New Boiler: do I need new radiators?

[Lennom]

Hi everyone.

I'm looking to replace our very old boiler with a new one. But before we decide whether we go for a combi or condensing unit, do we need new rads, too?

They are old (about 30 years), but give out plenty of even heat and don't leak. Our regular plumber says we will need to replace the rads when we replace the boiler, but I have a feeling he would say that anyway.

Any advice greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Lennom

 

[NickStone]

Well, I'm not a plumber but when I wanted to replace an old boiler (about 30 yrs old) the plumber told me the same as yours told you. In fact, he went farther and said that if I didn't replace the rads, they might 'explode'. I consulted several other plumbers, inc. British Gas, and no one else seemed to think it was necessary to replace the rads, so I didn't. That was over a year ago and nothing terrible has happened. The boiler is condensing (you have to have a condensing boiler now unless there are exceptional circumstances) but it's not a combi. (Combis work with mains pressure, so that be where the exploding idea comes in.)

In another property, however, I have put in a combi. and the old rads have been fine, too (the house was built in the seventies and the rads look to be about the same age.) However, one did leak a little. Mayeb someone else will be able to give you some expert advice.

 

[namsag]

Still have 2 rads fitted that went in with original heating back in 72.
Sometimes on draining /flushing and fitted a combi(pressuried) leaks will show on rads that previously looked ok.
So providing your prepared for this small risk go ahead and leave them in, had about half a dozen leak out of the hundreds i have left in

 

[gas4you]

I am often told this by customers when I quote for new boilers, but at best it is only a part truth.

I always, except one job in the past, tell customers they can keep their existing rads but I cannot guarantee they will not leak after they have been flushed and that any replacement rads are NOT included in the quote.

It is very rare that old rads do leak, but the very slight possibility remains.

Some will also say that new condensing boilers need new, larger radiators, again a part truth, if money is no object, as larger radiators enable you to run the boiler at a lower temperature, but keeping the room air temp the same.

This makes the boiler stay in condensing mode for longer, thereby saving you money, but the payback time equating to the cost of new rads will be a few years.

HTH

 

[NickStone]

I always, except one job in the past, tell customers they can keep their existing rads but I cannot guarantee they will not leak after they have been flushed and that any replacement rads are NOT included in the quote.

Yes, now you mention it, the guy who replaced the boiler in the first property I mentioned also said that. Seems perfectly fair to me. I took the risk, but I guess if someone had Persian carpets all over the place, they might think differently.

 

[Lennom]

Many thanks for your very useful replies, guys. I always thought our plumber took my wife and I for a pair of wet-behind-the-ears mugs. The worms are now turning!