New boiler or leave old unit in place?

sunshinetours

For many people they won't see the payback on changing boilers as they will move house. I am another one who believes that some of the older boilers (20 + years in my case) simply are better built and I also won't change unless it goes terminally wrong.
Like many thongs tehse days there are simply too many electronics inside a simple device, built to a price, that can fail. Poor installation certainly is another issue as they are far more sensitive to installations than old fashioned conventional boilers.

As someone said above put the money aside now and watch it grow so you have piece of mind if your old one does pack up permanently.

They probably makes good sense in new builds as they are installed with brand new pipes, rads etc and presumably higher insulated, more air tight houses

macman

Gloomendoom wrote: »

In that case, when it happens, you redo the sums and think again. However, given the cost of fitting a modern boiler and taking into account their apparent poor reliability/lifespan, gas prices would have to rise considerably for it to be financially worthwhile.

Indeed, and I wouldn't bet against that happening, given the increases we have already seen in the past 2 years.

sunshinetours

Chances are your new condensing boiler will be up for major repairs before its payback period which just extends the pay back period even further. Gas prices would seriously have to rise to revise this situation, in whoch case assuming electric prices don't rise in same fashion then electric heating may become more viable

Lets face it many Gas industry installers are not going to tell you thsi are they?!

macman

sunshinetours wrote: »

Chances are your new condensing boiler will be up for major repairs before its payback period which just extends the pay back period even further. Gas prices would seriously have to rise to revise this situation, in whoch case assuming electric prices don't rise in same fashion then electric heating may become more viable

Lets face it many Gas industry installers are not going to tell you thsi are they?!

And exactly what fuel do you think the UK generates most of it's electricity from then? It's not going to be coal or nuclear in the next 10 years, it'll be gas. Renewables will only fill some of the shortfall.

sunshinetours

macman wrote: »

And exactly what fuel do you think the UK generates most of it's electricity from then? It's not going to be coal or nuclear in the next 10 years, it'll be gas. Renewables will only fill some of the shortfall.

Coal and nuclear combined at the moment but agreed gas is becoming more important (and is the single largest fossil fuel source) . Its still means electric prices are only half as exposed to gas prices so potential rises may be less than gas.

I also agree the UK's misguided attempts at focussing on wind farms will affect electrics retail price going forward.

Once fracking is permitted (and it will eventually once we realise if we wish to maintain our way of life we have no realistic alterntive) and the UK's untapped and potentially huge resources of gas are untapped I very much dount this will be the same conversation

More relevant is the cost including mainteneance and lifespan of condensing boilers which I note you haven't picked up on

macman

The general view is that at current gas prices, it will typically take 10 years to recover the cost of a modern condensing boiiler. So unless the boiler lasts 10 years or less, you'll be ahead anyway-assuming no increase in gas prices.
So, on that basis, it does makes sense to replace now. However most people are reluctant to invest in something that may only pay a dividend in 10 years time, when they may no longer be in the property.

sunshinetours

macman wrote: »

The general view is that at current gas prices, it will typically take 10 years to recover the cost of a modern condensing boiiler. So unless the boiler lasts 10 years or less, you'll be ahead anyway-assuming no increase in gas prices.
So, on that basis, it does makes sense to replace now. However most people are reluctant to invest in something that may only pay a dividend in 10 years time, when they may no longer be in the property.

This is the big assumption though isn't it. What percentage of modern condensing boilers last/will last past the 10 year mark without major open wallet surgery?

macman

The better manufacturers are now offering 5 year warranties, so it's quite feasible to expect 10 years with proper maintenance.

sunshinetours

macman wrote: »

The better manufacturers are now offering 5 year warranties, so it's quite feasible to expect 10 years with proper maintenance.

Time will tell - I would (only a guess same as you) suggest this probably won't be the case

Sirlaughalot

Our boiler is at least 15 years old and well past it`s sell by date but the old lady continues to chug along so i won`t be replacing her till she throws the towel in!
But i`m fully aware that i`m taking a chance. If she breaks down in the middle of a very cold spell it could prove very expensive. With not enough gas fitters to go round at this time of year supply and demand issues could mean a very high outlay(probably a 50% premium at least) to get a new boiler fitted quickly that`s if you can find a fitter.
Had a problem 3 years ago with a hot water tank ended up fitting it myself with the help of a friend trying to get anyone out was like trying to win the lottery!

When i do come to replace the boiler i`m in a bit of bother. We live in a 3 bedroom detached house the boiler heating system has a water tank in the loft. It serves 4 Large radiators and 6 small ones as well as the hot water tank. Like the thought of these combi boilers but having just watched a which video not sure if these are suitable?

Any advice would be great