Oil-fired condensing boiler

[mahonia]

We are thinking of replacing our old oil boiler (at least 15 years old) as it doesn't seem very efficient but we are put off by the adverse comments we have heard about condensing boilers. Will a new condensing boiler be more efficient and use less oil? Or should we just wait until our current boiler gives up? It has to be oil as there is no mains gas where we live.

[buildersmate]

The issue with condensing boilers is to do with their reliability. They are more complex than a conventional flued boiler and the design is still being proven in long-term reliability. I was speaking to a Building Control Officer last week and his opinion was similar - its a bit like buying a new model of car - they often have a few bugs at the start. I accept that this is a bit of a generalisation and some models are better reliability than others - a bit like washing machines.
Under BC rules, a new build has to be a new condensing boiler but it is not the case for you undertaking a replacement provided your new unit is 'no worse' than the current situation. It won't be - improvements in boiler efficiencies in the last 15 years since yours was new will mean that you would achieve significant fuel saving even if you decide not to plump for a condensing model.

[gucciman]

not strictly true as the first condensing boilers appeared 25 years ago, they just never took off due to the extra cost involved, but the advent of the energy efficiency changed all that and now they are the norm.
its not just condensing boilers that are complicated but combi boilers in general, the boiler makers seem intent on always adding as much technology as possible and that means more things to go wrong.
you have to treat a modern boiler as you would a car, get it serviced once a year and be prepared to fork out for parts and repairs now and again.
the big issue with condensing boilers is that the condensate is acidic so the boiler (heat exchanger) actually dissolves itself. to get around this the high end boiler makes such as vaillant and worcester use stainless steel heat exchangers so consider one of those.
i have seen charts when i was on my energy efficiency course showing how long it takes in reduced fuel bills for the boiler to pay for itself, it was that boring ive forgotten it however!

[gasman]

Worcester have been making oil fired condensing boilers for decades and they will save you money on fuel and are very reliable they are the only oil fired boilers i will recomend and install. Just do as gucciman says (Hi gucciman) and make sure it is serviced regulary every 12 months and all will be fine.