Life expectancy of combi condensing boiler?

kateemac

Hi all, first time poster so please be gentle! I'm in the process of buying a house which has a 4 year old Ideal IH30 combi condensing boiler. The owner of the house tells me that his plumber advises that this should last '12-15 years' (I've seen the email). This contradicts everything I've seen on here and elsewhere about condensing boilers. Please can someone give me an expert opinion as to likely life expectancy? Also, an idea of replacement cost (at today's prices) inc. labour, flushing system etc. I'd be really grateful for any advice. Thank you.

gas4you

Most condensing boilers should last about 10-15 years if looked after and serviced properly.

However, assuming that you are talking about an Ideal Isar HE30 condensing boiler, then this is on borrowed time already.

Ideal make the most unreliable boilers around. I have taken these boilers out and replaced them from about 3 years old onwards.

You will be looking at around £2k for a good quality new combi to be fitted and flushed.

Pincher

My plumber says expect ten years, counting from 2010 for my condensing system boiler.

The electricity supply, wiring centre, 22mm gas supply, condensate run, filter, zone valves were all upgraded, so the next time I just have to change the boiler. If they don't change the mounting kit, and I can do a straight swap, it will be about £200 labour plus the price of a boiler, so £1,000+VAT=£1,200 .

kateemac

gas4you wrote: »

Most condensing boilers should last about 10-15 years if looked after and serviced properly.

However, assuming that you are talking about an Ideal Isar HE30 condensing boiler, then this is on borrowed time already.

Ideal make the most unreliable boilers around. I have taken these boilers out and replaced them from about 3 years old onwards.

You will be looking at around £2k for a good quality new combi to be fitted and flushed.

That's the one that's in the house, I thought I'd read somewhere that Ideal weren't very good... - thanks for the advice, not what I wanted to hear, but at least I know where I stand now...

kateemac

I've been back to the current owner of the house and he is hotly disputing this advice. If anyone else can give me their experience of condensing combi boilers in general, or even better, the 'Ideal' make, I'd be really really grateful. Thanks.

HappyMJ

kateemac wrote: »

I've been back to the current owner of the house and he is hotly disputing this advice. If anyone else can give me their experience of condensing combi boilers in general, or even better, the 'Ideal' make, I'd be really really grateful. Thanks.

It's only advice. The current owner has advice and you have advice. It will most probably contradict each other. Most (i.e the definition of most is more than 50% of) boilers will fail between 10 and 15 years. Some will last 15-30 years or even more. Some barely struggle through to 10 years.

Why do want to know anyway? Keep the boiler serviced every year and you should get at least 10 years out of it. That's still another 6 years to go.

Insurance will cover the full cost of replacement until it's 7 years old if it can't be repaired and will pay for the repairs that can be done.

kateemac

I know nothing about these things - so just trying to get some sort of majority view from the people on here who clearly understand boilers a lot better than me. I have arthritis and chest problems, so I know that when the boiler does pack up, I'm going to have to get it sorted very quickly - and I'm just about to start being a full time mature student for the next 3 years - so I'm trying to gauge what the chances are of it packing up whilst I'm not earning. As I said, very grateful for all the advice so far.

HappyMJ

kateemac wrote: »

I know nothing about these things - so just trying to get some sort of majority view from the people on here who clearly understand boilers a lot better than me. I have arthritis and chest problems, so I know that when the boiler does pack up, I'm going to have to get it sorted very quickly - and I'm just about to start being a full time mature student for the next 3 years - so I'm trying to gauge what the chances are of it packing up whilst I'm not earning. As I said, very grateful for all the advice so far.

The chances are low. If you are worried then get insurance. As a backup if it were to die on the evening of Friday the 23rd December followed by 4 days of weekends and holidays then buy a couple of electric convector heaters to tide you over till they go back to work on the Wednesday. I'm sure you have an electric kettle to make hot water already.

gas4you

Visit any of the DIY forums and search Ideal Isar/Icos.

You will soon get plenty of evidence of how bad these boilers are!

Pincher

There are so many things that can go wrong with a house,
I wouldn't worry just about the boiler.

Just make sure it has a decent condensate draining path that won't freeze in winter, and a filter (for the radiator flow) that you can clean.

What you can do is ask to see the boiler running.
Turn the thermostat up, feel all the radiators can get hot (not just half way: sludge build up). Fill the sink with HOT hot water, run the shower or bath.

If you are really paranoid, you can take a plumber with you.

When you move in, get it serviced and ask the plumber to put inhibitor (anti-rust) in the system.

If you do all this, you'll find something else in the house will break first.

kateemac

Just wanted to thank all who have posted advice for me on this - I feel much better informed than I did a few days ago! Thank you.