To keep my old Glow Worm boiler?l

JoHo7

Mister_G wrote: »

Well, I have a 35 year old Baxi Bermuda Back Boiler. I do get it serviced by an Gas Safe RGI every year (very simple) and parts are still available for it.

It's probably only 60% efficient, but it's a very simple design (like your Glow Worm - I had one of those in a previous house). My advice would be to get it serviced by an RGI. He will tell you whether or not it is still safe to use, but I can't see any reason why it wouldn't be.

I'm certainly carrying on with my Baxi until it dies, because changing it out is going to require a major replumb. I also know, from experience, that the modern condensing boilers do not last anywhere near as long.

Thank you for the reply. It's nice to know that someone else has an old boiler too. Does your Baxi have a constant pilot light? I too would like to keep my boiler as long as i could but i heard that there is a recent requirement from this year to condemn all inefficient boilers. I am actually thinking of going electric when this happens - although electricity is more expensive, it is 100% efficient and does not require any servicing and repairs.

JoHo7

LadyDee wrote: »

If you are really concerned about the boiler, there are various government initiatives and grants available to replace old, inefficient boilers. Check with your local Council and look up Happy Energy Grants.

Thank you, i will definitely have a look. Although i think i will be straggling to find a boiler as reliable as this one. What i would really like - is the same but a new one!

JoHo7

matelodave wrote: »

what has suddenly caused this outbreak of angst - has the boiler died or have you been reading something somewhere.

If it's still working then it's probably a good idea to get it serviced. There's hardly anything to go wrong in a boiler of that age as there's only a gas valve, burner and thermostat. None of which are expensive and are probably still available (even second hand).

It will cost you at least £2k to get it swapped out for one that is probably a bit more efficient. However it will probably take between 10-15 years to recoup the outlay in reduced gas bills and will be less reliable and cost you more in spares & servicing.

My advice would be to wait until it has finally died before changing it

Thank you, i do appreciate your reply. Do you know by any chance what would happen if water in the system runs out? This may happen if i go away for some time in winter and turn the water mains off. As the boiler has a constant pilot light, this means it is constantly working and may use up all water in the tank eventually. Could this cause it to overheat and melt a gas pipe?
With modern Combis it is unfortunately not possible to have water mains off and boiler on to keep the house warm when you are away in winter.

JoHo7

ariba10 wrote: »

Newer is not is not always better.

If it’s not giving you problems I would leave well alone.

Thank you! Yes, i don't think any of the new boilers would last as long as mine!

JoHo7

bris wrote: »

Getting it serviced could save your life. It's not about it blowing up but at some point it's going to need the heat exchanger cleaned and seals (among other things) checked before it becomes dangerous.

Yes, i agree but i would be risking to get it condemned just by being inefficient.
If i have a carton monoxide alarm near it and it is not alarming, do you think this indicates the seals are still ok?

JoHo7

spot1034 wrote: »

I have a Glow Worm which is 28 years old - it's a Fuelsaver Mk II - which I have serviced every year by the same plumber/heating engineer. Apart from this, it has never needed any attention. He has told me that 'the gas board' would have condemned it years ago, but in fact there is no reason not to keep it as most of the parts that might be needed in the event of a breakdown are still available.


You just need to find someone like this who is always in demand and therefore doesn't need to try to persuade customers to have work done that isn't strictly necessary.

Thank you for a very good advice.
Does your Glow Worm has a constant pilot light?
My neighbours have a 2yo Combi and had several breakdowns already. I am not looking forward to go through the same with a new boiler. Thinking of going electric when my boiler dies, i just need to find the best solution to heat water in sinks.

spot1034

JoHo7 wrote: »

Thank you for a very good advice.
Does your Glow Worm has a constant pilot light?
My neighbours have a 2yo Combi and had several breakdowns already. I am not looking forward to go through the same with a new boiler. Thinking of going electric when my boiler dies, i just need to find the best solution to heat water in sinks.

Yes it does have a constant pilot light.


It was the standard unit fitted when all the houses in my street were built in 1990, and when one comes up for sale it's always interesting to take a look at the pictures which are now easily viewable online, and I've noticed quite a few of these original boilers are still in service.

Mister_G

JoHo7 wrote: »

Thank you for the reply. It's nice to know that someone else has an old boiler too. Does your Baxi have a constant pilot light? I too would like to keep my boiler as long as i could but i heard that there is a recent requirement from this year to condemn all inefficient boilers. I am actually thinking of going electric when this happens - although electricity is more expensive, it is 100% efficient and does not require any servicing and repairs.

Yes, it does have a constant pilot light.

I do not believe that there is any legislation at present that forces you to replace an inefficient boiler. The only thing you can't do is replace a boiler with an inefficient one. As far as I know, all modern boilers are condensing, along with the unreliability that then appears to come with this technology!

chrisw99

I recently replaced a 25 year old boiler, and it looks like my gas bill will be hundreds of pounds less this year not to mention the hundreds of pounds I seemed to be spending each year keeping the last one working.

There comes a time when you just have to put it out of its misery.

I also recouped 300-400 quid selling some of the parts from the old one on ebay.

New one has a 10 year warranty, so a bit of peace of mind there as well.

[Deleted User]

I suggest you read post #5 from this MSE thread:-



https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/760109/to-replace-a-20-year-old-boiler-or-not