Replacement Gas Boiler

[Malcolm]

Any advice as to a good replacement gas boiler for a 750 square foot detached cottage would be very much appreciated. The 1985 ish system's failed existing gas boiler is situated in a large airing cupboard against an external wall. It heats an adjacent indirect copper cylinder and a pumped small bore 5 radiator central heating system each fed from their separate supply and vent header tanks. Due to its location its appearance or size is not relevant. Efficiency and reliability are important. The choice between a similar replacement boiler, a 'Combi boiler' and or 'condensing' boiler is where I also would appreciate assistance considering the systems 20+ years age. Any other additional advice also gratefully received. Thank you & compliments of the season.

[G8HAV]

Hi Malcolm,
Unless you want to replace a lot of valves etc, just replace with a standard boiler. The pressure in the system is used to the head supplied by the loft tanks. Combi boilers work at mains pressure so old style radiator valves are likely to leak especially if they are gland packed rather than O ring. Your radiators may have got thin over the years and may not withstand the extra pressure imposed by the mains.
Condensing boilers run at a much lower water temperature so radiator size would need increasing.
I have a 25 year old boiler which I service and maintain and it is still performing flawlessly. About 5 years ago I took the gas valve apart and refurbished it and it has never let me down. I think it will see me out.
The problem is finding someone (not necessarily a CORGI guy) who understands old boilers and repair the existing one.
Cheers

[dennymac]

Hi any help would be greatly appreciated, Ihave lived in my present house for eight years and not knowing how old my potterton netaheat 16/22 is sometimes worry about it suddenly breaking down. so far its been ok with no servicing since i have been here.If or when this were to happen i think i may opt for a combi boiler. What current boiler on the market could i replace it with? I live in a four bedroomed house with thirteen radiators.can anyone advise?