Boilers aren’t glamorous – we admit it. So, we know that when it comes to replacing one, you just want one that gets the job done.
But, if you’re living with slow central heating or unreliable hot water, you’ll know how frustrating an old, failing boiler can be.
So, how do you know when you need to replace a boiler, and how do you choose the right one for you? We break down the costs and answer the big questions below.
How much does it cost to replace a boiler?
The average cost of replacing and installing a boiler ranges from £3,000-£15,000, largely depending on your boiler choice.
Whether you’re replacing a faulty one or upgrading to something more efficient, the cost can be broken down as follows.
A new boiler replacement
The average cost of a new boiler in the UK is £1,500, according to uSwitch.
This may vary depending on your boiler type (combi boiler, system, conventional, electric, LPG, etc.).
If you decide to choose a specialist one, such as a biomass boiler (which uses wood pellets or other biofuels), they can cost up to £20,000.
You may, however, be eligible for government support if you decide to change from a fossil fuel boiler to a biomass boiler as part of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
Labour & installation
The average cost of installing a boiler is between £1,000-£2,000.
The overall cost of labour and installation will depend on the type of boiler you choose and your existing heating system. Your plumber will assess the situation and provide a quote before an installation.
If you need to call out an emergency plumber at short notice, it may cost more.
When should I replace a boiler?
If your boiler needs replacing, it’s probably because it isn’t doing its job properly.
From equipment breakdowns to inefficient heating, here are some of the key signs that your boiler may not be working as it should be:
Increased energy bills
If your energy bills are higher than usual, and you’re sure it’s not because of an increase in your tariff or usage – it may be because your boiler isn’t functioning correctly.
The older your boiler gets, the more inefficient it becomes as parts start to deteriorate and waste energy.
Leaking
If you notice water around your boiler and see a noticeable drop in pressure or water level, it may mean there is a leak in the system. Leaks can be caused by many things including loose fittings, deteriorated components, or increased water pressure. Simple leaks may be fixable, but recurrent ones could signify greater issues.
Pressure issues
Issues with water pressure are one of the most common signs that a boiler isn’t working efficiently. You can usually tell if it’s a pressure issue if your radiators take a much longer time to turn on than usual or if some don’t turn on at all.
Breakdowns
If you regularly have to call an engineer to fix issues with your boiler, it may be nearing the end of its cycle.
Your plumber or engineer should advise you when they visit if it’s critical, but you may decide to act sooner to improve your central heating system.
Sounds
While some sounds like tapping may simply be a sign of a blockage in your pipes, other sounds are a more worrying indication of boiler health.
Blockages may be resolved with power flushing, but humming or vibrating could be a sign that parts are struggling or starting to fail.
If you hear these noises, they should be investigated by a plumber as soon as possible.
Smells
Unusual smells from your boiler could be a sign of something serious, such as a gas leak, water contamination, or an electrical failure. If you smell anything unusual, call a plumber.
How long does a boiler last?
The typical lifespan of a boiler is usually 10-15 years. However, boilers can last much longer if they’re looked after correctly.
If your boiler has already started to fail, then you should consider replacing it. However, you can help increase the lifespan of your boiler in the following ways:
Annual servicing
The best way to maintain a boiler and increase its lifespan is to have regular boiler services.
Your plumber will be able to spot any issues and repair your boiler before it’s too late.
Use a magnetic filter
As our boiler and pipes get older, and water passes through your central heating system, parts corrode and release small particles of iron oxide into the system.
These particles can contribute to blockages and cause damage to other components. A magnetic filter helps attract and collect them and prevent future damage.
Power flushing
Another way to prevent damage from iron oxide particles is to use a power flushing service. Power flushing is the high-pressure cleaning of your central heating system using water and chemicals.
Pipe insulation
Insulating pipes in areas like garages and lofts where pipes are more likely to split and cause damage can help increase your boiler’s lifespan.
Use throughout the year
Our boilers and heating systems get heavy usage during the colder months but are used much less during winter.
While you may not need to heat your home during summer, turn your central heating on at regular intervals to prevent equipment from seizing up.
