Alva Gas Heaters need to be replaced every 4 years

<p>The 3-ceramic plate unti on my fully functioning in-pristine-condition Alva Gas Heater, purchased 4 years ago, need replacing. </p> <p> </p> <p>I very easily removed the unit and asked Alva where to purchase replacement unit [at cost of R450]</p> <p> </p> <p>I was told that this was not possible until the heater had been checked for 'safety'. Fair enough. The process however is labororious. R450 deposit to be lodged. The heater will then be sent to Cape Town {I am in Durban] to be checked and returned to me weeks later with no guarantee that the heater will be deemed 'safe' or not</p> <p> </p> <p>The recommendation - buy a new one???</p> <p> </p> <p>Much like buying a new car when the body is in pristine condition and the engine needs an overall or replacing! Replacement of cars do at least offer 'trade in' options</p> <p> </p> <p>Replacment of the cermic plate unti ought to be a simple, run-of-the-mill process - and so too the checking of the heater, for safety purposes</p> <p> </p> <p>Are Alva not committed to the environment? Discarding an entire gas heater every 4-5 years due to a unit that needs to be replaced is counter intuitive and not in keeping with minimising the carbon footprint of gas heater production. </p> <p> </p> <p>Smacks of money-making motivations - in my humble opinion</p> <p> </p> <p>Unacceptable business practice Alva! </p> <p> </p> <p>I have simply loved my Alva heater........but wont be buying this brand again. Not ever</p> <p> </p> <p> </p>