Move or replace old floorstanding boiler?

[David m]

Hi all,
I'm looking to remove a chimney breast to extend kitchen. Currently I have an old (30years?) Stelrad group Ideal Mexico cf65 situated in the chimney breast, with the flue running out through the chimney, which would need moving or replacing. Can anyone advise on the feasability of moving this to another position in the kitchen and having the flue passing out through an external wall. The flue, (flexible metal pipe), comes out of the top of the boiler. I don't know if there is provision for it to come out of the back instead, or if that even matters.
Reason for wanting to keep this boiler rather than replace is twofold, cost of new boiler, and reliability of current one. I have not had to spend any money on it other than occasional service in 25 years. Geoff Howell in the telegraph recommends holding onto these old boilers for as long as possible even though its only 60% efficient compared with 90% + for a new one.
Please advise. Thanks

 

[Chalked]

It's a conventional flued boiler. It will cost more for a new flue sysem than a new boiler! If it was moved.
Best to get some quotes in from local gas safe registered installers to have it replaced, or leave it where it is.
I agree, there is an argument for keeping a reliable inefficient boiler over the cost of replacing with a new more efficient boiler. But, if you want it moved its a new boiler I'm afraid.

 

[joni os]

Most of problems relating to high service costs, breakdowns and short life span relate to combi boilers. Although not as robust as your old boiler, a heat only condensing boiler should satisfy your expectations. Based on your current boiler a new heat only boiler need be no larger than 20Kw.

 

[AlexGas]

Reason for wanting to keep this boiler rather than replace is twofold, cost of new boiler, and reliability of current one. I have not had to spend any money on it other than occasional service in 25 years. Geoff Howell in the telegraph recommends holding onto these old boilers for as long as possible...

New boiler! If you don’t want to spend money – listen to Geoff.

 

[jonnyswamp]

It's going to cost anything from £1000 upwards just to move it and fit a complete new flue (even if the new position is compatible) and you still end up with a boiler that doesn't use 40% of the gas it burns
In other words, you needlessly throw away around £400 each year, depending on usage
Also, a boiler if that age will invariably leak once moved, they get set in their ways much like us really

 

[REDSAW]

i am more interested in why you can see the copex!!!!!!!!
also, it has asbestos in it..

i also expect building regs would like to comment on re-locating such a boiler too/!

 

[lame plumber]

As mentioned, building regs wont allow a major move of such an old inefficient boiler.

 

[flat Eric]

David,
I would agree with most of the posts here but also for the other part of your question I'm afraid you cant bring the flue straight out of the back of the boiler, this is because the draught diverter is at the back and you need at least 600mm of flue out of this before any bends ( and these should only be 45* bends not 90*).
maybe you should find a training centre and ask if a APL student can replace this as part of there portfolio ( supervised of course ) the training centre gets the old boiler, a student gets great experience and you get a new boiler installed a bit cheaper?
good luck

 

[stevetheplumber]

boiler will have to be replaced if you post a location someone here may be able to qut=ote you

 

[David m]

Thanks everyone for the replies and advice. I suppose it's generally what I was expecting.
Jonnyswamp and chalked,, I don't understand why it would cost upwards of 1k to move it, probably because I don't know what's involved, but it does make me wonder what a gas safe installer earns in a day? And how many days work would it be?
Lameplumber and redsaw, I'm not sure why building regs wouldn't allow moving it. Is it because it would be classed as a new installation?
Why does it matter if the copex can be seen? No one has mentioned it when servicing the boiler. If there is asbestos in the copex then it would still have to be dealt with if it is removed and a new boiler fitted elsewhere. What normally happens about that? Asbestos removal specialist?
So, is it best to avoid replacing it with a combi boiler and stick to a simpler, heat only one for reliability?
Flateric, is your suggestion of finding a training centre student quite normal. What is APL?
I'm in Tonbridge, Kent if anyone does want to quote.
Thanks

 

[lame plumber]

new twinwall external flue would come to around £800 in parts alone, large move needs BRegs approval, and they wouldnt allow an old boiler install, against regs,etc etc

 

[jonnyswamp]

As said above regarding cost etc, as for not seeing flexible flue liner (copex) that's exactly what it is, it's a flue liner and not meant to be exposed

 

[stevetheplumber]

if its never been mentioned on previous services i would change who services your boiler

 

[lame plumber]

if its never been mentioned on previous services i would change who services your boiler

geoff howell, reknown plumber, or was that a failed tv builder of no repute

 

[David m]

if its never been mentioned on previous services i would change who services your boiler

Previously serviced by different engineers each time, the last two work for British Gas, one a mate, the other a relative.

 

[David m]

geoff howell, reknown plumber, or was that a failed tv builder of no repute

A couple of the replies to this thread appear to agree with Geoff Howell

 

[lame plumber]

A couple of the replies to this thread appear to agree with Geoff Howell

a lot of stuff he writes in the telegraph is total rubbish, but it is in a paper so must be correct!!

 

[joni os]

Especially if in the Daily Mail.