Should I get a new boiler?

tracey29

Hi all

I've got a dilema:
When I moved into my house 19 years ago the boiler had just been replaced.

I've had no trouble with it at all but know systems have changed a lot in that time.

I haven't got any breakdown cover or anything and haven't had it serviced for a few years.

Would I be better off to spend £2200 to get a new boiler or should I just wait until my old one breaks?

Thanks in advance

C_Mababejive

make and model?

Cardew

There are loads of threads on this subject, and the overwhelming concensus is you don't change a working boiler.

Many posters have far older boilers than yours(mine is over 24 years old) some over 30 years old.

Whilst less efficient than modern condensing boilers with claimed 90% efficiency - a 19 year old boiler is probably around 65%-70% - in practice the gap is probably less.

Any savings will depend on the amount of gas you use, but £100 pa would be an average ballpark figure.

However the big advantage of old non-condensing boilers is their simplicity and reliability.

Despite claims to the contrary, that isn't the case with condensing boilers if the reports on MSE and elsewhere are to be believed. Stuffed with electronics, there is nothing even the most skilled gas fitter can do if an electronic module fails - often at the cost of £hundreds.

tracey29

The old one is a Potterton Profile and the new one would be an Intergas one

C_Mababejive

No ,No and thrice no..keep your Potterton on your wall and your money in your hot little hand.

tracey29

OK, thank you!:T

jalexa

tracey29 wrote: »

the new one would be an Intergas one

Who says? Were you not given a choice? BTW is the old boiler a combi?

tracey29

We have been given a choice, our next door neighbour has just had his done and we got a quote from the guy who did his.

I think the existing one is a system boiler (my husband's words!).

Do you have any recommendations for an alternative?

jalexa

tracey29 wrote: »

We have been given a choice, our next door neighbour has just had his done and we got a quote from the guy who did his.

I think the existing one is a system boiler (my husband's words!).

Do you have any recommendations for an alternative?

I think you are saying you have hot water from a cylinder, ideally with electric immersion backup. If so have you tested it recently?

Before you decide on anything you need to decide whether you would want to retain a hot water cylinder or "go combi". Not a straight forward decision.

If you currently have backup hot water it makes a decision to stick with the old boiler easy, but you need to be making financial provision for its eventual replacement.

Regarding "recommendations", I'm not familiar with Intergas. Common mid-market makes are Worcester Bosch and Vailant. Personally I have found Vokera excellent. However always get at least 3 quotes, either for the installers "pet", i.e. incentivised brand, or your choice. But I agree with others posters who's message is "no immediate panic".

espresso

tracey29 wrote: »

We have been given a choice, our next door neighbour has just had his done and we got a quote from the guy who did his.

I think the existing one is a system boiler (my husband's words!).

Do you have any recommendations for an alternative?

Why do you think that you need a new boiler? Stick with what you have, it should easily last another ten years and parts are available if needed. As your system has not been serviced for a few years, I would suggest that you add some system protector e.g. CalChem 3in1 - easy to do, costs less than £10 and keeps things running sweet.

tracey29

Thank you so much everyone.:T

I was worried about the hike in gas prices but I think we'll be sticking with what we've got, adding some system protector and starting to save for a new one for when this one gives up!