Baxi Bermuda Back Boilers – Free Conversion To Combi
Baxi Bermuda Back Boilers
Back Boiler Free Conversions To A Combi
This guide is the complete guide to Baxi Bermuda backboilers and the Government Free Boiler Scheme 2023.
It covers Back Boiler Free Grants – Back Boiler Removal – Back Boiler Replacement – Back Boiler Faults – Back Boiler General Guide.
Baxi Bermuda Back Boilers Free Conversion To Combi
Do you have an old Baxi Bermuda Back Boiler that is currently heating your home?
The government are now offering 100% FREE grants to remove your old Baxi Bermuda back boiler and replace it with a combi boiler on the wall.
Replacing an old backboiler With A Combi Boiler Will Help Households To Reduce your Heating Bills By Up To 30 % Per Year .
This Back Boiler Grant is worth in excess of £3000 and is for home owners only.
Back Boiler Grants – What Is Included?
Included In This Grant As Standard *
- Free Fitting
- 2 Years Full Parts & Labour Warranty
- Wireless Programmer & Thermostat
- Free Home Insulation Check
- Boilers fitted include Ideal – Worcester & Baxi.
Why Apply For A Grant ?
✅ There Is No Catch – We Guarantee it !
✅ If Your Application Is Accepted Your Grant Is 100% FREE
✅ You Will Reduce Your Energy Bills By Up To £300 Per Year
✅ You Will Add Lots Of Value To Your Home
✅ The Scheme Has Limited Funding – Ends Apr 30 !
What Is A Baxi Bermuda Back Boiler?
Back boilers (also known as back boiler units or BBUs) are an old type of gas boiler which was fitted to many houses in the 1960s to provide hot water and heating.
back boilers are usually a small, compact boiler that is fitted at the back of an open fireplace hearth behind a gas fire
The market leader was a Baxi Bermuda and many are still in use today.
When did the Bermuda Back Boiler first come out?
The Bermuda back boiler was first introduced in 1966. They were said to have revolutionised central heating systems as an open-flued appliance.
They have been updated with many different and more fashionable fire fronts in the last 30 years or so that followed.
Are Baxi Bermuda Back boilers any good?
Bermuda Baxi boilers have always been very reliable and have received some incredible feedback on the platform over the years
The average rating of Baxi’s reviews was 4.5 (almost as good as Worcester, but not quite!), a clear indicator of their products quality and the aftercare offered by their team.
In their day Bermua Backboilers were an excellent choice of heating for homes. They were much cheaper than relying on expensive electric heating and were fitted to the majority of Uk homes that had a gas supply.
Back boilers in the 20th century are outdated and in some cases dangerous.
They also run at much lower efficiencies than modern condensing boilers.
Continuing to use a back boiler will lead to much higher energy bills and there maybe safety issues too.
We recommend you upgrade to a combi boiler sooner than later and take advantage of any grants that may be available.
How To Check If You Have A Back Boiler?
If your boiler is housed behind your gas or electric fireplace, you can be assured that it is a back boiler.
A backboilers flue will be housed in the chimney, which means if you have a new boiler installed, you will require a new flue system as you cannot reuse an old flue
The BAXI Bermuda back boiler dominated the back boiler market in the 60s and this is the model that will usually be in use today.
Their reliability and affordability made them the market leader.
How Do I Find The Model Of My Back boiler?
To find what type of back boiler you have, simply pull down the flap underneath the boiler.
There will label or small sticker stating the make and model number.
If you have a Baxi Bermuda, you will struggle to find any spare parts and replacing it before it goes belly up should be considered.
How long does a Baxi Bermuda back boiler last?
Back boilers usually last for around 25 years, provided they have been well maintained and serviced regularly.
Some back boilers, particularly the Baxi Bermuda have been known to last over 40 years as they were very well made in the 60s.
Indeed there are still many back boilers in the Uk that are still going to this day, albeit they wont be very efficient and will be up to a third more expensive to run.
If your old Baxi Bermuda is on its last legs you should bite the bullet and have it replaced with a condensing combi boiler.
