Replace 50 year old gloworm ?

[Timmy D]

Thanks so much for your replies. The OP is in their 60's so not sure if that's classed as old. The consensus of opinion seems to be to leave the old boiler in place until it stops or starts costing too much. The issue with this that I didn't mention is that the current flue and parts of the inside of the boiler apparently contain asbestos. In the case of the flue I believe it's a very diluted form of asbestos which I've researched. If this boiler contains some asbestos I'm guessing most others of that vintage will too, so should they all be condemned ? I hadn't really thought about replacing the boiler could mean replacing the whole system. If I get a quote to replace the boiler and agree, will that cover me for any problems that may occur with the old rads etc. Thank you again for your very helpful replies.

A quote for a boiler is just that. It won’t cover other stuff.

I wouldn’t use someone who just quotes for the boiler without at least discussing the other issues you’re highly likely to come across.

If you don’t improve/upgrade other aspects of the system, you could kill your new boiler prematurely.

I’ve seen brand new boilers dead in 3 years even after a powerflush and magnetic filter fitted.

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Can’t they get a grant / eco to upgrade ?

 

[Ric2013]

In their 60's could be young or old. Depends very much on the person!

If you're having work done on that boiler, the issue is finding someone who fully understands the requirements in place for working with asbestos and is who is able to comply with the law. If the boiler is to be replaced and the existing asbestos is not likely to degrade in condition, either the person removing the old boiler needs to have the above traits, or it may be worth considering leaving the old boiler in situ and merely disconnecting it and fitting a new boiler to another location.

In the UK, we don't usually have a requirement to have asbestos removed as asbestos, in good condition and left alone, is not a hazard. Unfortunately, in domestic settings there is no duty to manage and so deteriorating asbestos containing materials (ACMs) are often overlooked. It's when ACMs are disturbed or fall apart by themselves that fibres are released. The problem is that it often is disturbed, sometimes unwittingly, by people who think they know what they are doing. The UK is quite lax with asbestos compared with other European countries which may be why it has the highest rates of asbestos-related deaths in Europe. I would highly recommend Googling 'asbestos essentials HSE' and getting an idea of what safe work with asbestos looks like before letting anyone work on it.