[OpenTRV-interest] Boiler replacement economics (Was: Weather compensation)

[Tim Small]

On 23/12/16 08:03, Simon Hobson wrote:
> I have zero expectation of any "modern" boiler lasting that long - especially a combi with all the extra gubbins to break (or just leak onto the electrics).

Getting OT, but I think that is perhaps an overly pessimistic view.

>From quite a small sample size, I've known >20 year old combi boilers.

I have just replaced a combi boiler after 15 years, but this particular
make (Ariston) was rated second-bottom in the "Which?" "Best boiler
brands" article earlier this year.

I wouldn't be surprised to see one of the highest reliability brands
last > 20 years, especially if you chose a brand which has been designed
to be easy to work on.  Having seen the inside of an Ariston whilst it
was being worked on, I'm not surprised that boiler technicians rated
them a 1 star brand (out of 5) in that "Which?" survey.

FWIW, my bill for changing that Ariston for a Vaillant was £1890, this
included power flush, new boiler and flue, roofing work (the flue came
out through the roof in a slightly different position to the old one),
and a lot of modifications to the custom-built cupboard which houses the
boiler.  The total did't include my time (I helped out with a few bits
and pieces) - I'd guess without that, it would probably have been
something like £2150.

Tim.