The chances are that it has had a good innings after 30 years or so and needs to go to the back boiler heaven in the sky.
Are Back Boilers Still Available To Buy?
Yes The Baxi Bermuda BBU HE Boiler is a fully condensing back boiler which has been designed for homeowners looking to replace their old back boiler with a more efficient system.
UK government regulations state that all boiler systems must have a minimum of 86% efficiency, so most models of back boilers are no longer manufactured .
How Efficient Is a Back Boiler?
An old standard efficiency Baxi Bermuda back boiler is usually less than 70% efficient compared to a modern day condensing boiler which will be over 90% efficient.
In real terms, for every £1 of gas that is burned, you are only getting the benefit of 70p worth of useable heat and the other 30p worth is being lost up the chimney.
By replacing it with a new boiler at over 90% efficient, you can reduce your fuel bill by up to £305 per year.
Back boilers have a much lower energy efficiency rating than their modern combi boiler counterparts.
This means that an old back boiler will be costing you over 25% more in eating costs.
This information has been provided by the Energy Saving Trust
Can You Get A Back Boiler Replaced?
Back boilers are no longer being manufactured by most companies apart from the Baxi Bermuda BBU HE
We recommend that you should replace your old back boiler with a brand new combi.
The cost will be around £2500-£3000 done privately but there are grants available if you are on a low income.
The Baxi Bermuda HE is a fully condensing back boiler with a 15 KW heat output.
Installation of this Back Boiler is easy because it has been designed to be used with the existing pipework of a home.
How much does it cost to replace a back boiler with a combi boiler?
Here in the UK a Combi boiler installed instead of a back boiler is about £3000 -4000.
Some plumbers will do it for less depending on the amount of work needed to remove the old back boiler and cut off the water tanks.
Do look at The Back Boiler Replacement Scheme from Eco
Are Back Boilers Safe
There is no reason why they should be unsafe if they have been services yearly and thoroughly checked by a qualified gas safe engineer.
If you have an old back boiler behind the fire that has been decommissioned, we would recommend that you pay an engineer to inspect that it has been put out of service safely.
How Much Does A Replacement Back Boiler Cost?
Average prices for the Baxi Bermuda Boilers start from £750 excluding VAT and installation.
You can expect little change from £2000.
We recommend you do not replace your old back boiler on a like for like basis but upgrade to a combi.
The extra cost will be well worth it.
Baxi Bermuda Back Boiler Replacement – Are There Any Grants?
There are no grants for back boiler replacement at the moment and we do not foresee any for the future.
Back boilers are deemed very inefficient and all funding is aimed convertibng back boilers to a combi boiler.
This makes more sense as they are much more efficient to run.
You used to be able to purchase Back Boiler Units From Baxi if you are sold onto back boilers but they are no longer available.
Are Old Back Boilers Removed Completely With The Grant Scheme.
In most cases the back boiler will be removed but this will depend on which installer you are allocated.
This is due to funding requirements per property type.
The fire will always be removed or gas supply removed to it for safety reasons.
The UK Government’s Energy Company Obligation Scheme (ECO) was introduced to help vulnerable homeowners and tenants across England, Scotland and Wales with the reduction of their energy bills.
Back Boiler Grants Have Recently Been Introduced As they Are Very Inefficient and the government wish to do away with back boilers altogether.
Removing /Decommissioning a back boiler and replacing it with a combi boiler is the best choice you will ever make.
To learn more about the Eco Scheme, please visit the GOV WEBSITE
Back Boiler Removal – What Is The Process?
It’s likely that a back boiler removal will take quite a bit of work as it is positioned behind your fireplace.
Typically, the process will include:
- Removing the fireplace
- Removing the back boiler system
- Reconstruction of the mantle space
- Installation of the combi boiler system in an alternative location
- New pipework installed to fit with new combi boiler
- Work to be done on the flue system to suit the combi boiler (the back boiler would have used the chimney).
Remove Back Boiler- Does It Take long?
You should allow a full day and an engineer will charge you his day rate plus any extras needed
We do not recommend removing your back boiler by yourself unless you really know what you are doing.
