Aluminium versus stainless steel heat exchangers
- Thread starter skyblob
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Aluminium boilers have life given by manufacturers of around 10 years (from my training course at Ideal) whilst most s/steel are given life of approx 15 years (Vaillant training). From recent problems I have been called out to with Aluminium boilers I would always go with stainless steel. If aluminium are not serviced 100% and the condensate drain sump gets blocked acidic condenstae will sit there and eat thorough aluminium, as I found a month ago on a 3 year old aluminium boiler. Customers fault though never been serviced, thought she was saving money 
Enviromentally the process of welding stainless steel causes more harmful emissions that condensing boiler will save
Enviromentally the process of welding stainless steel causes more harmful emissions that condensing boiler will save
All the Buderus Aluminium heat exchangers in the workshop test models circa run continuously for last 30 years are still original.
I would consider it very wasteful to spend my money on a boiler I thought would only last 10 years.
I would consider it very wasteful to spend my money on a boiler I thought would only last 10 years.
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turbomax 242e 1st generation in my kitchen only thing it's had is a diaphram and it is still plodding on 15 BIG rads
kevplumb said:turbomax 242e 1st generation in my kitchen only thing it's had is a diaphram and it is still plodding on 15 BIG rads
Don't count then its had new parts, would have cost loads a money to get a plumber in
I know that, but it'll be expected to be repairable for 20 years in my house.
As I'v said elsewhere even an Ariston DIA I have in a flat has done 10 years now without even a diaphragm, and yes the lodgers do use it plenty. I think I'll just stick one in it anyway when I do next landlord certificate..
I also have a Buderus in a flat but that only been in 1 1/2.
My other boilers are heavyweights, those I expect to last another 20 years. I have the gas valves in stock. AND no it is not viable to replace these with condensers, there will never be a return on the investment in my lifetime if you know anything about cost accounting (which I do).
Then there is a Brittony IIt. That I give a new diaphragm every 5 years and clean the pilot jet on my ultrasonic cleaner every year at the gas safety inspection. I expect another 20 years out of it.
As I'v said elsewhere even an Ariston DIA I have in a flat has done 10 years now without even a diaphragm, and yes the lodgers do use it plenty. I think I'll just stick one in it anyway when I do next landlord certificate..
I also have a Buderus in a flat but that only been in 1 1/2.
My other boilers are heavyweights, those I expect to last another 20 years. I have the gas valves in stock. AND no it is not viable to replace these with condensers, there will never be a return on the investment in my lifetime if you know anything about cost accounting (which I do).
Then there is a Brittony IIt. That I give a new diaphragm every 5 years and clean the pilot jet on my ultrasonic cleaner every year at the gas safety inspection. I expect another 20 years out of it.
doitall said:kevplumb said:turbomax 242e 1st generation in my kitchen only thing it's had is a diaphram and it is still plodding on 15 BIG rads
Don't count then its had new parts, would have cost loads a money to get a plumber in
shoemenders
couldn't afford a decent plumber
diaphram is a wearing part on ANY boiler
Paul Barker said:
Expected to be repairable, but at what cost.
There's a lot of difference in keeping a boiler going for your self at parts cost, than charging hundreds if not thousands of pounds getting RGIs in ever couple of years.
I've said it before the environmetal saving for modern boilers is more than lost having an army of RGIs running around keeping them working.
I know its bad news for the end user but I can only quote what I was told by trainers on manufacturers courses.
The aluminimum one said that it didn't matter as regs will change so much that a new boiler would be needed to keep up with the efficiencies required.
The phrase built in obsolescence springs to mind
The aluminimum one said that it didn't matter as regs will change so much that a new boiler would be needed to keep up with the efficiencies required.
The phrase built in obsolescence springs to mind
gas4you said:I know its bad news for the end user but I can only quote what I was told by trainers on manufacturers courses.
The aluminimum one said that it didn't matter as regs will change so much that a new boiler would be needed to keep up with the efficiencies required.
The phrase built in obsolescence springs to mind
Surely not, at the moment only when changing a boiler or cylinder must we fit latest technology, what you point out implies that we have to all scrap our boilers every time technological improvements are made. No brainer.
No it does matter that the heat exchanger is long lasting, the Buderus one is proven. It is made of a grade of aluminium that has stood the test of time, is replaceable in less than 15minutes, but in anycase can be completely removed and washed out under the tap in the same time 5 times before you even need new seals, not that you would need to do so because it has a large boar whole for the system water to flow through that will not get blocked nearly as soon as many competitors products.
No I can't believe it, trainers must have been idiots. Even our stupid government couldn't be that wreckless.
oh yes they can paul as long as we are silly enough to belive them
btw don't mention "Buderus" to DIA gives him a pain in the foot
you had to be there
btw don't mention "Buderus" to DIA gives him a pain in the foot
you had to be there
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