Most boilers have a life expectancy of 10-15 years but this will vary depending on how well the unit has been maintained.
If your boiler was installed over 10 years ago then it’s time to start thinking about it’s replacement, even if it hasn’t broken down yet. After all, your boiler makes up around 60% of your energy bills, so you’ll want the most efficient unit available.
Boiler life expectancy
Modern condensing boiler life expectancy is between 10-15 years and once you have a new boiler installed, you’ll want it to provide your home with heating and hot water for many years to come.
To help you get the most out of your boiler, we highly recommend doing the following:
Arrange an annual boiler service
During a boiler service, the engineer will carry out a number of tests and inspections on the unit to make sure it’s working as it should. Having your boiler serviced annually by a fully-qualified heating engineer is beneficial for a number of reasons:
- Maximum efficiency
- Safe operation
- Lengthy lifespan
- Keeps the warranty valid
Don’t put off repairs
A fault with your boiler is the last thing you want, both in terms of the disruption it can cause to your home and the expense. However, putting off a boiler repair will only see it worsen over time, leaving you with an even larger repair bill or even a complete boiler breakdown.
Install a boiler of the right size
When we talk about size in terms of boilers, we’re not referring to their physical dimensions but the power output. Boilers all have various output ratings that make them more or less suitable to certain homes and their demand for heating and hot water.
Output ratings are measured in kilowatts (kW), install a boiler that doesn’t have enough power and it will be overworked. Likewise, if you install a boiler that’s too powerful, this could cause damage to the heating system. A fully-qualified heating engineer will be able to recommend the perfect output rating for your home.
Hire Gas Safe registered engineers
Whether you need a heating engineer to install, repair or service a boiler you should ALWAYS hire a Gas Safe registered engineer. These are the only people legally able to carry out any work on gas boilers and you can be confident that the required work will be carried out to the highest possible standard.
Hiring an unqualified heating engineer to work on your gas boiler could not only damage your heating system but put you in danger. So, when hiring a heating engineer check that they’re on the Gas Safe register and ask to see their Gas Safe ID card when they arrive at your property.
You can get free boiler replacement quotes from Gas Safe registered engineers in your area using Boiler Guide.
Should I replace my boiler?
If you’re wondering whether it’s time to replace your boiler then chances are it’s probably time to think about a new one. The following are all signs that you should have a new boiler installed:
Energy bills rising
Noticing that your energy bills are on the rise might prompt you to switch energy supplier but the problem could in fact lie with your boiler. As they age, boilers lose their efficiency and, while modern boilers are highly efficient, older units aren’t as efficient.
Boiler isn’t A-rated
A-rated boilers are highly efficient, boasting an efficiency rating of at least 90%, which means that for every £1 you spend on heating your home, only 10p is wasted. This will help you make considerable savings when you consider that G-rated boilers have an efficiency level of 70% or less.
Loud noises from the heating system
Banging, gurgling or kettling noises from your boiler or the pipes is a sign that there’s something wrong with the system. Don’t ignore any noises because they could eventually lead to damage or the boiler breaking down altogether.
Boiler older than 10 years
Technology has really moved forward in recent years and, as a result, older boilers simply can’t compare. Plus, the older a boiler is, the harder it is for heating engineers to source replacement parts.
Regular breakdowns
This final point almost goes without saying, if it feels like you’re constantly on the phone to heating engineers then you could save yourself time, money and plenty of inconvenience by replacing it with a more reliable unit. Having to frequently pay out for boiler repairs isn’t exactly ideal and that money will soon add up so you’ll probably be better off paying for a replacement boiler.
Even if your boiler has never broken down, if it was installed over 10 years ago, then it’s time to consider a replacement. Despite not having a problem with your boiler, the older it gets, the less you’ll be able to rely on it and it could unexpectedly breakdown at any moment.
So, rather than having to deal with an emergency, you’ll be in a much better position in terms of finding the perfect boiler and getting the best possible deal if you replace it ahead of time.
How much do boilers cost?
On average, the cost of a new boiler tends to fall between £600 and £2,500 but this will vary depending on the type, manufacturer and model.
There are 3 different types of boiler:
- Combi boilers: Most suitable to smaller homes with 1 bathroom and a low demand for heating and hot water and tend to be the cheapest option
- System boilers: Able to meet higher demands for heating and hot water, ideal for homes with 2 or more bathrooms. In addition to the unit, system boilers need a hot water cylinder or tank to store the domestic hot water.
- Conventional boilers: The oldest type of boiler on the market, the best choice for larger properties that already have the appropriate pipework. Conventional boiler need various tanks and cylinders around the home, often making them the most expensive.
| Boiler Type | Potential Cost (Without Installation) |
|---|---|
| Combi | £500 – £1,500 |
| System | £500 – £3,500 |
| Conventional | £550 – £4,500 |
You’ll also need to factor in the installation, which will add to the price of the unit. The most straightforward is a like-for-like replacement (i.e. replacing a combi boiler for another combi boiler) while you see the price increase if you’re wanting to fit a whole new heating system, adding heating controls and radiators.
To help you get the best possible price for a new boiler, visit Boiler Guide, complete the simple online form and get free no-obligation quotes from up to 3 Gas Safe registered engineers based in your local area.