Disconnect your backboiler from the gas supply and water supply by capping off both.
- Make a hole into the back boiler to make it waterless.
- Cut the pipes connected to the cylinders or tanks.
Be cautious that, still a little or little more amount of water can be spattered; even in some cases you can see a flow of water.
It won’t be so high; one or two medium-size buckets can be enough to collect the water.
VERY IMPORTANT NOTE
NEVER DISCONNECT A BACK BOILER AND THEN SEAL OFF THE TWO PIPES EXITING THE BACK BOILER AND THEN LIGHT A FIRE.
BEST PRACTICE IS TO COMPLETELY REMOVE THE DISCONNECTED BACK BOILER FROM THE FIREPLACE.
Water (even a tiny amount) will boil and the steam can cause a huge build up of pressure (water expands 1,600 times when converted to steam) and if that pressure cannot escape then the back boiler explodes.
Back Boiler Replacement Cost
Replacing your old back boiler with a combi boiler is likely to be an expensive job, estimated at anything from £3000 onwards.
Although this may seem to be a costly expense, you should bear in mind that there are potential savings to be made with a new and energy-efficient combi boiler.
Not to mention the quality of heating and hot water that combi systems provide.
How Long Does A Back Boiler Conversion Take?
Back boilers are often the most difficult system upgrades to install.
Given their location (behind your gas fire), they aren’t easy to remove and the removal is often quite a difficult job and usually quite expensive. It can be quite a messy job as it can involve the removal of the fireplace and the area around the fire to be able to remove it.
In some cases, the back boiler can be decommissioned and left where it is so the disruption is minimised.
What happens when you remove a Baxi Back Boiler?
The back boiler, it’s flue and gas fire – all will be removed unless you want to keep the back boiler fireplace.
Removing the gas fireplace and replacing it with an electric fire could cost you more in the short term but less in the long term.
This is Quite a messy job and is normal while removing a back boiler.
How Long Do Baxi Back Boilers Last
Back boilers usually last for around 25 years, provided they have been well maintained and serviced regularly.
Some backboilers, particularly the Baxi Bermuda have been know to last over 40 years as they were well made in the 60s.
Indeed there are still many backboilers in the Uk that are still going to this day, albeit they wont be very efficient and will be up to a third more expensive to run.
If your old Baxi Bermuda is on its last legs you should bite the bullet and have it replaced with a combi.
The chances are that it has had a good innings and needs to go to the back boiler heaven in the sky.
Dont forget that there are Back Boiler Removal Grants Available Too to replace them at no cost.
Are There Back Boiler Grants For Tenants
No. Your landlord needs to provide you with a working boiler.
Warm Front Gas Boiler Scrappage Scheme.
WarmFront Boiler Grants have been very well received with the general public and well over 1 million new boilers have now been installed .
The Heating Grant Scheme Has Been Extended Now To Cover Back Boilers too Which Were Excluded From Previous Schemes Due To Expense.
There Is Also A Scheme To Replace Non Condensing Boiler Too.
These Are Boilers Over 17 Years Old
You can apply for both free boilers on this page.
Can Landlords Apply For a Grant Backboiler
No. Boilers & Storage Heaters are now excluded for the private rented sector .
Only insulation & renewable heating can be claimed by landlords.
See Our Landlords Page For a full list of grants available to the private rented sector.
How To Remove a Back Boiler
We recommend you do not do this yourself and employ the services of a Gas safe Registered Engineer.
Have two to three empty buckets to hand as dirty water coming out of the boiler can damage your flooring and carpets
- Remove carpets and all the unnecessary things from the room.
- Dust and pieces of brick will be flying around and it would be best to protect your furniture.
- You can place old rugs over the floor to prevent scratching.
- Have one spare bucket to collect pipework waste in.
- Engineers will have to uproot the pipework and there will be a lot of dirty water and limescale present.
Are Back Boilers Still Legal?
Conventional Back Boilers Can Still Be Fitted Legally.
Building Regulations do still allow for conventional back-boilers (ie gas fires with boilers, fitted in fireplaces) to be replaced like-for-like in situations where it would be difficult to fit a new condensing boiler against an outside wall.
