Envoy bows out after 11 years (Potterton Envoy Condensing Boiler)

Member Name: Sparkyman

Product:	Potterton Envoy Condensing Boiler
Date:	31/07/08 (169 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Economical

Disadvantages: Not the most reliable boiler!

It's the end for our envoy. Installed in 1997, it broke down after 6 months needing a new PCB and resistor conversion to fix a 'known' problem. For a few months all was OK until the Hot surface ignitor disintegrated into a pile in the combustion chamber. this was closely followed by the flame sensor failing and another PCB.

We had the usual 'O'ring failures resulting in the combustion chamber filling with water causing some worrying rumbling noises but with a little TLC, I have to say for an early example of condensing technology, it hasn't been a complete disaster.

I don't know how much longer it would have lasted; I suspect the Ally heat exchanger is pretty near paper thin after 11 years service, but it's still serviceable. The reason we're replacing it is we are installing a conservatory and need to flue through a pitched roof rather than the wall. Not worth trying to get the bits for an 11 year old boiler!

The spares in the cupboard (essential as it would always go wrong on Boxing Day or Good Friday) soon to be on Ebay!

Summary: A love hate relationship