Help with New boiler/heating system

Tzia

Hi,
I have 3 bed mid terrace built in 1969. It still has original boiler which runs fine (we do have carbon monoxide detectors just in case). It hasn’t been serviced in over 20 years. We also have 6 old (maybe original ) radiators, although 1 has started to leak a little at the valve. The largest is 6.25ft by 2:5ft. 4 are under windows 2x5ft, 1x4.4ft and 1x6.25ft all are around 1ft high). Finally there is a small bathroom radiator which is starting to rust underneath.
We are looking to sell or rent our house out next year so wanted to replace it with a combi boiler. Not knowing anything I have started browsing online first but need some help. Do I need to replace all our pipes? Do I need to replace the radiators or just the valves? I live in Brighton so we have hard water (not sure if this matters). At present the boiler is a fairly small kitchen with a flue going up in the corner. There is an hot water tank upstairs and an immersion heater that has not worked for 17years. Is it easy to move the boiler?
Sorry lots of questions and not much knowledge. Any advice/help would be great. I obviously want what everyone wants, the best job for as little money as possible.

MoneySavingMole

You don't need to change the boiler at all if it's working...

If you do decide to replace it, you can leave the radiators and pipework but you'll have to replace some radiator valves with Thermostatic Radiator Valves and fit a Room Thermostat that controls the temperature of the central heating.

The 'Combi Boiler' can either go where the existing boiler is, or where the hot water tank is, as most of the pipework is already there, so to speak - this would keep costs down vs. fitting the boiler elsewhere and having to re-route all the pipes to and from the new boiler.

I can't comment on Brighton pricing, but I would advise getting some quotes from local heating engineers, just make sure they're Gas Safe Registered. I'd always recommend getting a quote from on of the larger companies as a comparison (and for the advice they'll give when quoting).

Good luck.

magn8p

Only change the boiler if it's necessary or if you think it's going to add value especially with Combi's far superior EPC ratings.

Pipes and radiators can stay put, when you get them serviced, simply ask your gas engineer to use central heating system inhibitor like http://amzn.to/2AioLPg which solves several issues (blocking, rusting, buildup) at once.

Once again the same applies to the radiators - change them if necessary or if you think it can add value when you sell. If not, simply change the leaky valves. Just so that you know single panel radiators are quite cheap - http://amzn.to/2j3LA51

With respect to the cost of changing the boiler, you are probably looking at £700 +/- 10% depending on your area. For more information check out https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/boilers/article/new-boiler-what-you-need-to-know-before-you-buy-a-new-boiler/the-cost-of-installing-a-boiler