Are Back Boiler Removal Grants For Over 60s & Pensioners Available ?
Over 60s in receipt of means tested benefits can apply.
Pensioners in receipt of Pension Credit Guarantee eligible too.
Can I Apply For A Heating Grant If my boiler is faulty?
Only back boilers and non condensing boilers over 17 years old are now eligible for this grant.
If your boiler does not meet the above criteria, you will have to bite the bullet and pay yourself for a new boiler.
Tax payers money is not available to all and sundry sorry.
How Much Is The Grant For A Back Boiler Worth ?
A back boiler conversion usually costs between £3000 – £4000 dependng on what work is required.
If you already have a central heating system installed and have decided to have your old back boiler removed from behind the fire, a removal is likely to cost you around £1000 as it is a big job.
This will include removal of the boiler tank etc and capping pipework.
How much does it cost to replace a gas back boiler?
To replace and remove a gas back boiler is not cheap or cost effective. The construction work and back boiler replacement can cost around £3,000 to £4,500.
The back boiler grant does not cover the cost replace a back boiler
Back Boiler Vs Combi – Which Is Best?
A condensing boiler has a large heat exchanger which recovers more heat than a older back boiler, sending cooler gases up the flue enhancing efficiency.
UK government and European Union regulations state that a minimum of 86% boiler efficiency rating must be achieved with all new boilers. With the introduction of ERP ratings, back boilers are no longer fitted to homes. Back boilers due to their inefficiency produce more harmful toxins than condensing boilers and are more expensive to run.
By replacing an old inefficient back boiler with a new condensing boiler,
- your fuel bills will be greatly reduced.
- A combi boiler will heat your home and provide instantaneous hot water.
- No hot water cylinder, or storage tanks to save on space.
- Installation costs for combi boilers are relatively low compared to installing a condensing back boiler.
When Does the Heating Grant end?
The Scheme is on until 2026 but the grant can be pulled at any time if targets have been met.
Apply today to be sure of getting a new boiler for free.
How To Apply For A Free Backboiler Grant
Back Boiler Removal Cost
This is for homes that already have a full central heating installed and just want the old back boiler removed from behind the fireplace.
Full back boiler removal from your chimney breast ( that has been already decommissioned) you can expect to pay up to £1000.
This cost will cover the :
- Decommissioning of back boiler and the attached pipework
- Full removal of the old back boiler
- Removal Of The Gas Fire
- full disposal
- capping off of the old pipework.
- replastering of the chimney breast
Baxi Bermuda Back Boiler Conversion Cost
You can expect to pay £3000 -£4000
This is for replacing an old back boiler with a combi boiler.
The new boiler will be put on an outside wall usually in the kitchen or bathroom and new pipe work installed including a gas supply and distribution of hot and cold supplies.
This is a large job and can take around 2 days to complete.
Are There Grants For Back Boiler Servicing?
No. Servicing is not included in any government schemes at the moment.
We recommend you use a back boiler expert such as British Gas
Back Boiler Engineers Near Me
If your back boiler heating is not working or your back boiler is leaking or just need a back boiler service , there are a number of sites you can use to find the right engineer to assist you.
Please remember that a Back Boiler Repair may not be viable and could be false economy.
Spending hundreds of pounds on an old heating system could be money wasted.
Free Back Boiler Manuals
You can download many boiler manuals and back boiler manuals from an excellent site called FREE BOILER MANUALS
Most UK boilers are included in this site.
Baxi Bermuda Spare Parts
Baxi bermuda spare parts are still available in the UK albeit they are not stocked by many outlets now.
You can visit
Back Boiler Annual Servicing
The Baxi Bermuda is an open-flued type of boiler that needs to be serviced annually by a qualified Gas Safe engineer to ensure the safety of the appliance.
Open-flued boilers are at higher risk of producing carbon monoxide which is a harmful gas that has been responsible for deaths in the past
In addition to regular servicing, carbon monoxide alarms should be installed and tested regularly.
All homes with an open-flued system should be kept well ventilated to reduce the risk of carbon momoxide poisoning.
