Central heating advice: How long shold my boiler last ?

[VHG]

I had a whole new central heating system fitted in my house about 16 years ago (new boiler, pipes, radiators etc)

We had a Potterton Prima F50 boiler fitted and overall it has performed very well (even though we have NEVER had anyone in to maintain it, it just worked day after day.

It is now starting to "play up" (gas burner flame often wont come on, or goes off after a few minutes). Sometimes the boiler "sounds" as though it is working, but no flame.

Is it worth repairing, or is it about time to get a new one. I have no idea how long boilers are supposed to last.

Note also the "timer" (Danfoss FP15) next to it is also now playing up, the various buttons often do not work, and the "red light" will go out, but gently pressing the "box" brings it back on again.

[terence7556]

i would have said you are past the useful working life at 15 years and should update to get a more economic and efficient boiler but these days im not too sure about that
in DIY there is a question about glow worm boilers and a reply from CHAS2008 talks about condensing boilers lasting less than 4 years
to help you make a choice read the WHICH mag for sept 2007 and 2008 for boiler reports, free at the library
im pleased to have a system boiler and will stick with it when i update, rather than a combi
new boilers have a logbook for installation and maintenance records, im sure it is part of your warrenty, so if you continue with your happy go lucky maintenance attitude some day you will come a cropper

[gucciman]

a boiler will last as long as the spare parts are available to repair it.

the boiler is almost certainly worth repairing but is entirely up to you if you fancy a new one or not. you could get a price for a repair and a price for a replacement then make your mind up.

[alavahalf]

I think you should find a local heating engineer. Get someone who is recommended by a friend..If you get one of the big names they will almost certainly say....'' Replace it as it's not efficient and costing you money''
My thought is a new boiler may save you 30% on your fuel bill...if you spend �700 a year on gas that's �210 per year savings...But from what I see the big names will want around �2500 + just to change the boiler.....So it should take 10-12 years to pay back....
You will of course be doing your bit in saving the planet though !
On a recent visit to a local heating supplies merchant I was amazed at a massive pile of what looked like newish boilers...stacked in their yard.
I asked the guy on the trade desk what was wrong with them as they mostly loked new to me.....he said ''Nah mate, they're all old ones ... you don't get more than 5 or 6 years from a boiler these days''....
Did'nt dare say that mine is the original Servowarm Elite I had fitted 25 years ago.
Old boilers have a heat exchanger, a gas valve and a pump in them....new ones look like they are part of the space shuttle.....
Get it checked before you condem it...!