New Central Heating system or replace double glazing?

LisaW123

i'm looking for opinions/advice as to whether it would be more cost effective to replace an old boiler/radiators etc or to upgrade double glazing? (We can't afford to do both at the minute). I was shocked to receive a quote from a local dg firm yesterday that was in the region of £6,000 for four replacement a rated dg windows. Two of these are large five frame rectangular bays but even so the cost seems excessive. The other two windows are much smaller with only a couple of frames in each. Looking at info on MSE and other sites, it would appear possible to get a complete new heating system (boiler, new rads etc) for under £5k. To clarify, we have a 20 year old open flue boiler without a thermostat which is probably very inefficient but is reliable.

Does anyone have any ideas as to which measure, ie replace windows or new boiler and rads, is most likely to help us save on our heating costs?

MillicentBystander

Neither. You have to include in your 'savings' figure the actual cost of the measure you have taken to reduce heating costs in the first place. £6,000 to 'save' maybe £200 a year? Expected time of payback = 30 years!


PS General rule of thumb on a money saving site like this: NEVER replace a reliable, working, safe but probably 'inefficient' boiler to try and 'save' money. You won't 'save' money at all.

LisaW123

Thanks MillicentBystander. I must admit I hadn't thought about the actual upfront cost of these improvements. Clearly I have some way to go to become a money saving expert!

My main criteria is making the house a bit warmer without increasing our bills, which can get pretty high in the winter. I do, however, take your point and intend to investigate cheaper measures, like thermal curtain linings, improving draught proofing around the existing double glazing (I think some of our windows were installed by Wonky Windows, in high winds it sometimes sounds like a fax is coming through), etc before committing to major expenditure.

Thank you again.

ajfy2k

Completely agree with MillicentBystander neither purchase will 'save' you money when taking into account the outlay, but if I was you I would make sure I had enough money set aside to replace that 20year old boiler before thinking about spending money on new windows.

cepheus

You don't mention if you have cavity wall and full thickness loft insulation, there are some free offers this week in the newsletter. Yes I would definitely draughtproof the windows and consider placing film over them for the winter.

Cardew

Scholar wrote: »

The suitability of double glazing depends on the current condition of the boiler. One must have a look at it before determining the suitability of double glazing.
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