Wondering when to replace a boiler? Nobody wants to buy boiler. But, if it's losing pressure or making more noise, a replacement may be the only option.
The majority of new boilers (if serviced regularly) can last between 10 to 15 years, sometimes more (if you're lucky).
But, there are no hard and fast rules, sometimes a boiler may need to be replaced sooner, so how do you know when it’s time to buy a new boiler?
In this post we will run through some of the common boiler bugs, and whether it makes sense to repair them, or replace it.
Should I replace my boiler?
Let's find out...
#1 — Simply put, it’s just not working like it used to
Even though you may have had your boiler serviced annually, it may eventually stop performing its function (heat and hot water).
If you are finding that your radiators aren't getting as hot as they used to, or the hot water is fluctuating, it could be a sign of something serious.
Sometimes, these issues can be caused by a leak or blockage in the system somewhere, so seek the assistance of an engineer quickly.
Likely causes | Likely fix | Cost to repair |
System Blockage | Powerflush of system | £200-500 |
Faulty Heat Exchanger | Replacement Heat Exchanger | £200-£600 |
Faulty Diverter Valve | Replacement Diverter Valve | £200-500 |
Recommendation
If your boiler is less than 8 years old, we'd recommend having it looked at by a local Gas Safe engineer.
If your boiler is 10+ years old, you may want to seriously consider a replacement.
To see how much a new boiler could cost, click here to get a free quote (and the best deal)
Good reads for you:
#2 — It's regularly breaking down
Are you having to call an engineer out to get your boiler up and running far too often?
If your boiler is requiring multiple callouts within a year, it’s worth considering how much this may cost you going forward and whether a new boiler may be less costly.
Annual servicing should keep your boiler running well for the rest of the year, so if your boiler is malfunctioning after a service, it’s an indication that it may be time for a replacement.
Likely causes | Likely fix | Cost to repair |
Component failure(s) | Replacement of key components | £300-600 (per component) |
Recommendation
If your boiler is less than 8 years old, repairing it would still make sense (pending it's nothing too serious).
First, get an engineer in to see which component has failed, and go from there.
However, again, if your boiler is 10+ years old - regular breakdowns are worrying. It's trying to tell you something.
Heatable supplies and fit new boilers from just £1,595 - get a free quote online.
Good reads for you:
#3 — It's leaking (losing pressure) regularly
If your boiler is leaking water, then it’s a sure sign that there is a fault somewhere (which could be costly).
Typically, this is due to a broken seal or valve inside the boiler; however, sometimes it can be due to major corrosion of an internal component (such as a heat exchanger).
It’s important to get a leak fixed as soon as possible since the water can cause further damage to internal components or potentially cause structural damage to your property.
Likely cause | Likely fix | Cost to repair |
Pipework leak (joint or seal) | Finding and repairing leak | £100-300 |
A leak from heat exchanger | Replacing component | £200-600 |
PRV failure (pressure release valve) | Replacing component | £80-250 |
Recommendation
If your boiler is less than 8 years old, repairing it would still make sense (pending the leak is only small).
You'll need an engineer to investigate this for you.
If your boiler is 10+ years old, and you are regularly topping up its pressure, you should be considering buying a replacement.
New boilers are more efficient, carry long warranties and can often pay for themselves due to the savings on your energy bills.
Good reads for you:
#4 — Your gas bill is increasing without explanation
Boilers have efficiency ratings, which can have a big impact on your energy bill, as well as the environment.
Just like cars, as time goes by, older boilers become less efficient due to build up's in the system, or parts not working as they should.
This means they cost more money to run compared to modern A-rated boilers.
For comparison, modern A-rated boilers have efficiency ratings above 90%, while older G-rated models are 70% or less.
Likely cause | Likely fix | Cost to repair |
Sludge in pipework | Powerflush | £200-500 |
Struggling parts | Service and overhaul of seals/valves | £100-300 |
Recommendation
Upgrading from an old G-rated boiler to a modern A-rated boiler could save you as much as £300 a year on your bills.
Now, with Heatable, you can get a new boiler installed for £1,595, or around £20 per month.
It's a no-brainer.
Good reads for you:
#5 — Replacement parts are difficult to source
The reality is that some boiler manufacturers are more well-established in the UK than others and so replacement parts are easier and cheaper to the source.
So if it’s difficult to find a new boiler component and/or parts for the right price, it may be time to consider a new boiler.
Major components such as the heat exchanger or printed circuit board (PCB) can cost several hundreds of pounds, so if your boiler is old and needs one of these replacing, it may be time to consider then it may be more cost-effective to get your boiler replaced.
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This is what is considered Beyond Economical Repair (BER).
Got an emergency? If your boiler is busted and you have no hot water, you may be interested in our emergency boiler installation guide.
You may be interested in Gas Engineer Allen Hart explaining the most common boiler problems and how you can resolve them in the video below:
#6 — Your boiler or radiators are making a lot of noise
Have you recently noticed any new changes in sound coming from your boiler or radiators?
Any new sounds, especially accompanied by vibrations maybe be a sign of an underlying issue.
Over time, dirt and debris can build up within your heating system, resulting in sludge that can cause blockages, preventing or hindering the flow of water.
This can also result in a familiar tapping sound.
Sometimes, a system cleanses such as a Powerflush can help rectify the problem.
Other sounds, such as kettling, humming or vibrating may be a symptom of a more significant problem with your boiler or central heating system.
If you do suspect a problem, it’s certainly worth consulting the help of a Gas Safe engineer.
Likely causes | Likely fix | Cost to repair |
Sludge in pipework | Powerflush | £200-500 |
Failing components | Replacement of components | £200-500 (each) |
Recommendation
If your boiler is 10+ years old, we'd recommend a replacement boiler instead of a repair.
However, if it’s the familiar tapping sound and your boiler is less than 10 years old, it may be a blockage.
Consult a local engineer to take a look.
Good reads for you:
#7 — Current boiler doesn’t meet hot water demands
If you are finding your boiler is failing to meet your hot water and heating requirements, it may be time to replace your boiler with a model with a higher power output.
If you've extended your home or added a bathroom, more power may be required.
However, if your boiler has randomly started to deliver less hot water, it sounds like it could be an issue with your heat exchanger.
Likely cause | Likely fix | Cost to repair |
Boiler undersized | New, more powerful boiler | £1,500-2000 |
Faulty heat exchanger | Replacement of component | £200-600 |
Recommendation
Check out our guide on calculating the correct size boiler for your property and/or heating/hot water demands.
If your boiler is 10+ years old and is now struggling to deliver the hot water which you required, you should consider buying a new one.
Good reads for you:
Get a free, no-obligation boiler quote today
Do you think it’s time for a boiler replacement? or just curious to see how much one would cost?
Use our free boiler quote tool and we could be fitting your new boiler tomorrow.
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