Can a back boiler be repaired or replaced?
Under new condensing efficiency standards, back boilers no longer meet a minimum efficiency. At the moment it is not possible to install a new back boiler, although it is still possible to repair them if you can find someone specialist enough to do it. We help you with options for replacement, repair and servicing requirements.
Is it illegal to have an old back boiler?
Old Back boilers are Illegal. Old back boilers with gas fires as central heating systems are now illegal. If you really loved your gas fire and back boiler, it is legal to have a new one fitted as long as the old back boiler is removed and replaced.
Why are back boilers so expensive to run?
Part of the problem is that they tend to be pretty inefficient and therefore significantly more expensive to run that other options. Government guidelines from 2005 state that all new boilers are required to be condensing boilers and of at least 86% efficiency; this effectively rules out all back boilers.
How much can you save with a new combi boiler?
The lower the energy efficiency level of your back boiler, the more it will cost you to run. By simply replacing your 78% energy efficient back boiler with a new combi boiler, you can save you up to £155 per year not to mention reduce your carbon footprint.
Are back boilers still made?
A back boiler is an outdated form of boiler no longer in production that is located behind a gas fire in the chimney breast. They were introduced in the '60s and really took off as people were replacing coal/wood open fires with more modern gas fires, which were more convenient and energy-efficient.
Are back boilers allowed?
Inefficient back boilers have been illegal to install since 2005 due to high carbon emissions and government safety regulations. Repairing back boilers is difficult and expensive due to very few companies producing back boilers or replacement parts.
Should I get rid of my back boiler?
There aren't many reasons to keep your back boiler unless you need to save up more money for the installation of a new boiler. As soon as you have the time and money to replace it, you should try and get it done since the higher efficiency will save more money.
Do British gas do back boilers?
Let's book in your back-boiler repair. Choose between repair with ongoing cover or just a one-off repair.
How many radiators can a back boiler run?
The number of radiators a 24kW boiler can heat will depend on the type of model you require. As a guide, combi boilers between 24 and 27kW can power up to 10 radiators, while a 24kW heat only or system model can heat up to 15 radiators.
Can I get a grant to replace a back boiler?
You can qualify for a new boiler on the ECO government scheme if you receive at least one benefit, such as income support or disability living allowance. You need to be the homeowner, and your boiler has to be broken.
Is back boiler expensive?
Back boilers are quite an archaic form of heating. They can be costly to run and maintain, they also tend to be a lot more inefficient than modern boiler models.
Is a combi boiler better than a back boiler?
Energy Efficiency In the back boilers versus combi boilers debate, combi boilers win hands down. A back boiler maxes out at just below 80% efficiency. Modern combi boilers can approach 100%, which makes them the most efficient types of boilers on the market.
Should I replace a 25 year old boiler?
If your boiler is over 25 years old it is likely you require a replacement. Most boilers that are over 25 years old are now viewed as being inefficient compared to modern alternatives.
How long will a back boiler last?
A combi boiler will last you around 10 years. If you service you old back boiler regularly, it will last you a lot longer.
Is a combi boiler cheaper than a back boiler?
These boilers became very popular in the 1960s because they could easily be tidied away meaning they required less space. It was also a fact that they were considerably cheaper to install than regular boilers making them an attractive option.
Does a back boiler need a chimney?
A back boiler is a boiler that sits inside the chimney breast behind a gas fire.
Can you have a back boiler in a bedroom?
You can install a boiler in a bedroom as long as it is room sealed. This means that it takes the air it uses for combustion from outside, and expels its waste air outside also. A room sealed boiler won't emit fumes into the room, making it safe to be installed in a room where people sleep.
Are you allowed to fit second hand boilers?
You can install a second-hand boiler in your home; however, it must conform to current regulations and be fitted by a qualified boiler installer. The cost of the boiler will be cheaper, but the installation costs will be similar.
Can you change a gas fire with a back boiler?
you can change your fire, but it must be able to work with the back boiler. a normal gas fire wont work because your flue for the fire shares the flue of the boiler. A good gas engineer would be able to advise you.
Can I have a back boiler and a combi boiler?
Putting a combi into this system will most likely result in heat being lost up the chimney when back boilers are not fired and even if the back boilers were fired up , it is still not efficient (Not to mention safe) to combine two energy inputs at this point..
What is a back boiler?
A back boiler fits in the recess behind a fireplace or gas fire. It uses the heat generated to produce hot water for central heating and domestic use throughout the home. The boiler itself is hidden behind the fireplace but needs a separate water tank and hot water cylinder to be stored somewhere else in the home.
