Advice reqd on boiler

aerodynamix

Our house is 25 years old with oil central heating, kerosene boiler is in the kitchen. It has been giving a lot of trouble over the past few years and really needs to be fixed/replaced - but we haven't much money. So I'd love some advice as to what we should do.

First of all - does the whole thing need to be replaced and if we stay with oil is it any cheaper because it's already set up for oil?
Second - if we do have to replace it, which is better, gas or oil? I much prefer the idea of a monthly gas bill that is easier to budget than the sudden lump sum we usually need 3 days before Christmas when the oil runs out, but in general which is cheaper? Have there been any decent surveys done to compare the prices? I'm also a bit wary of the dangers of gas, maybe it's just that I'm not used to it as I've never had gas.
Third - Which boilers are best? I've read back some of the threads here to find some info and couldn't find any clear winner in terms of a boiler that is reasonable but reliable.

And finally, how much would the whole thing cost, do some firms allow you to spread the cost interest free, and what is the best way to go about finding someone who is reliable, knows their job and won't fleece me?

Dtp1979

aerodynamix wrote: »

Our house is 25 years old with oil central heating, kerosene boiler is in the kitchen. It has been giving a lot of trouble over the past few years and really needs to be fixed/replaced - but we haven't much money. So I'd love some advice as to what we should do.

First of all - does the whole thing need to be replaced and if we stay with oil is it any cheaper because it's already set up for oil?
Second - if we do have to replace it, which is better, gas or oil? I much prefer the idea of a monthly gas bill that is easier to budget than the sudden lump sum we usually need 3 days before Christmas when the oil runs out, but in general which is cheaper? Have there been any decent surveys done to compare the prices? I'm also a bit wary of the dangers of gas, maybe it's just that I'm not used to it as I've never had gas.
Third - Which boilers are best? I've read back some of the threads here to find some info and couldn't find any clear winner in terms of a boiler that is reasonable but reliable.

And finally, how much would the whole thing cost, do some firms allow you to spread the cost interest free, and what is the best way to go about finding someone who is reliable, knows their job and won't fleece me?

Have you access to natural gas?

aerodynamix

Sorry for delay in replying- had no internet access. Yes we have access to natural gas.

DGOBS

Our house is 25 years old with oil central heating, kerosene boiler is in the kitchen. It has been giving a lot of trouble over the past few years and really needs to be fixed/replaced - but we haven't much money. So I'd love some advice as to what we should do.

What kind of trouble?

Most times (as long as the boiler is in good condition) you may be able to just have a new burner fitted (under €300) and have the appliance cleaned out and recommissioned, price should be under €500.

A picture would tell a lot for someone to comment. But you may not need the whole system replaced.

Gas as long as it is installed an maintained correctly is safe.

aerodynamix

Thanks, if it would cost under 500eur that would be great, I would be surprised and delighted! I thought their shelf life was only 10-15 years so thought i had done well to last this long. The brand is Myson.

It keeps making funny noises like it is breaking down, sometimes it takes 3 goes for it to start (have to keep pressing the red button inside the unit), or sometimes it stops for no apparent reason. I am just fed up of worrying all the time if it is going to go. The panel doesn't work properly, probably needs replacing -the timer doesn't work (we put a timer on the wall switch when that went about 7 years ago) and the dial for hot water/heating etc doesn't work. We paid a lot of money a few years ago for a new part (it went on 23rd January!), I think it was the pump. The last thing I want is another sudden bill in the middle of winter if something else breaks in it.

I suppose I could get someone to look at it but not sure if it's money down the drain if it's on its last legs, plus I'd have to buy oil for it to be checked!

DGOBS

All depends on condition of the boiler casing (water jacket)

As I said, entire oil burner on the front would be around (or less) that €500 supply and fit from most lads (the unit is sub €300 so leave a lot of room for fit and service your appliance)

Again, a few pictures would tell a lot.

aerodynamix

Pictures of what - the inside of the boiler?

agusta

Just a picture of the boiler and the burner is fine.

aerodynamix

Re my above thread we were lucky to get another two years out of our boiler, we got a guy out who basically said you are grand until something goes, and when it goes the parts are no longer available so you'll have to replace it. So now I'm back to the same question again coming into the winter but this time I think I'm really better off replacing the boiler. I have only tried it a few times so far this season and it still works ok but sometimes there is a dreadful screech of metal on metal and you have to turn it off as it sounds like it is about to explode.

We have no money so finding 500eur will be a challenge, but I know that would be a bargain if we could manage to get it replaced for that. Here is a picture of the inside, I would love some opinions on the best way to go on this.

Dtp1979

aerodynamix wrote: »

Re my above thread we were lucky to get another two years out of our boiler, we got a guy out who basically said you are grand until something goes, and when it goes the parts are no longer available so you'll have to replace it. So now I'm back to the same question again coming into the winter but this time I think I'm really better off replacing the boiler. I have only tried it a few times so far this season and it still works ok but sometimes there is a dreadful screech of metal on metal and you have to turn it off as it sounds like it is about to explode.

We have no money so finding 500eur will be a challenge, but I know that would be a bargain if we could manage to get it replaced for that. Here is a picture of the inside, I would love some opinions on the best way to go on this.

Considering a decent boiler on its own is 1300, 500 won’t go far I’m afraid

Tom44

OPTION'S
New boiler fitted, over €2500

Or just
New burner
Or
New motor
Or
New bearings
Or
3in1 coppor grease spray oil

Talk to your sevice engineer. Or post here what area your in.

aerodynamix

Thanks. Maybe we would get away with just a new burner - I have no idea. Probably not though.

Big difference there between 1300 and 2500???

I am in West Dublin/North Kildare area, have lost the contact details of the last person who called to us so would appreciate some reputable contacts if you have any.

Tom44

aerodynamix wrote: »

Thanks. Maybe we would get away with just a new burner - I have no idea. Probably not though.

Big difference there between 1300 and 2500???

I am in West Dublin/North Kildare area, have lost the contact details of the last person who called to us so would appreciate some reputable contacts if you have any.

You have a few here covering your area.
Hopefully they'll pm you.


€1300 is the price of "the boiler" + you have chimney, pump, valves, fittings, labour & vat & commissioning.
Powers flush is extra.

"Proper repair " would be cheaper, your photo doesn't indicate new expensive parts been fitted.