Heat Exchangers

[paul4523]

How long should a heat exchanger in a boiler in a household heating system last before it fails?

Thanks in advance

[buildersmate]

It rather depends on how it has been treated - maintenance of the system etc. A bit like a car really. Probably 15 years on average.

[grahamfreer]

How long is a piece of string. A new blr may have a leaking heat exchanger but i have known some to last over 40 years

[pilotlight]

Boilers these days are manufactured quite differently to " older type " boilers, which have cast iron heat exchangers. The now more efficient boilers, ( especially combi boilers ) have aluminium or stainless steel ones.These are generally not expected to last as long as the cast iron ones, which can still be in use for up to 30 years.

However, as with most things, if it is treated correctly it will give longer service. Ensure that the system has a protective agent added to it e.g. a Fernox or Sentinel product ( as approved by the boiler manufacturer ).Also, ensure that your appliance receives an annual visit by a suitably qualified CORGI engineer, who would clean the external surfaces of the heat exchanger, should it be required.

p.s. Most Boiler manufacturers now offer a 2 ( or even 3 year ) warranty on parts.