How much could a combi boiler save me?
The biggest reason why most homeowners choose to have their back boiler replaced is to reduce their energy bills.
Why were back boilers so popular?
In the 1960s, 70s and 80s a back boiler was the best choice for many homes when compared to the traditional floor standing boilers that were roughly the size of a washing machine! At the time a back boiler was the cheaper option to install and was more energy efficient.
Why aren’t back boilers available today?
As with all technology, central heating systems have moved on since the back boiler's heyday.
What is the benefit of a back boiler?
Combi boiler benefits. Back boilers are outdated heating systems that are expensive to run as they’re much less energy efficient. The most popular solution is to replace a back boiler with a combi boiler. There are many benefits to installing a combi as it is: Energy efficient: typically, a back boiler provides only 78% energy efficiency which is ...
What are the drawbacks of a combi boiler?
The only potential drawback to a combi is that it relies on the mains pressure for water flow. For homes with a weak mains pressure this can present a problem, but it is possible to fit a pump to improve this.
What happens if a boiler is disused?
Even if the boiler is empty it will retain residual moisture and if the fuel burner in front of it is still in use, it will heat the boiler and create steam. If the boiler is not in an open vented condition (i.e. sealed) internal pressure will build which can result in an explosion. Over the years incidents like this have caused several serious injuries and even one fatality.
What is a back boiler?
The back boiler is a very old conventional boiler system, used as the central heating system for heating the whole house and for heating water, placed just beside a fireplace. In the past, they were the most used boiler, and back boilers can be quite messy when taking them out and replacing with a combi boiler.
How does a back boiler work?
Back boilers use the heat of a fireplace run by electricity or gas fire. The cold water comes into the main system from a storage tank, the main system starts to heat the water, and after heating the water at the desired level, a pump delivers the water to the output.
Why is my fireplace beside the boiler?
Your fireplace is also existing beside the boiler, because of the heat and gas being trapped in the weaker pipework, without the flue system an explosion may happen.
What is the oldest boiler?
Back boilers are the oldest and combi boilers are the most modern boilers available on the market today.
Which boiler is more efficient?
Back boilers have much less efficiency, and combi boilers are the most efficient among the boilers available today.
When did condensing boilers become popular?
In the 1960s, it started getting popularity; in the 1970’s and 1980s, it was able to get to its highest success. Later, condensing boilers came and started to take the place of a back boiler. Condensing boilers were more efficient and cost-effective.
What is the purpose of a hot water tank?
To keep the necessary pressure for all the output channel, it reserves the hot water in a tank or storage.
How much does a combi boiler cost?
Combi boilers prices vary from £650 to £2000, depending on the model you buy. Worcester Bosch’s Greenstar range are priced from just over £1000 to just under £2000, with the output ranging from 25kw to 55kw – all with an efficiency rating over 90%. Vaillant’s EcoTec Pro 24 NG, on the other hand, is available at just £744.86; whilst Potterton’s Promax 24HE Plus is just £666.62.
How much does it cost to install a combi boiler?
This makes it more straight forward and less time for the engineer to install compared to the trickier back boiler. A combi boiler installation will cost on average £550. Obviously, costs do vary according to the different boiler models and whether you are replacing your radiators.
What is a Baxi Bermuda BBU?
Baxi are the creators of the original Bermuda Back Boilers and are the only brand of boiler to release a modern condensing boilers back boiler.
Why are back boilers not as efficient?
Unused back boilers can cause problems, largely as a result of old water, which creates pressure under heat and can explode. Despite their convenience and reliability, Back Boilers are not as efficient compared to newer boiler types and so are gradually being phased out and being replaced by the more common and efficient combination boiler.
How long does a boiler last?
Life of the boiler is expected to be 10 years, lower than the older less technical back boiler
How efficient are boilers?
They are generally only around 78% energy efficient, in comparison to the 98% levels attainable from some condensing boilers. Government and EU building regulations, which stipulate a minimum of 86% boiler energy efficiency rating, have driven a major reduction in the use of back boilers. A poor energy efficient boiler is not only bad for ...
What is a back boiler?
Back boilers are attached to the back of a fireplace or stove and have been named accordingly . They became popular during the 1960s, continuing through to the 1980s, but are now rather outdated, having been bypassed by condensing boilers.
Why do you need a new combi boiler?
A new combi boiler is great for freeing up space and removing all future maintenance liabilities on the system compared with leaving the cylinder and tanks in place. You will also get a very long boiler warranty and reduce maintenance costs even further.
