Advice for replacing oil boiler

roofaroo

Hi all! Posted here a few months ago ahead of buying our first home and got some really helpful advice. We've now moved in and just looking for some unbiased advice RE boiler replacement. 

Current set up is a very old conventional oil boiler that is working but on its last legs (and has needed repairs since we moved in). The water tanks are old and not in great condition, but the oil tank was only put in a few years ago. There isn't gas supply to the property but we've looked into it and it seems like it would be possible to get a supply (neighbours have it). 

Options we're considering are getting a new conventional oil boiler, changing to a combi boiler but sticking with oil or changing to a gas combi boiler. We've looked into heat pumps but not sure it would be suitable due to layout of the house (very small radiators and limited space to replace them).

Cost of installation isn't necessarily a deal breaker, we're more interested in what makes sense long term. Gaining storage and/or garden space by potentially removing the water tank and/or oil supply is definitely a consideration. Property is a small two bed semi.

Really grateful for any comments or thoughts on what you would do or things we should consider. Thank you!

nofoollikeold

1. I think first step should be to find out how much it would be to get gas installed.  Could be quite expensive and might skew the argument.
2. Personally don't like combi boilers because they are more complicated than conventional, and if they go wrong you have no heating or hot water until fixed.  Nevertheless they are definitely a space saver.  You need to weigh which is more important to you, no tanks and more space or the possibility of having water heated by a backup immersion heater (hot water only).
3. If you go combi, oil or gas, get a good make (e.g. Vaillant, Worcester Bosch, Viessman, there are others), but more importantly get a good installer.  Go for the maximum warranty you can get.

martindow

Agree with the above post.  Some years ago we were in the same position as you.  Boiler on its last legs and gas in the street.  The gas board quoted an astonishing cost for running gas to the house and we ended up getting a new oil boiler fitted.

FreeBear

Having gone from a gas back boiler plus tank to a combi, I much prefer having the combi. No more waiting an age for hot water for a bath (boiler is directly below). Being able to dial in water temperature on the fly is a big bonus.

That said, if I were replacing the boiler today, I would give a heat pump serious consideration. Having moved radiators away from under windows to internal walls, there is no space constraints (simplified the pipework as a result).

I would recommend at least getting a quote for a heat pump from Octopus - That will give you a ballpark to compare the cost of a new gas or oil boiler. And don't be put off by the doom mongers that tell you a heat pump is expensive to run. On the right tariff, it may well work out a lot cheaper to use.