Replacing boiler - typical pay off time

colm_c

We've got a 15 yo ferroli boiler which needs replacing, still working but according to the last boiler service it's very inefficient and needs to be replaced.

We're looking to replace with a Bosch worschester.

Aside from the grant and EI incentives, how long does it typically take to make the savings in our gas bill? Are we talking 20/30/50% less consumption?

colm_c

colm_c wrote: »

We've got a 15 yo ferroli boiler which needs replacing, still working but according to the last boiler service it's very inefficient and needs to be replaced.

We're looking to replace with a Bosch worschester.

Aside from the grant and EI incentives, how long does it typically take to make the savings in our gas bill? Are we talking 20/30/50% less consumption?

I wouldn't replace it unless you want too, if we had to get rid of things cos there old I'd be on my third wife, I think your better off putting money aside so you can get the best bang for your buck when your boiler finally gives up which could be years away.

As for costs, the payback will be dependant on the level of controllability you have now and any improvement that can be made to your heating system when your new boiler is fitted, outdoor sensors, intelligent programmers, extra zones, thermostatic rad valves as well as a modern intelligent boiler will have a massive impact on your home heating costs.

If you want to save money now perhaps look in to improving your insulation.

antoinolachtnai

It really depends on all those things. a ready reckoner would be between 10 and 25 percent. I got around 25 percent, but I replumbed the whole thing to a large extent and I was starting from a very low base, a Potterton Netaheat non-condensing boiler from 1990. I also got a saving came from not being dependent on electric water heating during the summer.

If you want to really maximise the benefit, you need to look at fitting more radiators to maximise the benefit of a condensing boiler.

If you use 10,000 KWh of gas a year then your saving is going to be less than 200 euros per year even if you get a great job done. This will probably result in a 12-year payback.

The other thing you have to consider is whether you want to wait for the boiler to fail before you replace it. If you live alone this might not be a big consideration, but if you have small children, you don't want to be without heating for a week. The other problem is that if you have to change boiler in an emergency, you won't have much opportunity to plan out any plumbing changes that are needed, or to fully scope what grants you might get.

Getting LED lights throughout and putting in insulation if it isn't there will give you a better return.

colm_c

Thanks lads, might be better starting else where to get best bang for buck.

John T Carroll

antoinolachtnai wrote: »

It really depends on all those things. a ready reckoner would be between 10 and 25 percent. I got around 25 percent, but I replumbed the whole thing to a large extent and I was starting from a very low base, a Potterton Netaheat non-condensing boiler from 1990. I also got a saving came from not being dependent on electric water heating during the summer.

If you want to really maximise the benefit, you need to look at fitting more radiators to maximise the benefit of a condensing boiler.

If you use 10,000 KWh of gas a year then your saving is going to be less than 200 euros per year even if you get a great job done. This will probably result in a 12-year payback.

The other thing you have to consider is whether you want to wait for the boiler to fail before you replace it. If you live alone this might not be a big consideration, but if you have small children, you don't want to be without heating for a week. The other problem is that if you have to change boiler in an emergency, you won't have much opportunity to plan out any plumbing changes that are needed, or to fully scope what grants you might get.

Getting LED lights throughout and putting in insulation if it isn't there will give you a better return.

Are ALL replacement Boilers, both Gas & Oil, now only available as condensing boilers? or can one still (legally) buy a non condensing type?.

Wearb

Used to be that you could (legally) purchase a standard boiler where it was impossible to fit a HE one. I think that option was to be phased out. So I am unsure what current regs are. Seai site may have the info.

Dtp1979

You can fit a SE boiler in a retrofit. I know SE boilers are still being made for gas. I know grant oil discontinued making them. Not sure about firebird. To be honest, I'd seriously question the integrity of an installer who fits SE boilers in this day and age