Death of a Ducted Heater

[Crock]

Hello friends
Got some very sad news today.
It appears that our faithful Brivis Buffalo ducted heating unit may need to be replaced.

Can be repaired by changing the gas valve ($650) but a replacement for a bigger unit Braemar is $2,360 (using existing ducts) Economic suggest I might be better off replacing.

It lasted nearly 25 years (with very little going wrong with it during that time) so I suppose I should be grateful for the good service it provided.

My problem is that I have no knowledge of whats good and whats not out there at the moment.
General consensus is that the quality of the Brivis units and backup service has deteriorated over that period of time.

Would appreciate any recent experience/advise anybody might have

Cheers
Tom

 

[Noneedforaname]

Sad news indeed, but it did sound like it had a good life, and you got good service outta the thing.

Can't suggest a replacement, but I faced a similar situation last year. Heater died, service people were a week away, then another week to get and replace parts. Was compounded by being mid winter. Ouch! Thankfully the house is made of stone so the thermal mass kept things OK for the first week or so, but after that it was genuinely chilly!

I'll look out for suggestions, because I expect I will have to replace if/ when it next goes bung.

Stay warm!

 

[Fevola99]

I haven't heated my house in 25 years. Only thing I do different in winter is wear a thicker loincloth.

 

[grizzlym]

Hello friends
Got some very sad news today.
It appears that our faithful Brivis Buffalo ducted heating unit may need to be replaced.

Can be repaired by changing the gas valve ($650) but a replacement for a bigger unit Braemar is $2,360 (using existing ducts) Economic suggest I might be better off replacing.

It lasted nearly 25 years (with very little going wrong with it during that time) so I suppose I should be grateful for the good service it provided.

My problem is that I have no knowledge of whats good and whats not out there at the moment.
General consensus is that the quality of the Brivis units and backup service has deteriorated over that period of time.

Would appreciate any recent experience/advise anybody might have

Cheers
Tom

My heater packed up in the same way last winter. I got a quote from a plumber for much the same amount/options. Quandary.
Then, one of the mods on Big Footy - since gone - turned out to be a plumber/gas fitter specialising in heaters.
He suggested the problem might simply be in the ignition unit.
Told me the part to get, how to replace it.
$27 and an hour later, it worked perfectly again.
I stress that it was an outside chance that worked.
Best of luck, try whirlpool forums.

 

[Ram-Man]

Best heating is hydronic IMO -- costs a bomb though !!

 

[SodaPop]

Best heating is hydronic IMO -- costs a bomb though !!

Nothing beats a fireplace. Don't have it in my current residence but can't stand central heating. Having said that, I am thankful that my family is protected from the cold.

 

[Langford4FBOTC]

Best heating is hydronic IMO -- costs a bomb though !!

What are the running costs like?

Just about to move into a new joint and need to look at heating options for the bedrooms.

 

[Ram-Man]

What are the running costs like?

Just about to move into a new joint and need to look at heating options for the bedrooms.

I'd have to ask the boss .. .. I just work to pay them !!

I would say it would be cheaper to run -- but the heat is clean radiated heat -- not that rush of hot air from ducting below that quickly escapes.

You won't be disappointed with hydronic -- Ram-Man guarantee.

 

[savagelunchbox]

Wearing another layer of clothing keeps you warm for free. Shock horror, i know.

 

[spudmaster]

Jump in a tumble dryer for a few minutes, works a treat for warming up bratty little kids!

 

[grizzlym]

Best heating is hydronic IMO -- costs a bomb though !!

Carry on, I thought you typed hydroponic.