When to replace a back boiler?

[angie]

My mother has a back boiler which is about 20/25 years old. It is regularly serviced and is working ok. It has been hinted that it should be replaced - but is this just a sales gimmick? The reason why I am hesitant to organise a replacement is the upheaval and cost involved (my mother is 78 years old).

I am arranging for various quotes but I really would like some advice as to whether or not it is necessary. Can anyone help please?

Angie

[alanr]

Put simply - when its necessary.

When is it necessary?
When it breaks down and the cost of repair exceeds the cost/disruption of a replacement.
When the running costs become too high, compared to oil/gas alternatives.
When the running responsibility exceeds ability, emptying ash, bringing coal in etc.

We have a back boiler. It keeps radiators hot. It keeps the lounge warm. It costs (excluding service/repairs) around £150/month in fuel costs. It needs daily ash emptying and numerous coal refills. It makes our lounge dusty. It lets our bungalow get cold when we go away for the weekend. When we have a lie in it goes out if we are not lucky. It refuses to be told to seriously start heating our bungalow an hour before we get up. It is soon to be replaced with an LPG fuelled condensing boiler.

So if your Mum is happy with ash emptying, remains capable of carrying fuel in each day, has sufficient funds for her not to be worried about fuel costs, is happy with the lack of automated control, is content with the dust and dirt, then leave her to live happily with the boiler she knows loves and is familiar with for these last qualities are a priceless possession of the elderly and should only be tampered with in cases of necessity.