How to check if a boiler is reconditioned?
Before accepting any diagnosis for a new boiler, ring the boiler manufacturer's technical help line to see if the parts are still available. You can also check for reconditioned parts on sites like ebay providing you have the part number and in some cases the 'GC' number. Again ask the boiler manufacturer for the part number.
How long does it take to reassemble a back boiler?
The whole process takes a few hours if done right.
What is back boiler?
A back boiler is a form of heat only boiler, so the most cost effective installation is a new wall hung heat only boiler.
Does boiler insurance cover back boilers?
If you can then it might we worth going with an insurance policy for repairs and maintenance cover. A number of mainstream boiler insurance providers still cover old and newer back boilers and many will fit reconditioned parts that you have sourced and supplied. Read our Boiler Cover Guide to see who offers back boiler insurance and prices.
Can I replace a back boiler with a combi boiler?
If it’s time to replace your back boiler then the two most popular options are to 1) retain a separate hot water tank and fit a wall hung heat only boiler elsewhere in the property or 2) take it all away and fit a combi boiler. We have provided some guidance and cost scenarios for each below.
Can back boilers be repaired?
Depending on the fault, back boilers can still be repaired. Many of the parts are generic and widely available. Always ring the manufacturer. Mostly Baxi, but some Potterton and Glow Worm too
How does a back boiler work?
It took place beside a gas fireplace. Coldwater goes in and goes out as a hot water output. Back boilers need a close attachment to the fireplace. Coldwater storage tank and hot water tanks are needed separately. After getting cold water, the boiler starts the process to heat the water.
What happens when you remove a fireplace and back boiler?
In the case of removing the total fireplace and back boiler system, more dirt will be created at home.
What happens when you remove a boiler?
During removal of the old back boiler, the pipework will be uprooted. A lot of rubbish will be created for uprooting pipework. Dirty water: One or two buckets of dirty water can come out from the pipework. Dust and rubbish: Dust and small pieces of brick will spread out widely.
How to make a back boiler waterless?
Make a hole into the back boiler to make it waterless. Cut the pipes connected to the cylinders or tanks. It seems your old back boiler is now almost disconnected from all functions. Be cautious that, still a little or little more amount of water can be spattered; even in some cases you can see a flow of water.
What is back boiler?
A back boiler is an old central heating system that was popular decades ago to heat homes and provided hot water. They are no longer efficient, and now we have A-Rated boilers available to purchase that are much easier to run and manage.
What is an ECO grant?
Saying this, the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) offers a scheme to help low-income households keep bills down. The grant is means-tested and designed to help those in need. For more information, see here.
What is it called when you replace a boiler?
Because you’ll be replacing with a new boiler, this procedure is often called a system upgrade.
What is a Baxi back boiler?
A back boiler is a unit fitted to the rear of a fireplace or stove, enabling it provide both heat in the room and hot water for central heating and household use. They went through a boom in popularity in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s, with Baxi back boilers as by far the most popular units.
Why can’t I get a Baxi back boiler anymore?
We’re sorry to be the ones to tell you this, all back boiler models have been discontinued in the UK.
What are the advantages of a Baxi back boiler?
The advantages of a back boiler are primarily this: longevity.
What is the best way to replace a back boiler?
Combi Boiler: The most common choice for replacing a back boiler is with a combi boiler, because it’s compact and efficient. This allows you access to instant and unlimited hot water and heat exactly when you need it. No big bulky water tanks also makes it the easiest kind of replacement boiler to find a place for.
Is there a replacement for a Baxi boiler?
There are still replacement parts available for Baxi back boilers, so if you’re determined to keep hold of yours then this is likely your best avenue for exploration. It’s much easier to source parts for the more recent models, but beware; the demand for all Baxi back boiler replacement parts is consistent enough that counterfeits have become more common. These knockoffs are at best low quality and at worst unsafe – back boilers are not known for their safety features at the best of times, so try to make sure that what you’re buying is genuine. Baxi have a guide to spotting the genuine article from the fakes here.
Is Baxi back boiler discontinued?
Although the newer models are more efficient – a range of A-rated high efficiency Baxi back boilers was launched around 10 years ago, for example – these have also been discontinued.
Where is the hot water tank in a boiler?
Conventional Boiler: Conventional boilers have the main unit and a hot water tank, almost always located in the attic (as it uses the gravity to create the water pressure). Although they can be used to replace back boilers, most people find the hot water tank is inconvenient to fit and not really necessary for their purposes.