The quick answer is that, on average, a boiler will last between 10 and 15 years. But this will depend on various factors, including your usage, the type of boiler you have, water quality, and level of maintenance. With the right level of care, a boiler could last up to 20 years.

It’s easy to take your boiler for granted and only really worry when you have no hot water or the heating fails to come on in the Autumn. So, what elements can affect the lifespan of your boiler?

Three key factors that affect your boiler’s lifespan

1. The type of boiler 
   Different boilers have varying lifespans because of the design and components that can influence their durability. For example, a combi boiler may last between 10 and 12 years, while a conventional boiler could last 15 years or more. A qualified heating engineer can advise you on the best option for your needs.
   
   
2. Regular maintenance
   Regular servicing will identify minor issues before they become bigger and more expensive to fix. The checks undertaken include identifying leaks, ensuring correct pressure, and cleaning components. Boilers serviced by qualified heating engineers tend to last longer. 
   
   
3. Usage and water quality
   Boilers in homes with high hot water demand or those running constantly during the cold months may wear out faster than those in homes with lower demand. Equally, limescale can build up and reduce boiler efficiency in areas with hard water. Installing a water softener can help combat this problem. 

Looking out for these signs can help you when your boiler has an issue or is nearing the end of its life.

Danger signs for the lifespan of your boiler

• When you hear unusual noises coming from your boiler, you may have a problem. These could be banging, clunking or whining, indicating additional pressure being placed on some internal parts, which can be down to wear and tear.
  
  
• You may see signs of leaking or dripping in and around your boiler. Often, this can indicate corrosion or pressure issues, which means your boiler is not running as it should.
  
  
• Maybe you need to call a heating engineer for frequent breakdowns. It is not an ideal situation, and it is often inconvenient. It shows your boiler is struggling and may need a service or replacement.
  
  
• You have increased energy bills. An old or inefficient boiler must work harder to maintain output, meaning higher energy usage.
  
  
• Reduced efficiency. Your boiler is not heating your home or water as effectively as it once did, indicating you have an issue.

Before you get to the stage of experiencing any of these danger signs, there are other ways you can extend the lifespan of your boiler. These are relatively easy to take up, and if you work with a qualified heating engineer, they will be happy to help.

How to extend the lifespan of your boiler

Schedule an annual service with a Gas Safe registered engineer to ensure your boiler lasts as long as possible. Companies such as Fix First Heating offer maintenance packages, which means you can spread the cost of servicing over a year through low-cost monthly payments. It also gives you peace of mind knowing if there is an issue during the year, they will schedule a visit and fix it for you.

Checking your pressure levels on the boiler will help you identify any issues as early as possible. Ask your heating engineer to show you how to do this. Fix First Heating is always happy to do this. Once you know where to look, it’s a relatively easy job. 

Over time, boilers accumulate sludge and debris in the system. If this happens, it can be detrimental to the efficiency of your boiler and, over time, will bring the system to a standstill. Installing a magnet filter is a straightforward way to reduce the build-up of unwanted particles. 

Living in a hard water area can also cause issues with your boiler. Limescale can be deposited in the system and have a similar effect. A water softener will reduce this kind of debris.

Finally, boilers have pipework, which can freeze in the cold winter months. Insulating your pipes can prevent freezing and potentially the damage this can cause. Not least, it can keep your boiler working when you need it most!

When should I consider replacing my boiler?

Sometimes, it just isn’t possible to continue repairing an old boiler. Regular maintenance will extend its life, but most homeowners opt for a replacement after about 15 years. The newer models are very energy efficient, meaning you would save on your energy bills, and the performance would be much more reliable. So, if your boiler breaks down frequently, appears less efficient, or is over 15 years old, investing in a new one may be more cost-effective. 

With the right level of maintenance in place, your boiler can last up to 20 years. Regular servicing and dealing with any minor issues promptly can help ensure your boiler runs efficiently for as long as possible. 

If you’re unsure about the condition of your boiler or worried about breakdowns, get in touch with Fix First Heating. We offer a range of services that will give you peace of mind.

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.

Have you ever had an engineer come to service your boiler who’s been in and out in 20 minutes?

If you’ve thought to yourself, ‘wow, that was quick’, then the chances are the engineer has not been as thorough as they should.
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There are a number of key elements to a boiler service, which, if neglected, may cause the boiler to fail when you need it most. This could result in expensive and unnecessary callouts.

So, next time an engineer comes round to do your boiler service, ask them politely if they’ve done the following 5 things:

1. Repressurise your expansion vessel
   The expansion vessel, like your car tyres, needs checking regularly to ensure it’s at the correct pressure. If it isn’t, the water pressure in your heating could rise and fall rapidly, causing corrosion and leaks.
   
   
2. ​Clean the condense trap
   The condensate trap is like the waste under your kitchen sink. If it gets blocked, the water can’t drain away properly. If this happens in your boiler, you’re likely to see a flashing error code resulting in no heat or hot water.
   
   
3. Clean the heat exchanger and burner
   The heat exchanger is where the heat from the burnt gas transfers to the water circulating around your radiators. If this starts to block, the boiler can’t produce enough heat, so your system will take longer to heat up or the hot water will only be luke warm
   
   
4. Clean system filter
   Your system filter collects rust particles that circulate around your system and prevent them from entering the boiler. If this isn’t cleaned every year, it can restrict flow through the system, making it slow to heat up.
   
   
5. Check gas pressure
   The correct gas pressure is vital to ensure the boiler is working properly. Too low and the boiler can’t produce enough heat. Too high the boiler may bang as it lights.
   

All of this should take about an hour or longer if any parts need to be replaced.

Should I Get my Boiler Serviced?
You should expect your boiler to last 15 years or more, but neglecting your annual maintenance may significantly reduce its lifespan. Investing a small amount now on an annual boiler service will prevent expensive bills later for repairs or early replacement. This guide provides essential insights into boiler maintenance, service frequency, and duration.
 
Do I Need to Service My Boiler?
Boilers are a vital part of a comfortable home. When neglected they will develop faults. To keep your boiler in tip-top condition it is essential to get it serviced every year. It is recommended by manufacturers, and warranties often mandate it. Regular services significantly reduce the risk of major breakdowns, saving homeowners from costly repairs.
 
What's the law on boiler servicing?
As a homeowner, you are not legally obliged to service your boiler, but it's highly recommended. If you have tenants in your property, you must have a valid landlords gas safety certificate, which includes safety inspections for all gas appliances.
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Find out more about our Boiler Servicing: Is your boiler due a service in Peterborough and the surrounding area? Contact us to get your boiler booked in.