Are back boilers expensive to run?

Callie22

Apologies in advance if this is the wrong place, and further apologies for what's probably a daft question, but any help will be very gratefully received!

We're looking to move into a new rented property soon and one of the places we're interested in has a back boiler. I really don't know a lot about them and I'm just wondering if they are expensive to run, when compared with more modern systems.

Everywhere we've lived previously has had more modern boilers and from a quick google, the consensus seems to be that back boilers are inefficient, can be a problem if they're not maintained (which can be an issue in rentals ...) and are likely to give you high bills. It also seemed to suggest that the boiler is likely to be pretty old? How does it practically work with these systems? As I said, I've almost always lived in places with newer systems which give hot water 'on demand', so I'm wondering how different this is likely to be.

This place also had no shower in the bathroom and although the LL is happy for us to install an electric shower at our own expense (something we're not over keen on but a shower is important to us) from what I've read online a back boiler system might make this more difficult? Is this the case?

Thanks for any help - we're trying to save for a mortgage so we're looking to save as much as possible, so I'd rather not save money on the rent but spend it in higher bills!

leveller2911

We have a Baxi Bermuda back boiler and its 65% efficant which basically means for every £10 worth of gas used £3-50 goes straight up the chimney...

Some modern back boilers I believe are much better....but very expensive

Callie22

leveller2911 wrote: »

We have a Baxi Bermuda back boiler and its 65% efficant which basically means for every £10 worth of gas used £3-50 goes straight up the chimney...

That's what I was led to believe. Can't really afford to throw money away like that so I think this house is a no-go. The boiler is very, very old and I bet it's even less efficient than yours. I've also heard lots of things about carbon monoxide problems with badly maintained back boilers and having had a close shave in a rental in the past I'm very wary of anything that could cause that kind of issue.

Thanks for your help

ormus

we changed from a baxi BB to a modern vaillant condensing boiler about 4 yrs ago. modern boilers are 90% efficient.
my gas bill went down by 30%.

ps
we had other insulation done too. C/W etc...

Owain_Moneysaver

leveller2911 wrote: »

We have a Baxi Bermuda back boiler and its 65% efficant which basically means for every £10 worth of gas used £3-50 goes straight up the chimney...

Along with lots of your expensively heated air from the room.

To be replaced by freezing cold air through the 'safety vent' hole in the wall.

Also the age of these systems mean they often have poor controls, no rad or cylinder stats etc.

missnippy

I moved into a house with a back boiler last year, and it was expensive to run, just for heating hot water. It was also really noisy.

It died in September, so I had a combi and new rads fitted, and it's the best thing I ever did. I had my heating on a lot over the winter, and my gas bill was ridiculously low.

colli

we've moved into a place with back boiler about a year ago from a place with a modern boiler and our bills have stayed about the same even though we've gone from a 2 bed flat to 4 bed house. This is due to the house having double glazing, working thermostat, proper loft insulation, carpets compared to the flat which had old sash windows, high ceilings, bare floorboards etc. All things being equal the back boiler will cost more but don't forget about all the other things that affect how easy it is to heat your house too.

ETA In rentals your landlord has a legal obligation to check the safety of your boiler annually and carbon monoxide alarms arent expensive (and worth having whatever gas boiler you use)

Callie22

colli wrote: »

ETA In rentals your landlord has a legal obligation to check the safety of your boiler annually and carbon monoxide alarms arent expensive (and worth having whatever gas boiler you use)

I know that, but it's incredible how many landlords don't ... I think I've had to fight for an annual gas safety check in every property I've ever rented, despite it being the law for heaven knows how long. I get very tired of being labelled a 'nagging' tenant just because you're asking for something like that, but I refuse to let it drop. We also have audible carbon monoxide detectors - after a lucky escape, I'm paranoid about checking them.

Thank you all for your help!

macman

You are supposed to be given a copy of the Gas Safety Certificate upon arrival in the property, it's a clear legal obligation for which non-compliance can result in a prison sentence. You don't have to 'nag', you just tell the LL that if it isn't supplied within 7 days then you will report them, as it's your life that is potentially at risk.
This LL seems quite happy to have an obsolete back boiler and let you fit a fairly standard amenity like a shower at your expense, I would look elsewhere!

Callie22

macman wrote: »

This LL seems quite happy to have an obsolete back boiler and let you fit a fairly standard amenity like a shower at your expense, I would look elsewhere!

Don't worry, we have!