REPAIR OR REPLACE MY BOILER? WHAT SHOULD I DO?

This is a question we get asked a lot. Replacing your boiler is one of the biggest household expenses you’ll have, so it’s wise to consider your options carefully. 

Our website has a quote tool to let you see how much a new boiler will cost, but the truth is, a replacement boiler might not be your best option. 

So, what things should you consider while deciding whether to keep your old boiler running for longer.

Cost of Repair
If your boiler is faulty, the repair might not cost a bomb. Most repairs are less than £300, a fraction of the cost of a new boiler. If it’s a more expensive component, you may decide to cut your losses and replace the boiler. You could ask your engineer to quote for a repair before making your decision.

Age 
Most heating companies will advise you to change your boiler if it’s over 10 years. We don’t agree. If a boiler was fitted after 2005, it’s already A-rated. The efficiency of a boiler doesn’t reduce over time. So, if your gas bills are your primary concern and your boiler is still in good nick, then keep it going.

Efficiency 
Boilers fitted up to the mid-90s will be running at as little as 65% efficiency, meaning you’re wasting 35% of all the heat the boiler produces. After this time, boilers could give efficiency levels of around 80%. Modern condensing boilers claim to run at up to 95% efficiency, but they have to be installed correctly or you could still be wasting energy. We can help adjust your system to make your existing boiler work more efficiently.

Cost of replacement
You could save around £350 a year by replacing an E or F rated boiler with an A rated condensing boiler. So, the cost could potentially be recouped in about 10 years. However, the savings are not as big for D rated boilers, some of which are still in good condition and could potentially keep running for many years if properly looked after by servicing regularly.

Condition of the boiler 
If your boiler has been neglected or has sprung leaks, the cost to repair might be so high that a new boiler with a long warranty would be the better option. If the boiler was cheap and badly installed then a new, reliable boiler is the best option. Again, we’re here to assess your system and give you honest advice. 

Parts
Manufacturers stop making parts for their boilers once the demand for those bits dries up. But, the parts that become obsolete first are the ones that are less likely to fail, meaning the most common parts, such as fans or control boards, may still be replaceable.

Ultimately, the decision is yours. Get in touch and we can give you honest advice to help you make an informed decision.