boiler is on the blink is it cheaper to replace than repair?

A

annaban77

for months my hot water only works when it feels like it now it's none existent and my central heating is not working now either. i got some one out to have a look at it and he told me there is three things wrong with it .firstly i have a leak at the diaphram!! the pressure isn't working right and also some other thing i cant quite remember but he said it could end up being one of two circuit boards. he said i would be patching up an old boiler basicaly. the make is biasi prisma 24se model type c year 1997 ( is this classed as an old boiler in boiler land??? ) i have been looking at boilers to buy over the net but am at a loss. is there a big difference in combi boilers and condensing boilers? do i have to stick to a certain type ? also what kw should i be aiming for ? i'm really out of my depth here as you can probably tell don't want to spend hundreds on a boiler then find out it's no good. also how much should it roughly be for it to get fitted . if you have had the patience to sit and read this then i thank you and say sorry for my complete ignorance in this field thanks anna
 
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Your boiler is a combi - removes need for a hot water store.
Nearly all boilers now are condensing. They need a drain, otherwise same as before.

Yours is 24kW, 28kW up gives better hot water.
1997 - it'll have a few years in it certainly, you can keep them going as long as parts are available. They can be time consuming to repair because like old cars, they will have several things not quite as they should be. If it costs - just a figure - say £400 - but lasts a few more years, it's probably worth it.
New one - peice of string time, but think £1500 fitted.
 
A Biasi is a cheap boiler, but should still be in OK condition..if it has been looked after properly and serviced regularly. Most faults in these things are quite small...but finding them is the problem. The diaphragm is peanuts to replace, repressurising takes all of five minutes..so thats two down. If the overall condition is poor..lots of corrosion and generally neglected, then he might be right, but even a PCB should not cost an absolute fortune, but I have to tread carefully as i am not up on Biasi, and some of the cheap boilers have really expensive spares,,so check.

Condensing boilers can be combi/non combi/system...so as far as you are concerned..to keep it simple they are ALL condensing. To be installed legally they have to be SEDBUK A or B rated, and only condensing gas boilers can achieve this..so you get one whether you like it or not.

You really need to get someone who knows Biasi boilers to check it out, and they can probably fix it standing on their head. Impossible for me to see the thing, but if it were my boiler I'd be having a go at putting it right before shelling out on a new one, but then I could be wrong.

What size house, how many radiators, how many hot taps, whats the local water pressure like. What condition are the radiators in..We'd need to know it all before giving even general advice.

Alfredo
 
The diaphragm on these boilers works the hot water, so if it`s "leaking" that`s more than likely to be the hot water problem. Cheap boiler but parts can be expensive. The pump for one of these is over £100.
 
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I don't do gas, but be wary of people whose first ploy is to sell you a new boiler. There are occasions when a new boiler is needed, but more often than not, competent repair is all that's needed, but it needs someone cleverer than someone who just whips one box off the wall and puts a new box up, cos if that one doesn't work, they send you to the manufacturer for guarantee repair.
 
If you do buy a new one, you don't want to have it breaking down and costing you money like the old one did. Have a powerflush and a Magnaclean to stop it getting clogged with grime from your old rads, but probably most important is to find a reliable local person or firm that is skilled at servicing your boiler. Ask around and see if you can get some recommendations.

Some manufacturers have a list of recommended installers; you can quiz them about their repairing skills.
 
thanks for all the replies . i'm trying to get a hold of someone who specialises in biasa boilers but in the mean time i'm still searching for a replacement just incase. if someone could tell what is a definate no-no for me and if any of the following are suitable. at the moment i've got a biasa prisma 24 se year 1997 i will be getting it fitted by a registered corgi fitter. 1. ferroli condensing system boiler optimax 25s 2. glow worm 30 hxi condensing boiler 3. ravenheat he primary boiler 26.6 kw 4. baxi solo 3 pfl 30 bioler 5. biasa combie boiler 32kw 6. ravenheat combi boiler he120 lonox 32kw 7. riasi he riva compact c24s condensing boiler. and so on and so on !!!! also can i use a combi or a condensing boiler does it matter thanks anna

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Some of the boilers you mentioned are system boilers, some are combis and some are non condensing.

What you need (as explained before) is a condensing combination boiler.

The price already quoted is probably about right for a cheapish 24kW boiler but without the nice (or essential) to haves such as a magnaclean. Try and avoid the cheaper end of the market.

If you were happy with the hot water supply before, then go for a 24kW, if you want more hot water or the same rate but hotter, go for a 30kW.

Personally my 'budget' boiler is a baxi / potterton main 30HE. This is a 'B' rated boiler and has been updated to be a high efficiency one. Some installers like them, some don't. Personally I have never had a single problem with them.

As the saying goes, you pay your money and take your choice. Get a few quotes and go with the person you feel you can trust.
 
Yes that is a truly excellent boiler, so is the Vokera Compact or the Sabre 25HE (which is the same boiler).

I would say a Biasi of that age worth repairing. DP lives in Glasgow and could fix it for you economically.
 
DP who posts here can sort it out for you.

Alternatively you can call Biasi on 0121 506 1350 and they will give you the number of their local service agent.

As mentioned by those in the know, although your boiler is about 10 years old its perfectly repairable and the spares will be available for many years.

To deal with the diverter we would charge £106 inc in our local sewrvice area in London and the two PCBs would be £88 and £96 extra respectively although I doubt that either are actually needed.

Setting the gas valve, ignition and CH gas rates are essential to do the job properly. Ask what DIP 3 is for. If they dont know then wonder if they are competent! ( Its the ignition setting! ).

Tony
 

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