I need a new CH boiler

I need a new Hot Water/Central Heating boiler. I currently have a Worcester Bosch gas combi, 15 years old now leaking. I like it or used to like it, would buy another Worcester Bosch but is gas CH the way to go? Wasn't there talk recently, following Greta's actions, of phasing out gas boilers, going electric or some other tech?

What would you do?

Re: I need a new CH boiler

I'd sign up to a service contract and pay the extra hit to get it fixed. It should last for a few years yet.

As for electric boilers, you need to take into account the cost of running them as gas is still cheaper. They are only really worthwhile in new buildings which have a considerable amount of insulation. So, for the time being, get your old boiler fixed and spend as much as possible insulating your house (don't forget the different types of glass which are far more thermally efficient)

Re: I need a new CH boiler

My Baxi Boiler is on it's last legs (not 10 years yet!) and I am waiting for some follow ups for after the lockdown.

One thing I have noted, however, is the price of boilers at (e.g.) Screwfix type stores.

Assuming that I have good, cleaned out system, I reckon to buy a boiler for, around, 5-600 squids.

After that there's a day's work, installing/setting up for the fitter/plumber.

That's way below the 2,500, sort of, average to have the whole job done as a package!

Re: I need a new CH boiler

The package will include contingencies for many other aspects, including cleaning the system, new flue, possible new and different sized pipes, cleaning the system, indeminity insurances etc etc etc.

Re: I need a new CH boiler

We're already systematically replacing gas heated hot water radiators with electric storage equivalents, initially in our spare rooms but with the intention to have the whole house electrically heated by mid next year.

The running cost will be a little higher but with differential billing not horrendously so.

Anyway it's the right thing to do.

Re: I need a new CH boiler

Agree. When upgrading to an electric system, it's important to consider not only the cost of the installation but also the running cost. Although "the right thing to do", one has to think about whether one will ever reap the financial rewards for doing so

As for hot water to taps, IMHO localised electric water heaters are a better option than a single point of heat source running the whole house. Less wastage, unlikley that you'll ever be entirely without hot water (subject to no power cuts, which would prevent many a gas boiler from functioning too!), cheaper to replace/upgrade etc etc.

Re: I need a new CH boiler

Over the last 15 years, boiler technology will have advanced so, in answer to your question, I'd buy a new one.

Re: I need a new CH boiler

Not much. The main development would be in condensor boilers which are more efficient. Not sure what model the op has.

Re: I need a new CH boiler

Thanks for the input guys, all food for thought.

I guess the kind of big picture I was hoping to see was this ...

https://www.theguardian.com/environm...carbon-systems

which is a year old and possibly blx anyway, but an indication of the urgency of the climate emergency.

Re: I need a new CH boiler

Sod Screwfix and the like. Phone around various plumbing suppliers for quotes and when you find one you like offer to buy it at 20% less and there's a chance they'll accept or at least offer a lower price especially now.

As for £600 for a boiler, personally I wouldn't go for the cheapest.

Worth trying a deal with your preferred plumber too. They can often get a lower price than even the cheekiest Joe Public.

Remember NEVER just pay the first asking price without a try-on other than in supermarkets and the like.