We were out on a routine landlord gas safety inspection and boiler service this week, and the boiler in question was an 18-year-old Glow-worm. It was still working, but it’s clearly reaching the end of its life.
What we found
With the casing off, the main heat exchanger was leaking onto the fan, and there were circulation problems caused by blockages in the system. Neither is a quick or cheap fix.
Repair or replace?
Most boilers are built to last somewhere around 10 to 15 years, so at 18 this one has had a good innings. When the main heat exchanger is the problem, repairs are often costly, and on a boiler this age there’s no guarantee something else won’t go next.
So our advice is to replace it rather than put money into repairs. It’s always the customer’s decision, and we’re happy to talk through the options, but we’d rather give honest advice than a quick fix that doesn’t last.
Why the annual service matters for landlords
Landlords need the gas appliances in their rental properties checked, with a gas safety record, every 12 months. That check is about safety. The service is where you find out what condition the boiler is really in.
Spotting a problem at an inspection means you can plan a replacement, rather than getting a no-heating call in the middle of winter.
Need a landlord gas safety record or boiler service?
SAFEXE carries out landlord gas safety records, boiler servicing, repairs and boiler replacements across Exmouth, Exeter, Sidmouth, Honiton and East Devon. Get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.