadily building its UK presence since 2009, appealing to homeowners who want cutting-edge efficiency without breaking the bank.
Our extensive collection of Glow Worm boilers guides covers everything from installation to maintenance.
Product Range Comparison
Looking beyond their rich histories, both Glow Worm and Intergas offer extensive boiler ranges to match your home's specific needs.
You'll find combi boilers from both manufacturers packing plenty of power – Glow Worm's range spans from 24-35kW, while Intergas edges slightly higher at 24-36kW.
If you're hunting for a system boiler, Intergas takes the lead with outputs up to 40kW, compared to Glow Worm's 30kW maximum.
The regular boiler lineup shows a similar pattern, with Intergas offering more powerful options up to 40kW.
Don't worry though – both brands have got you covered for standard-sized homes with their lower output models starting around 12kW.
What's really interesting is their unique features.
While Glow Worm lets you control your heating through their nifty MiGo app, Intergas boasts a clever dual heat exchanger that's self-cleaning (because who doesn't love a boiler that tidies up after itself?).
For those considering other options, Viessmann boilers offer another reliable alternative in the heating market.
Energy Performance and Efficiency
When it comes to cutting those pesky energy bills, both Glow Worm and Intergas have impressive efficiency ratings that'll make your wallet happy.
While Glow Worm boasts an efficiency range of 89.3-89.7%, Intergas edges ahead with a 92% rating.
You'll find Glow Worm's A-rated performance delivers solid savings, particularly with their Ultimate₃ combi boiler's 30kW output.
Plus, their low NOx emissions mean you're doing your bit for the environment too.
Intergas's clever 2-in-1 heat exchanger system gives them a slight advantage, allowing the boiler to condense 100% of the time.
Their ECO mode and direct hot water heating add extra efficiency points to their score.
In real terms, you could save between £160-£290 annually with either brand's A-rated boilers.
That's enough for a nice weekend getaway or treating yourself to a few fancy dinners out!
Both brands offer replacement boiler options that can significantly upgrade your home's heating efficiency.
Innovative Technologies and Features
Both Glow Worm and Intergas pack their boilers with smart features you'll actually use.
You'll find advanced control systems that let you manage your heating from your smartphone – Glow Worm's MiGo and Intergas's Comfort Touch make adjusting temperatures as easy as checking your social media.
When it comes to the heart of these boilers, you're getting some impressive tech.
Glow Worm uses an automotive-grade aluminium heat exchanger with a four-sided cooling system, while Intergas's unique two-in-one design is self-cleaning (yes, that means less maintenance for you).
If you're worried about space, both brands have got you covered.
Glow Worm's Ultimate 3 and Intergas's compact models will fit snugly in your kitchen cupboard.
They've even thought about noise – both brands use clever engineering to keep things whisper-quiet, so you won't have to turn up the TV when your heating kicks in.
You can find detailed information about Intergas boiler features in our comprehensive guide section.
Installation Requirements and Regulations
Since safety is paramount in boiler installations, you'll need to guarantee your chosen installer follows strict UK regulations for either Glow Worm or Intergas systems.
Both brands must be fitted by Gas Safe registered engineers and meet the minimum 92% efficiency rating.
Your installer needs to pay careful attention to flue positioning – think of it as your boiler's breathing system. They'll need to maintain specific clearances: 300mm from windows and 75mm from gutters.
Plus, there's that all-important 1.5-degree internal fall (just enough for water to run downhill, really).
For the nitty-gritty of installation, you'll need 22mm pipework for combis up to 28kW, and don't forget the magnetic filter – it's like a bouncer keeping nasty debris out of your system.
The electrical setup requires a dedicated 3A fused spur, and proper controls will help you save on those energy bills.
Warranties and After-Sales Care
Getting the right warranty coverage for your boiler is like having a safety net – you'll want to understand exactly what's protected before making your decision. Both Glow Worm and Intergas offer competitive warranty packages, but there are some key differences to take into account.
| Feature | Glow Worm | Intergas |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Warranty | 2-7 years | 7 years |
| Maximum Coverage | 10 years | 10 years |
| Registration Period | 30 days | 30 days |
| After-Sales Support | Mixed reviews | Positive feedback |
While Intergas takes the lead with a standard 7-year warranty across most models, Glow Worm's coverage varies from 2-7 years depending on your chosen model. Both brands require annual servicing to maintain warranty validity and 30-day registration after installation.
When it comes to after-sales support, Intergas generally receives more positive feedback for their responsive technical team and customer service. Glow Worm offers extensive support through their myGLOWWORM portal, though customer experiences can be mixed.
Running Costs and Maintenance
The long-term costs of running and maintaining your boiler will impact your wallet far more than the initial purchase price.
When comparing Glow Worm and Intergas, you'll find some notable differences in both running costs and maintenance requirements.
Intergas boilers typically cost £450-£550 annually to run, while Glow Worm's yearly fuel costs range from £500-£600. Thanks to Intergas's innovative heat exchanger technology, you could save up to 20% on your gas bills compared to older models.
Maintenance-wise, both brands need annual servicing (yes, even the fancy ones!).
However, Intergas has an edge with its self-cleaning heat exchangers and fewer components to maintain. Think of it as having a low-maintenance car versus one that needs frequent tune-ups.
Glow Worm does offer widely available parts for repairs, which can be handy if something goes wrong.
Either way, you'll need to keep an eye on system pressure and schedule regular check-ups with a Gas Safe engineer.
Price Points and Value Analysis
Anyone looking to buy a new boiler knows budget plays an essential role in the decision-making process. When comparing Glow Worm and Intergas, you'll find notable differences in their pricing structures.
| Feature | Glow Worm | Intergas |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level Price | £500-£600 | £700-£800 |
| Mid-Range Price | £700-£900 | £900-£1,100 |
| Installation Cost | £1,500-£2,500 | £1,600-£2,600 |
| Total Cost Range | £2,000-£3,700 | £2,300-£4,100 |
While Glow Worm offers more wallet-friendly options (perfect if you're watching those pennies), Intergas positions itself as a premium choice with prices typically 15-25% higher.
Don't let the initial price tag be your only guide, though. Intergas boasts longer lifespans (15-18 years) and fewer repairs, which could save you money in the long run. Meanwhile, Glow Worm's cheaper replacement parts and wider availability might appeal if you're planning to handle maintenance yourself.
For a deeper understanding of how these brands stack up against others, explore our boiler comparison guides in the categories section.
Making the Right Choice for Your Home
Making sense of boiler specs and prices is just the starting point – your home's unique needs should guide your final decision between Glow Worm and Intergas.
If you're working with limited space, Glow Worm's compact models might be your best bet. They'll fit nicely in those awkward kitchen cupboards that seem designed to test your patience.
For homes in hard water areas, Intergas's limescale-resistant heat exchanger technology could save you from future headaches and repair bills. Their simpler design with fewer parts also means there's less that can go wrong.
If you're tech-savvy and love smart home features, both brands will keep you happy. You can control either through smart thermostats, though Intergas offers wireless RF controls if you're tired of getting up to adjust the temperature.
Consider your local installer network too. While both brands require professional installation, Glow Worm's extensive service network might give you more options in your area.
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