Baxi Bermuda Back Boiler Faults
The Bermuda back boiler open-flued heating system was launched in 1966 and is still in operation 50 years later.
It is thought that around 5% of the Uk still has a backboiler as the main heating for their home.
Bermuda’s backboilers are now very outdated and they are no longer manufactured.
Many people now are upgrading their Backboilers to a Combi boiler which is a more effiecient way of heating your home.
Replacement parts are quite difficult to get hold of also.
Checking the Air Vent
If your boiler locks out, one of the first checks to be undertaken would be to check the air vent.
The locking out process is a safety mechanism so that carbon monoxide fumes are not omitted.
The boiler’s air vent should be checked regularly to keep it clear from blockages in order to help protect from dangerous gasses being leaked into the living spaces within the property.
Resetting the Pilot Light
Another common problem with boilers is ignition matters.
Wear and tear can cause parts to fail including the thermocouple which results in the pilot light going out.
Resetting the pilot light is a tricky job however there should be instructions within the boiler’s manual.
If the problem frequently reoccurs it is highly recommended that the matter is escalated to a qualified Gas Safe engineer.
to undertake tests on the boiler to find the cause of the ignition issue, safely remove any blockages and replace any parts if they are showing signs of failure.
How do I reset my Baxi Bermuda back boiler?
To reset the boiler, turn the selector switch to the R (Reset) position.
Hold for at least 5 seconds and release. The fault code will be replaced with the boiler’s current temperature.
At this point on a neon indicator boiler model, the flame failure light will stop flashing and will be replaced with the burner light.
Why does my back boiler pilot light keep going out?
The cause for most pilot light issues is a thermocouple in need of replacing. A thermocouple is a small probe that extends into the pilot light’s flame and will keep the gas valve open for as long as heat is being applied. It is a safety feature built in to cut off the gas supply if the flame goes out.
It has a thin metal wire that runs back to the gas valve.
Why does my Baxi Bermuda make a roaring noise?
Baxi Bermuda back boilers will roar if they have a damaged main burner usually caused by leakage from the heat exchanger.
Heavy rusting can cause perforation of the burner wall allowing the burner to light back inside.
This produced the characteristic roaring noise. The next time the gas valve opened, this flame caused the gas to light back inside the burner, causing the roaring noise.
Baxi Bermuda Back Boiler -More History
The Bermuda back boiler open-flued heating system was launched in 1966 and is still in operation 50 years later.
It is thought that around 5% of the Uk still has a backboiler as the main heating for their home.
Bermuda’s backboilers are now very outdated and they are no longer manufactured.
Many people now are upgrading their Backboilers to a Combi boiler which is a more effiecient way of heating your home. Replacement parts are quite difficult to get hold of also.
Annual Servicing
The Baxi Bermuda is an open-flued type of boiler that needs to be serviced annually by a qualified Gas Safe engineer to ensure the safety of the appliance. Open-flued boilers are at higher risk of producing carbon monoxide which is a harmful gas that has been responsible for deaths in the past In addition to regular servicing, carbon monoxide alarms should be installed and tested regularly. All homes with an open-flued system should be kept well ventilated to reduce the risk of carbon momoxide poisoning.
Replacing a Baxi Bermuda Back Boiler
We recommend that you should replace your old back boiler with a brand new combi.
The cost will be around £2500-£3000 done privately but there are grants available if you are on a low income.
How Efficient Are Back Boilers?
Back boilers have a much lower energy efficiency rating than their modern combi boiler counterparts.
Generally, they are only about 60 -70% energy efficient as compared to the more modern condensing boilers which are over 90% efficient.
This means that an old back boiler will be costing you over 25% more in eating costs.
How Often Should Boilers Be Replaced?
There are 7 key signs that you should look for that will tell you that it is time to send your old boiler to the man in the sky.
1. Your Boiler Is Over 15 years Old
Most condensing boilers have only got a shelf life of 15 years. Their design is to use the exhaust gases for extra heat whilst being more effficient, does reduce the shelf life unfortunately.
