Frank Erskine wrote:
On 4 Sep 2006 11:02:02 -0700, wrote:
The c/h boiler in our house is at least35 yrs old, the pipes and
radiators must be a similar age.
//snip//
The question would seem to be "Why do you want to replace it?".
Thirty-five years ago boilers were built to last, whereas modern (at
least "consumer" types (such as combi)) boilers are designed as
"throw-away after a year or two". Probably radiators and piping etc of
the same vintage were expected to last more than a fortnight or so!
It would seem that the only reasoning for constant replacement of
heating systems is to attempt to conform to pressure from
governmental-type bodies who like to control every little thing you
want to do.
would endorse that.
It is certainly true that semi-clogged up old rads won't be a joy to a
new boiler, but don't let anyone persuade you that clogged up rads will
have a major effect on your fuel costs.
A new boiler might - just might- give a fuel efficiency in the upper
80s% whilst an elderly one might be nearer 80%. However the cost of
new boiler might take you many years to recover from lower fuel bills.
Impression I've formed from lots of half heard conversations is that
new boilers have a life of only 15 years.