Worcester Greenstar 18Ri Review

Why Consider the Worcester Bosch Greenstar 18Ri?

The Greenstar 18Ri is a regular boiler, so it requires a separate hot water cylinder and cold-water storage cistern. This makes it most suitable for homes that already have these components.

Its 18kW central heating output is aimed at properties with relatively low heating demand. The original specification describes it as suitable for small to medium-sized homes, including properties with around 3--4 bedrooms and 6--8 radiators.

Key Features at a Glance

• Efficiency rating: 92%, with an A rating on the ErP scale
• Central heating output: 18kW
• Warranty: up to 8 years under qualifying Worcester Bosch
• installation conditions
• LPG compatible
• Compact dimensions: 600 × 390 × 270mm
• Compatible with suitable solar heating systems
• Frost protection for installations in colder areas

What Makes the Greenstar 18Ri a Good Choice?

The main benefit of the Greenstar 18Ri is its suitability for replacing an existing regular boiler.

Where the existing pipework, radiators, cylinder and other components are compatible, a like-for-like replacement may involve less disruption than changing the entire heating system.

Its wall-mounted design also gives you flexibility when choosing where the boiler is installed.

Serviceteam installs boilers in London, including replacement boilers where the existing heating system is suitable for the chosen model.

Efficiency and Environmental Impact

The Greenstar 18Ri has a stated efficiency rating of 92% and an ErP A rating for heat.

A more efficient boiler can use less fuel to produce the required heat, which may help reduce energy use and running costs compared with an older boiler.

The 18Ri is also compatible with suitable solar heating systems, giving homeowners the option of adding renewable heating technology in the future.

Is the Worcester Greenstar 18Ri Right for Your Home?

The Greenstar 18Ri is most relevant if you already have a regular boiler system and want to replace the boiler while retaining compatible parts of the existing system.

Ideal For

• Small to medium-sized homes with relatively low heating demand
• Properties with an existing hot water cylinder and cold-water
• storage cistern
• Homes where a regular boiler is already installed
• Homeowners looking for a compact replacement
• Properties where compatible existing heating components can be
• retained

Not Ideal For

• Homes without space for a hot water cylinder and cold-water storage
• cistern
• Larger properties with higher heating and hot water requirements
• Properties using a gravity-fed system, as the 18Ri should be
• installed as part of a fully pumped system

The Greenstar Ri range includes other output options, so a different model may be more suitable if 18kW does not match your property's heating requirements.

Boiler output should be assessed against the property rather than chosen solely by the number of bedrooms or radiators.

Is the Worcester Greenstar 18Ri Right for Your Home?

The Greenstar 18Ri is a compact, wall-mounted boiler that can be suitable for a straightforward replacement where the existing system is compatible.

A like-for-like installation may be relatively quick when the existing pipework, radiators, cylinder and other components can be retained.

The actual installation time depends on the property and the work required. Changes to pipework, the flue or other heating components can increase the time and cost.

The 18Ri should be installed with a fully pumped system rather than a gravity-fed system.

Warranty and Guarantee

The Greenstar 18Ri can have an 8-year Worcester Bosch guarantee when qualifying conditions are met, including installation by a Worcester Accredited Installer and use of a Greenstar filter.

The guarantee available depends on the installation and the manufacturer's current terms. Check the applicable conditions before choosing the boiler.

Solar Heating Compatibility

The Greenstar 18Ri is compatible with suitable solar heating systems, including Worcester's Greenskies range.

This gives homeowners the option of integrating compatible solar heating technology later.

Any proposed solar installation should be assessed for compatibility with the complete heating and hot water system.

Worcester Greenstar 18Ri Costs

The estimated installed cost is around £1,698–£2,198, based on:

• Boiler price: £898 including VAT
• Installation: £500--£1,000
• Sundries such as a filter and flue: around £300

These are indicative figures rather than a fixed installation price. The final cost depends on the boiler price, installation requirements and any additional work needed to the existing system.

For an accurate price, contact Serviceteam for a personalised quote based on your existing system and property.

Pros and Cons of the Greenstar 18Ri

Pros

• A-rated efficiency
• Compact wall-mounted design
• Suitable for compatible regular boiler systems
• Can work well as a like-for-like replacement
• LPG compatible
• Solar heating compatible
• Potential for an extended Worcester Bosch guarantee under qualifying
• conditions

Cons

• Requires a separate hot water cylinder and cold-water storage
• cistern
• Not suitable for every heating system
• An 18kW output may not be sufficient for larger homes
• Installation costs can increase if existing components or pipework
• need changing

Our Verdict on the Worcester Greenstar 18Ri

The Worcester Greenstar 18Ri is worth considering if you need to replace an existing regular boiler and want to retain a compatible traditional heating system.

Its compact design and 18kW output make it most relevant to homes with relatively low heating demand. The stated 92% efficiency rating is another reason it may appeal to homeowners replacing an older boiler.

The main limitation is the system it requires. If you do not have space for a hot water cylinder and cold-water storage cistern, or your property's heating demand is higher, another boiler type or output may be more suitable.

The right choice depends on the property and existing heating system, not just the boiler's headline specifications.

Find the Right Boiler for Your Home

If you're unsure whether the Greenstar 18Ri is suitable, a qualified heating engineer can assess your existing system and recommend an appropriate boiler.

They can check the property's heating requirements, existing components, pipework, cylinder, flue arrangements and available installation space before providing a quotation.

Once installed, regular boiler servicing can help keep the system operating safely and efficiently.

If you're comparing different boiler models, our boiler reviews and buying guides cover other options and what to consider before choosing a replacement.

Not sure whether the Worcester Greenstar 18Ri is suitable for your home? Speak to Serviceteam about your existing heating system and get a quote for boiler installation in London.