Previous non condensing boilers would last up to 25 years.
2. Your energy bills are increasing
Are your energy bills gradually creeping up each month? If so, it’s likely that your boiler needs replacing.
A boiler’s efficiency will usually decrease over time leading to more expensive energy bills.
3. The blue flame in your boiler has turned yellow
If the boiler has a yellow flame a technician should be contacted immediately to assess the seriousness of the situation.
This is taken seriously because a yellow flame can indicate a malfunction with carbon monoxide in the heater.
Carbon monoxide does not have an odor and is difficult to identify but it is important to identify it as soon as you observe a yellow flame.
4. Your boiler is leaking
A leak could simply mean theres a problem with internal components like seals or valves.
In this case its time to call an engineer before it causes other problems that you absolutely want to avoid – like rust corrosion or structural damage to your home.
If the leaks are becoming more common then your boiler is no longer a new boiler and needs to be replaced.
Firstly your boiler is leaking which means your heating system is inefficient leaving you anxiously waiting for your radiator to work. their magic.
5. Your radiators take longer to heat up
This is not to say that every time you’re waiting for the heat to start warming you up, you should panic and get a new boiler. Remain calm.
Sometimes, if your radiators are taking their time to get toasty, it might mean an internal malfunction – point four, for example – but often it’s a sign of a worn-out boiler that is approaching the end of its days.
6. Your boiler is giving off a bad smell
a bad smelling boiler can be a sign of a dangerous boiler.
Although carbon monoxide has no odour, a sour smelling boiler may be a sign of a potential gas leak.
If this is the case, turn off your boiler immediately and contact the Gas Emergency Services on 0800 111 999.
7 Replacement parts are harder to find
If you’re struggling to find the correct parts for the particular brand / model of your boiler, it is definitely time to consider a replacement.
Do see if you are eligible for a grant before spending out your cash.
Back Boiler Decommissioning
The only positively safe and reliable way to proceed, when a solid fuel/ gas back boiler is no longer needed and the customer wants to continue using the fireplace, is to totally remove the back boiler installation by breaking up the chamber that used to carry the hot water system and removing any pipe work
Back Boiler Change to Combi
Back boilers are a lot more inefficient when compared to modern combi boilers.
Most people are having their old back boilers replaced with a combi boiler rather than continuing to heat their home with this very old fashioned way of heating.
A modern combi boiler can reduce your heating costs by up to £330 per year so it will pay for itself over the next ten years.
It is a very disruptive process especially if you are having the complete fireplace removed and usually takes 2 days or so to do.
Back Boiler Decommissioning is cheaper option but we feel it is not a good idea and we recommend you bite the bullet and have it completely removed.
Back boilers are around 70 % energy-efficient, while modern combi boilers are well over 90% efficient. Government regulations require that all new boiler installs have to be over 86%.
For ease of use and reliability, combi boilers win hands down too.
How Much Does It Cost To Remove & Replace A Back Boiler with A Combi?
There is no simple answer and a home survey will be needed.
Back boiler conversion cost will vary from one property to the next.
The cost of replacing a back boiler with a combi boiler will be approximately £2700 -£4000.
This will depend of course on what is exactly required. Obviously if you have the old fireplace and backboiler ripped out, the price will be at the higher end.
This cost includes pipe capping and the installation of new pipes.
We recommend you take this opportunity to replace all old pipework too as it is likely to be corroded and the old joints may not be able to take the pressure of a pressurised combi boiler system.
Decommissioning a Back Boiler
By decommissioning a back boiler, it won’t actually be removed from behind the fireplace.
Decommission effectively means it will disconnect from its source of power/energy. It will remain behind your fireplace gathering dust out of use.
To decommission your old back boiler, engineers will need to get behind your fireplace, which means you will likely have some damage to your fireplace and carpet.
Prepare to make repairs afterward.
However, decommissioning your back boiler instead of removing and replacing it, will save you money.
Savings will depend on who is doing the work and what exactly needs doing.
On average, you can expect a boiler decommissioning to cost around £3000.
Before making a bold decision, decommissioning might not always be an option.
