Glow-worm Hideaway from 1992 - worth changing?

Vagildi

I am thinking of having a new kitchen put in in a few months. Currently my boiler is in the kitchen and is fitted at floor level and is hidden behind a cupboard door with ventilation to the outer wall.

Is it worth changing this boiler as it is nearly 20 years old? Touchwood it has not been any problem at all in this time.

If I don't change it and have a new kitchen installed around it would it be poosible later to change the boiler without having to rip out the new kitchen?

Thanks in advance for any help as this is all baffling to me...

Cardew

There are loads of threads on this subject.

This for example.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/40021584#Comment_40021584

The concensus of opinion is not to change a working boiler; I intend to keep my 23 year old boiler as long as possible!

If you are having a new kitchen it is worth asking the kitchen fitter to 'allow' for a future change of boiler. There are several gas-safe fitters who contribute to this forum who will be able to advise on likely pitfalls e.g. larger bore gas supply pipe?? and provision for a condensate drain.

gas4you

Normally I would fully agree with the above. However, your situation, with having a new kitchen fitted, especially as you have an old floor standing boiler, is one where I would always recommend having a new boiler at the time of a new kitchen install.

Even with space allowed, this will still cause you problems in the future when a new boiler is eventually needed.

Plan and budget it in with the new kitchen install, preferably between getting the old kitchen removed and the new one being installed. (I like an easy install job)

Vagildi

ahhh this is what I feared - two contradictory responses.

FWIW - what is the general consensus on the forum about putting in a new kitchen around an old boiler?

macman

As long as the access is OK, then the 'new kitchen' bit is not that relevant, the only major modification for a new boiler would probably be the fluing arrangements-is it currently a vertical flue? Other than that it's probably no more than a bit of remedial decorative work should you change it after you have the new kitchen.
I can see no logic in spending maybe £2,500 or more on a new boiler just because you are having a new kitchen, if the old one has been trouble free and parts are still available.

gas4you

Depends how long the boiler will last.

Could spring a leak at any time really at that age.

As it's a floor standing boiler, then a new one will probably be a wall mounted one, so will you have a wall cupboard removed to accommodate it? Very few fit in the cupboard these days.

Then what are you going to do with the space on the floor? If it's 2 or 3 years down the line, are you really going to be able to get the same door fronts/drawers etc to match your nice new units?

Changing from an open flue (if that's what you have) to a fan flue may not be easy or possible when you come to need it.

There are very few floor standing boilers available now and will be even fewer in the future. They are also way overpriced compared to wall mounted ones.

Hence my recommendation of getting a new boiler with a new kitchen.

Cardew

Vagildi wrote: »

ahhh this is what I feared - two contradictory responses.

FWIW - what is the general consensus on the forum about putting in a new kitchen around an old boiler?

There is no 'one size fits all' answer to your query.

Gas4you(as usual) make very valid points.

However he indicates that, without the new kitchen factor, he would advise you not to replace a working boiler.

So it really is down to a kitchen fitter to advise after seeing the proposed layout of your kitchen and what [STRIKE]you[/STRIKE] your wife wants!

mark_j

I had a new Chippendale kitchen fitted a couple of months ago,along with a new Vaillant Ecotec bolier.

Sods law is that you will have your new kitchen fitted then you will start to have problems with your old boiler. The size, space,flue, wont be right for a new boiler and you will make a big mess trying to retro fit.

A new condensing boiler will by far more efficient than your 20 year old one, so your gas bills should reduce.

If i was in your position i would plan in a new wall mounted boiler into the design/layout of your new kitchen

And the price mentioned earlier of £2500 seems very steep

Vagildi

Thanks for all the replies so far.

What is the typical cost of having a wall mounted condenser boiler fitted then?

mark_j

Vagildi wrote: »

Thanks for all the replies so far.

What is the typical cost of having a wall mounted condenser boiler fitted then?

My boiler was less than £900, then you got the cost of fitting. Have you got any reputable workmen in your area to get several quotes???

Petree

I would keep the old one, provided it works, talk to the kitchen designer about the modifications needed for putting a new one in (assume remove a wall unit and add a floor one), and order the spare carcass and door to do so, shouldn't cost too much assuming its not a very expensive kitchen and keep it safely stored away somewhere so you've got the option should the old one give up.