combi boiler or not

Chrishazle

Just to give you an idea, we had a Worcester Bosch 24Kw condensing boiler and magnaclean filter fitted last month, system flushed (Magnacleansed), plus 2 small pipework changes in the front hall and airing cupboard. I got 3 quotes - BG, local small company and area big company (who were cheapest!), and despite seeing the boiler itself available online for about £900, the bill was £2400!

dave23

So if it saves £140 a year it takes 17 years to repay the costs if it lasts that long. Why do new boilers have such a short lifespan compared to old designs?

mksysb

SuzieSue wrote: »

I have the same setup as you with a 20 year old Ideal Classic. I am going to keep it until it becomes uneconomic to repair as it has not broken down for over 7 years now (although it did breakdown every few years when it was first installed).

I would not change to a combi as I would not want to be without hot water for any length of time if the boiler broke down. Yes, I was tempted when combis first came out because I liked the idea of not having to worry about pipes and tanks in the roof, but I want a backup hot water source. I don't mind not having heating for a few days as I have several electric heaters that I could use.

I agree, I wouldn't touch a combi, too much hassle when they break down.

EssexExile

dave23 wrote: »

Why do new boilers have such a short lifespan compared to old designs?

Old boilers were basically a fire under a bucket, newer ones are a bit more complicated. Old boilers stayed much the same for decades, now they change every few months. That's progress.

katejo

mksysb wrote: »

I agree, I wouldn't touch a combi, too much hassle when they break down.

My combi is now approx 14 years old. I have been in the house for almost 11 years. in that time I have only had one brief period of about 2-3 days without a working boiler. I am now wondering whether it would be worth replacing it soon rather than waiting for it to stop working. It is due for service next month so i will ask the engineer about it.

SuzieSue

katejo wrote: »

My combi is now approx 14 years old. I have been in the house for almost 11 years. in that time I have only had one brief period of about 2-3 days without a working boiler. I am now wondering whether it would be worth replacing it soon rather than waiting for it to stop working. It is due for service next month so i will ask the engineer about it.

That is the problem with a combi. If it breaks down in the winter and can't be repaired you could be without hot water for days.

If I had a combi I would get it replaced in the summer while it was still working when you can have your choice of installers and they won't be rushed of their feet.

Hopefully, your service engineer will say that it should be repairable for a good few years yet.