Boiler - Repair or replace?

mikee31

Looking for some advice as our ancient (prob 30+ years old) Baxi Bermuda Boiler has packed up again. :mad:

Had a reputable local firm fix it briefly at a cost of £100 last week but they advised that it would need other bits doing to it as it was uncertain as to how long it would last. Lo and behold its gone again.

So, the dilemma is to repair it at a cost of £250 (to replace gas valve) or replace the whole system for approx. £3,000 (quote by same company, which is much less than quoted elsewhere).

The repair would be the better option in the short term as funds aren't great at the moment, but I am worried that again it will only temporarily patch up a declining system, and when winter comes round we could have further problems.

Alternatively, I could replace the system with something a bit more modern and efficient which would also have the benefit of removing the old fireplace, water tank from bedroom cupboard and tank from the loft. Although there are huge benefits with this, the money situation is a problem. My parents have offered to lend us the money, but do I want to take out further debt?

I am encouraged by hearing others stories about their fuel bills reducing when a new heating system is installed which could help financially, however we're only paying £63 gas and electric per month at present (EON recently reduced this from £100 per month as we were paying too much) which for a family of 2 adults 2 kids seems reasonable.

Any thoughts wise people out there?

gas4you

Theres not much to go wrong on an old Baxi BBU. Gas Valve, boiler stat, thermocouple.

The worst with these is when they start leaking water from the heat exchanger, then it is time to replace the boiler.

I certainly think that £3k is an ok price, although at the top end, as long as it is all in and includes vat.

Canucklehead

mikee31 wrote: »

Looking for some advice as our ancient (prob 30+ years old) Baxi Bermuda Boiler has packed up again. :mad:

Had a reputable local firm fix it briefly at a cost of £100 last week but they advised that it would need other bits doing to it as it was uncertain as to how long it would last. Lo and behold its gone again.

So, the dilemma is to repair it at a cost of £250 (to replace gas valve) or replace the whole system for approx. £3,000 (quote by same company, which is much less than quoted elsewhere).

The repair would be the better option in the short term as funds aren't great at the moment, but I am worried that again it will only temporarily patch up a declining system, and when winter comes round we could have further problems.

Alternatively, I could replace the system with something a bit more modern and efficient which would also have the benefit of removing the old fireplace, water tank from bedroom cupboard and tank from the loft. Although there are huge benefits with this, the money situation is a problem. My parents have offered to lend us the money, but do I want to take out further debt?

I am encouraged by hearing others stories about their fuel bills reducing when a new heating system is installed which could help financially, however we're only paying £63 gas and electric per month at present (EON recently reduced this from £100 per month as we were paying too much) which for a family of 2 adults 2 kids seems reasonable.

Any thoughts wise people out there?

Good afternoon: keep nursing it along and start putting aside funds each month to pay for the burial/replacement. Take advantage of the funding available for upgrading your insulation if you haven't yet....the most cost effective way to reduce heating fuel costs.

HTH

Canucklehead

mikee31

Thanks guys for comments.....still undecided though!