The benefits of replacing a boiler
Replacing your boiler isn’t cheap, but upgrading it is worth it in the long run. If you’re not sure about replacing your boiler, here are some of the benefits:
More efficient
Newer boilers are simply more efficient than older ones.
Boilers are rated using the Energy-related Products (ErP) directive – with an energy efficiency percentage.
Newer boilers tend to have much higher efficiency ratings which means they waste less energy than older ones.
Save money
Less energy wasted means less money spent.
So, if you upgrade from an older boiler with an energy efficiency rating of just 60% to a newer, high-efficiency boiler with an efficiency rating of 85-90%, you could save hundreds of pounds every year.
Quieter
With older parts that deteriorate or loosen over time, your boiler may make noises that can be downright annoying. Newer boilers use improved technology, design, and materials to reduce unnecessary noise.
Safer
As well as improved design, many boilers also now come with new safety features.
New boilers may include technology such as pressure relief devices, gas detection devices, and emergency shutdown features.
Add value to your home
As part of due diligence when selling your home, buyers will look at all aspects of your property, including your boiler.
If you have an old boiler that may soon need replacing, they may take it into account when making an offer.
A new boiler, on the other hand, could add significant value to your property in the long term.
How do I choose a replacement boiler?
There are many different types of boilers available – with each having benefits for different types of properties.
When you’re choosing a boiler, your engineer can help. When making a decision, think about the size of your property and the age of your current central heating system.
If, for example, mornings are busy and you need a lot of water all at once, then you might need a boiler with a larger water tank.
We’ve listed some of the most common types of boilers below to help you decide.
- Combi Boiler: Gas-powered, no water tank, ideal for smaller properties – up to 4 people
- System: Gas-powered, water tank, ideal for larger properties – 4 people and over
- Conventional: Gas-powered, large water tank, ideal for larger & older properties
- Electric: Electric powered, water tank, ideal for smaller properties
- LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas): Gas-powered, water tank, ideal for rural properties
- Biomass: Wood-powered, large water tank, ideal for larger properties
How long does a boiler installation take?
A boiler installation can take anywhere from a few hours to 3 days. The total time needed depends on the type of boiler you have, the type of boiler you’re replacing it with, and how much additional work may need to be done to adapt your property. The steps involved include:
Initial visit and quotation
Your plumber will visit your property to assess the situation and give you a quotation based on the work that needs to be done. At this point, you’ll decide on the boiler type that’s best for you.
Removing the old boiler
As part of their service, your plumber will safely remove your old boiler – turning off the gas where the boiler is gas-powered and isolating the boiler safely.
Your plumber will also usually safely dispose of the old boiler when they’re done.
Power flushing
To ensure your new boiler has a clean and efficient central heating system to work with, your plumber will usually then recommend flushing your system to remove debris.
Installing the new boiler
Your plumber will then install your new boiler, connecting pipework, the flue (the vent that removes exhaust gases from your home), the electrical supply, and set up thermostats and connected devices.
Testing
Before leaving your property, your plumber will test the system, checking that the thermostat works correctly, radiators and hot water are working, and try to spot any leaks or pressure issues.
Who can install a new boiler?
If, like the majority of people, you choose a gas boiler, it must be installed by a Gas Safety registered engineer or plumber.
The Gas Safe Register replaced CORGI certification in 2009.
Gas Safety registration means the person installing your boiler has been trained in gas safety and is legally allowed to work on gas appliances.
The Gas Safe Register is an important safeguard to prevent unqualified engineers from installing unsafe equipment in people’s homes.
Around 440 people are admitted to hospital every year in the UK due to accidental exposure to carbon monoxide – often caused by poorly installed appliances like boilers.
Replacing a boiler is sometimes a necessity. If you’re constantly dealing with issues or can’t rely on your heating and hot water then it’s time to make a change.
But even if your boiler is working fine, upgrading to a newer model can increase efficiency, reduce bills, and give added value to your property.
Interested in replacing yours? Get in touch with our team of experts for a no-obligation quote today.
