I have a potterton netaheat electronic 10-16 that was installed in 1988,however allthuogh it has given exellent service and still remains to, feel it may be time to replace it, your advice or recomendations,would be of interest. thank you

Mr C Morgan, May 2010

If you Neta Heat is running OK , then it is an excellent and reliable boiler.

Spares are readily available via Ebay...both NEW (Old stock) and used.

I wouldn`t touch any modern boiler as they are full of electronic gizmos which are potentially expensive failures ( Think lamda sensors/ECUs/modern cars !) ...and I definitely wouldn`t touch a combi.

Plumbers/Heating Engineers only like combis because they are quick+easy to fit !

Joe, July 2010

I would recommend Vaillant we have less trouble with these boilers than with any other make.

M, May 2010

An article about Combi boilers here...

http://www.diyfaq.org.uk/plumbing/combi.html

Peccavi, May 2010

As far as I can tell your boiler has a low efficiency rating 65-68% and modern boilers are 90% efficient or more. All new Boilers are by law of the Condensing type which means that waste heat is used to heat incoming water.

I believe the regulations now require the incoming gas pipe to the boiler to be 22mm rather than 15mm - this may mean extra expense for you with the cost of running in a bigger supply pipe.

Reading through trade discussions I notice that the "experts" generally have only good things to say about Worcester Bosch boilers.

A combi (combination) boiler has advantages for small properties particularly in a new-build property. With a combi you have no stored hot water - no airing cupboard - no emergency backup from an immersion heater - and filling a bath can take a long time and more so in the winter.

Combis are a little more complex and therefore prone to fail more often. A combi delivers hot water at mains pressure so no pump is required for a shower.

I am no expert but would expect the cost of a new boiler and installation to be in the order of £3000 or more - unless you engage British Gas in which case it will likely be much more.

I have no specialist knowledge, skills or experience. My advice is worthless.

The summer is a good time to have a new boiler installed - Gas Engineers are often very busy in the winter months.

I also notice on here from time to time that some spare parts for some Neataheat boilers are difficult / impossible to find.

Good luck...

Peccavi, May 2010