When does it make more sense to replace the boiler?

[endecotp]

Dear Experts,

I have a Vokera linea 28 combi boiler which I think is about 15 years old (non-condensing, efficiency 77%).

It appears that its primary heat exchanger is leaking water into the combusion chamber. The expansion vessel is kaput (or maybe the pipe just keeps blocking up); I recently fitted and external one. It is noisy and presumably the fan would be replaced to cure this.

Should I get it fixed, or should I replace it?

Apart from the economic calculation, i.e. cost of repair compared to cost of replacement minus improved efficiency savings, there is also the question of disruption: in particular, does anyone know to what extent new boilers might have the same or similar pipe order at the bottom? Because of where it is fitted, substantial changes to the plumbing would be difficult.

Thanks for any suggestions!

 

[Whitespirit66]

15 year old boiler. Leaking hex. Other faults now and to come. Only one sensible solution. Replacement.

Yes, minor pipework alteratiions may be necessary, but the boiler won't be there for ever so will have to be done some time. Anything's possible - but unfortunately may cost a little more.

 

[Agile]

I recently replaced a main HE on a Linea.

Cost about £233 and not much more than 10% of the cost of a new boiler.

The Linea is a reasonably modern boiler and fairly reliable.

Tony

 

[DP]

Have to agree with Agile here. Getting a boiler serviced by a pro (who knows what he is doing) as stated in the manual is preferable to replacement in this case. Good boiler with reasonable prices for parts.

Some of the issues you have have nothing to do with the boiler

 

[endecotp]

I recently replaced a main HE on a Linea.

Cost about £233

Thanks Tony; was that price just for part or all-inclusive?

 

[DP]

Why not get the boiler serviced as detailed in the manual- I would replace the defective part during that task so you get the best price instead of a callout just to replace the heat exchanger.

A service will no doubt fix other problems lurking under the 'surface'

 

[endecotp]

How many more years life should I expect from this boiler, if repaired now?

 

[DP]

Would most likely outlive the super efficient condensing boiler you are considering

What is your location?

 

[Agile]

£233 was the total price. It would be misleading for me to quote anything else.

In that case I did suggest a new boiler but the landlord chose to have it repaired.

Tony

 

[endecotp]

I'm in Edinburgh.

Tony, I'm curious that you suggested replacement to your customer, given DP's comment about the likely life-expectancy if repaired. Would you disagree about how long it might last?

(I fear this is one of those decisions where you can never know if it was the right one in hindsight. I've lived here for about two years and had planned to replace the boiler in the medium-term possibly when re-doing the kitchen, just based on its age. It probably hasn't been serviced for many years. I now find myself having to make a quick decision. At least it is April, not November!)

 

[Agile]

That boiler was not in very wonderful condition.

It can easily last for several years as DP says.

That landlord does not like spending money ( what landord does? )

Tony

 

[ianmcd]

As already advised your boiler is very serviceable and should last a fair while yet, as a side note though if you replace the boiler get another Vokera and the pipe lineup below the boiler will be the same, but you will need to add a condensate discharge pipe

 

[endecotp]

Thanks. Yes, I had wondered about pipe order compatibility from the same manufacturer. The current boiler has a pipe attached for the pressure relief valve vent which could perhaps have been used as a condensate drain, except that it just discharges into the space under the kitchen floor!

I am getting some "no obligation" quotes over the next few days so it will be interesting to see what the repair/replace views are.

 

[ianmcd]

NO the PRV cant be used as a condensate drain and the existing PRV discharge pipe should not terminate under your floor it should go to outside and discharge safely

 

[endecotp]

the existing PRV discharge pipe should not terminate under your floor it should go to outside and discharge safely

Quite. Much of the plumbing here is of a similar standard