Always speak to one of our Gas Safe heating engineers who will decide whether it can be safely done.
Are Back Boilers Still Available To Buy?
Yes The Baxi Bermuda BBU HE Boiler is a fully condensing back boiler which has been designed for homeowners looking to replace their old back boiler with a more efficient system.
UK government regulations state that all boiler systems must have a minimum of 86% efficiency, so most models of back boilers are no longer manufactured .
The Dangers of back boilers.
If you have had your back boiler decommissioned in the past, it is worth getting it completely removed as there have been some issues in the past.
In decommissioned back boilers there will likely be residual moisture inside, which will heat up if you have the fire on in front of it .
This can result in a build-up of internal pressure that can cause an explosion which has caused numerous serious injuries and one fatality.
Installers highly recommended you remove any disused back boilers to avoid such tragic outcomes.
Back Boilers Vs. Combi Boilers
Back boilers are still present in many UK homes, particularly with those homes built between the ‘60s and ‘80s.
A back boiler is a boiler that is built in behind a gas fire or solid fuel fire that is used to heat the home much like a central heating system.
These older systems usually require a lot of maintenance and are not particularly efficient. Average efficiency is around 60 -70% .
Back Boilers are generally very reliable with not many moving parts to go wrong , you will eventually need to replace it.
Back Boiler Replacement
You need to decide whether you should go with a new back boiler or go for an upgrade to a combi boiler.
We recommend you have the backboiler decommissioned and upgrade to a combi boiler.
Energy Efficiency
In the back boilers versus combi boilers debate, combi boilers win hands down.
- A Combi boiler will be up to 90 -100% efficient
- A back Boiler will be 70-80% efficient
Replacing a back boiler with a combi boilers will pay for itself in a few years through reduced energy costs.
A new boiler installation may be the best choice if you’re facing a series of costly emergency repairs as the back boiler unit approaches its end of life.
It is not cost effective to keep throwing money at an old boiler and this money would be better served paying for a new boiler.
Pressure Problems
You may not be able to use modern dishwashers or washing machines with high water pressure that comes from traditional back boilers.
Combi boilers are a good choice for replacing back boilers since they require less space and are easy to install.
However, they will not be able to heat massive amounts of water as a back boiler could.
Space
Combination boilers combine the central heating boiler with a hot water heater in a single compact unit, which means you do not need separate hot and cold-water tanks in your loft to supply the back boiler.
For this reason Combi boilers are a good choice for small homes or flats where space is very limited.
Switching to a combi boiler could free up space in your water cupboard or current utility room.
Hot Water Supply versus Demand
The greatest drawback of combi boilers is their ability to provide hot water for simultaneous use.
Traditional boilers fire up twice a day, heating up the water whether you need it or not.
While this has the disadvantage of not being energy efficient, it also means that you have a reserve of hot water that can be delivered to multiple taps in the home.
However, combi boilers may not be able to meet your needs if you have two people taking hot showers at the same time.
A system boiler may be a better choice in that case.
However, combi boilers can meet modest, intermittent demand for hot water.
You should also know that having a tank is not always a benefit when it comes to the water supply. Having a tank also means that your hot water can run out.
On the other hand, a combi boiler can do a better job of meeting demand if you’re constantly using some hot water through the day for showers, laundry, and dishes, but do each separately.
As a traditional boiler only fires up twice a day, you’ll have to wait for hot water if you use up the current supply. Not only that, but there’s also the possibility to install more than one combi boiler to deal with the simultaneous use issue.
If you are looking to replace a back boiler, combi boilers are probably the best choice. However, you need to take a variety of factors into account in order to select the best boiler for your household’s needs.
Back Boiler Replacement & Removal
After reading the information above you may decide you want to remove your back boiler and replace it with a combi boiler.
Replacing your gas back boiler can be messy and will not be the easiest of tasks.
Getting behind your fireplace to remove and replace a back boiler is often going to be quite destructive work. There may be some damage to your home. In most cases, your fire mantle and at least some of the flooring will need to be removed.
When replacing your gas back boiler the whole back boiler will need to be removed and you will need new pipework.