Condenser Central Heating boilers

[derrynoose]

Has anyone a view on the wisdom of replacing a traditional CH boiler with the condenser type? Thanks.

[heathfield]

HM government's view is that they recommend them on energy efficiency grounds.

[Hymie]

If you have a perfectly serviceable working combi-bolier, then those in the know would tell you to keep it that way.

Although the newer boilers are more efficient, to recoup your outlay, will take many years – and maybe never if you are a low user.

I have friends in the business and they tell me that much of the efficiency gains (in the new condensing boilers) are achieved through having a heat exchanger made from much thinner gauge metal.
They reckon that these boilers are a disaster waiting to happen – with heat exchangers lasting not much more than 2 years.

Not that this will be a problem to them – replacing heat exchangers at £500 a time, it will be good business.

[KARL]

My view on this subject is similar to that about replacing a car with a more efficient model. The equation only works if you ignore the energy and/or money spent on creating and commissioning the replacement. If you don't ignore it/them, then you are as well or (particularly in the case of a car that does below average mileage in its lifetime, especially latter half) better off staying with the old one. This is perhaps cynical, and certainly not fashionable, but I reckon unblinkered (and free of political correctness) analysis bears this out. By all means make a choice if the old one genuinely is finished.

[buildersmate]

Good answers which I can only echo.
Here's another important angle - the cost of the new boiler is perhaps about one-third of the total cost of changing the system around - the rest is labour (I'm assuming the flue arrangements have to be altered for a fan-flue, and a combi system is replacing an older style domestic HW tank). It's winter and good plumbers/heating technicians are busy anyway. The Government has just upped the demand versus supply, by introducing the change for G-rated boilers (yet another barking-mad idea, announcing it at this time of year - still gotta try and win the election somehow, eh?).
So, sure think about, but don't DO anything until about 1st June. Otherwise you will just pay through the nose on the labour cost.

[bazwillrun]

A plumber friend was round fixing a pipe for me and I asked about this, and his reply was dont bother youll be lucky to ever recoup your costs, but yes they are more efficient

[Dodger666]

This comment is from the quoted website:-

Building Regulations

"The law in England & Wales changed in April 2005, which means only a condensing boiler can be fitted as a replacement boiler or complete new installation. There is a minor loophole to this law where, in exceptional circumstances, the local authority,can agree to an exemption certificate allowing a non-condensing boiler can be fitted".

http://britishgas.boi...k/condensing-boilers/

[buildersmate]

That's not the point here. If your boiler breaks and can't be mended, yes. it has to be replaced with a condensing boiler - we know this.
Hymie's point covered the issue about whether it is worth changing a working non-condensing but otherwise serviceable boiler - it isn't.

[StevieBB]

Goverment offering cash for upgrades if you meet conditions http://www.boilerscrappagescheme.co.uk/

[Dodger666]

Just making a point that not everyone may be aware of Buildersmate.

Also I agree with Hymie, if you have a perfectly serviceable combination boiler then it would uneconomical to change it for a condensing boiler. However, if the OP was talking about a traditional old cast iron floor standing boiler then it would probably be economically worth changing it for a condensing boiler, specially if you can get £400 from the treasury.

[buildersmate]

.... yes, if it is G-rated, but probably not right now because one will pay over the odds on the 2/3rds of the total cost that is not the boiler purchase price - and that will eat into the savings offered by the Government on the boiler.
I think it must be ground-hog day.

[gucciman]

what make and model of boiler do you have at the moment?

and hymie, vaillant heat exchangers are stainless steel and so should be very durable and worcester offer a free 10 yr guarantee on their heat exchangers

[boilerinstaller]

Get up to £800 off he cost of a new boiler :

http://www.boiler-scheme.co.uk/