When Is the right time to replace a boiler?
There are no set guidelines that tell you exactly when you should replace your boiler. A boiler should in most cases last up to 15 years old, or even longer if it is well maintained and in a good condition. Exactly how long your boiler lasts depends on several factors such as the type of boiler and its service history.
If your boiler is approaching the 15-year mark, then you may need to start thinking about saving for a boiler replacement. For most of us, the cost of buying a new boiler to run our central heating system is expensive, so we often put off replacing it for as long as possible.
However, if you put off replacing your boiler until the last minute then you may be faced with a number of problems, from boiler breakdowns to expensive repairs and higher energy bills due to an inefficient heating system.
How do I know if my boiler needs replacing?
Knowing when you need to replace your boiler can be tricky, but there are some signs you need to look out for which suggest it may be time to have your boiler replaced.
Here are some signs that apply to both combi boilers and other boiler types which suggest it may be time to buy a replacement boiler:
- Your boiler is older than 15 years
- Your boiler operating noise is getting louder
- Your heating bills are increasing (as boiler is less efficient)
- Your boiler is costing a lot in repairs
- You are having to wait for heat or hot water (most modern boilers should produce heat instantly)
- An engineer may have informed you when having your boiler serviced, it is nearing its end of life
Boiler efficiency decreases over time
Even with regular maintenance, the efficiency of a boiler will decline over time. A new A-rated boiler would be expected to have an efficiency level of 92%+, whereas an old boiler could see its efficiency level fall as low as 65%. This would mean for every £1 spent running the boiler, around 35p of that would effectively be lost due to inefficiencies.
Having a new boiler installed in place of the old less efficient boiler would immediately boost energy efficiency so that much more of each £1 spent on fuel to run the boiler would be converted to heat for the building to power the radiators and hot water. Having a boiler replaced will have a positive impact on energy bills.
As a rough guide, the average boiler of the following ages would be expected to have the following energy efficiency levels:
- Over 25+ years – 60-70% efficient
- 20 years old – 75% efficient
- 15 years old – 80-85% efficient
- 10+ years – 80-85% efficient
How much difference does having your boiler serviced make to its lifespan?
Having your existing boiler regularly serviced will usually make a difference to its lifespan. Annual maintenance will not only help maintain a boiler’s efficiency, but also ensures safe operation and avoids the potential for a gas leak or carbon monoxide leak.
A boiler service can identify any issues with your boiler early on, preventing the need for costly repairs which may eventually put it beyond economical repair. Maintenance will help ensure that your boiler is running efficiently, impacting on your running costs and keeping your bills in check.
With regular scheduled maintenance you will lengthen the number of years your boiler will last. Even if you haven’t had your boiler serviced for some time, it makes sense to get booked in for one, even if just for safety reasons. A gas safe engineer will be able to identify any issues with your system, such as a broken internal component that needs replacement parts, and may even be able to give an indication of how much longer they expect your boiler to last.
It is worth bearing in mind that with most modern systems the boiler manufacturers expect you to have your boiler serviced annually for its warranty to remain valid. With warranties on new boilers usually ranging from around 2 to 10 years, regular maintenance will not only ensure your system remains energy efficient, but will also satisfy the manufacturer who will continue to cover your boiler under the conditions of their warranty.
Making the decision to replace your boiler
The decision of when to replace a boiler is often taken out of your hands, essentially because your boiler has ceased to work or there may be problems trying to replace obsolete parts. In a lot of situations, your boiler might be far too costly to repair, so a replacement boiler makes more sense.
Even if you have an annual service for your boiler, its performance will degrade over time, meaning it is costing you more to run. To save money, you should opt for an energy efficient boiler replacement.
While boiler prices may at first be off putting, the investment in a new boiler will bring annual savings that soon add up. Replacing an old G-rated boiler (with an efficiency level below 70%) with an A-rated condensing boiler could bring annual savings in excess of £300. It is often the potential of these savings, and the cost of running your existing boiler, that can tell you when the time is right for a new boiler.
Boiler Replacement from Fixx
Fixx are a leading maintenance company based in Wakefield, West Yorkshire. We offer a range of boiler maintenance and boiler installation services across the North of England.
Our Gas Safe Registered engineers are skilled and experienced in maintaining and installing boilers from leading brands such as Ideal, Viessmann, Worcester Bosch and many more. Whether you need help replacing your boiler with a new combi boiler, a system boiler, or heat only boiler, we can help.
Buying a replacement boiler and upgrading your central heating system with us is hassle-free. Not only can our gas safe engineers install modern A rated boilers within just 24 hours of your enquiry, but we also offer flexible finance packages so you can spread the installation cost of your new boiler with our unbeatable boiler finance deals.
Here at Fixx, we pride ourselves on exceptional customer care, so you can be assured you will receive a hassle-free experience with no pushy sales team. If you would like a quote to replace your current boiler, please call one of our friendly advisers on 0330 3530 365