My gas central heating radiators are aound 40 years old. I have 10 radiators. They are not causing any problems at present. Should I replace them with new radiators. I have been quoted a price including valves and labour of around =A31600.
Why would you want to?
£160 a rad ... hmmm, well. Maybe the plumber doesn't really want the job.Owain
There's no point in replacing them just for the hell of it.
However, you could probably save energy by fitting TRVs to most them if they don't already have them.
Also, by using modern radiators with fins, you could get the same heat output from physically smaller radiators and reclaim some wall space. You may not even need the same heat output if the thermal efficiency of the house has improved in the last 40 years with loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, double glazing, etc. But you would have to do the heat loss calculations to be sure. Also, if you ever have to replace the boiler with a condensing model, that will be most efficient with a lower flow temperature - so you'd then need physically *larger* radiators to get the required heat output.
I think what I am saying is that you really need to decide exactly what you are setting out to achieve - both now and in the longer term before simply replacing the rads for the sake of it.
"david" wrote
My gas central heating radiators are aound 40 years old. I have 10 radiators. They are not causing any problems at present. Should I replace them with new radiators. I have been quoted a price including valves and labour of around £1600.
Why are you considering replacement if they are OK? If they are all starting to rust at the seams etc and you are looking at adding thermostatic valves and doing a thorough overhaul then fine. If you have maintained the system well, with inhibitor concentration and any aeration/pump over issues kept in check....and you don't have any real reason to change them then IMHO stick with the if-it-aint-broke-dont-fix-it maxim.
Phil
Materials: £40-50 per rad including TRV & LSV Labour: lot of dicking around with pipework to fit new rad sizes plus possible hassles getting good fixings for rads on grotty walls if old crumbly brick or stud walls. 2-3 hours per rad @ £30-40/hour sounds about ball-park.
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