SubscribeA quick and unscientific survey reveals that most still have the original 20-year-old heating boiler, typically a Glow-worm Fuelsaver 55F, and most of those have been warned by their local friendly plumber that it can't last much longer. Or can it? British Gas service engineers express few concerns about the boilers and, unless it's starting to make a noise, you should have little reason for concern. Those that are being serviced annually are showing very few problems. Even ones that are now heating an extension are doing fine.
What are your experiences of those ageing boilers? Are we being pushed towards replacement when there's actually no need? And if you have replaced, what have been your experiences? What boiler have you used and how much have you ended up paying?
We've just changed our Potterton Netaheat - as the boiler chamber started leaking. Upgraded to a condensing boiler which should save money. Biggest unexpected expense was the 'flushing' which was necessary particularly because of the micro-bore pipework installed.
Whilst on the subject of heating I don't know if the original houses had TRVs, our house has got them but some have been installed on the wrong side of the radiator!
Posted by: MP | 05 May 2007 at 23:56
Our Charles Church "Tudor" still has it's original "Potterton Netaheat" heating boiler. This was 25 years old in September 2010.No problems at all. Plumber service advised just keep it unless it breaks down and part not available. I wonder how long a boiler built in 2010 would last!
Posted by: Ral | 16 October 2010 at 16:12
Our Elizabethan II in Barningley Park has the original (1987) Potterton Netaheat 10-60. It has had a replacement printed circuit board and a fan. I repaired the original fan when replacement was unobtainable: Araldite bought us another ten years' service. Provided yours is not 'kettling' - loud pops and bangs when heating, due to scale in the heat exchanger - it's just fine. Use Fernox or similar generously every year to avoid problems; follow the label!
Posted by: tw | 23 December 2010 at 13:36
Those that are being serviced annually are showing very few problems.
Posted by: New Boiler Doncaster | 17 December 2011 at 19:44
Changed ours to a Main in December 2010. Much more efficient and lower bills.
Posted by: Lynne | 05 February 2012 at 10:47