Potterton Powermax boiler

gadgeteer_2

Hi all

Can anyone help? I just had my boiler serviced. it's been very reliable for the entire time I've been in the house (4 years) and to be honest I've never had it serviced once during the entire time.

But decided I better do it so called a few plumbers. A couple said they don't do powermax's and eventually found one which does. The guys just completed it but says that these are notoriously unreliable and were put into my estate because they are cheap. in fact he seemed genuinely surprised I haven't had any problems at all.

Not being my area of expertise, is that right? Given its nearly 10 years old, should I be anticipating it dying at some point or will I get a better saving if I get a newer boiler?

macman

Yes, a modern condensing boiler will certainly be more efficient. But it will still take you many years to recoup the investment. Compare the cost of saving say 10%-15% a year on your gas bill against the cost of replacement.
Have it serviced annually and hang on to it for as long as to continues to run trouble free.

MoneySavingMole

Powermax are notorious for many reasons, usually safety related.

The reason most of the plumbers you called refused to work on it, is you need to know what you're doing, or you can quite literally kill someone.

There are specific seals that need inspecting and replacing, I'd say, annually.

The design concept is brilliant. I will tell you now, you will never get better hot water performance than you currently have.

But make sure you get a Carbon Monoxide Detector, and keep those services up to date.

ollski

I'd get shot tbh if i had the opportunity, it may have had a service but I will bet that the baffles are rotten and still fallen in the tubes and the sump tray will still be full of a big pile of green dust and a flame guaze!. A proper full service on one of these horrors after 8 years would be 250 - 300 quid and at least 3 hours or so of work