At What Age Should You Replace A Boiler?

There are a number of factors that can affect the lifespan of your boiler, including the type of boiler you have, how often it is used, and how well it is maintained. 

In this blog post, we will discuss when you should replace your boiler, the benefits of modern boilers, and some of the best boiler brands on the market.

When Should You Replace Your Boiler?

The average lifespan of a boiler is not as long as you’d think. However, this can vary depending on the make and model of your boiler, as well as how well it is maintained, ultimately, the decision to replace your boiler will depend on a number of factors, including:

The Age of Your Boiler

If your boiler is approaching the end of its expected lifespan (usually 10-15 years), it may be time to consider replacing it. Older boilers are often less efficient than newer models, which means they may be costing you more money in energy bills.

The Frequency of Breakdowns

If your boiler is breaking down on a regular basis, this could be a sign that it is reaching the end of its life. Constant repairs can be expensive, and it may be more cost-effective to replace your boiler.

The Efficiency of Your Boiler

If your boiler is not working as efficiently as it used to, this could be a sign that it is time for a replacement. Newer boilers are often much more efficient than older models, which means you could save money on your energy bills by upgrading.

Essentially if your boiler has a rating lower than A in terms or its ErP, you could be missing out on potential savings.

The Cost of Repairs

If the cost of repairs is more than half the cost of a new boiler, it may be more cost-effective to replace your boiler.

Benefits of Modern Boilers

If you do decide to replace your boiler, you will likely be considering a modern boiler. There are several benefits to upgrading to a modern boiler, including:

Improved Energy Efficiency

Modern boilers are much more energy-efficient than older models. They use less fuel to generate the same amount of heat, which means you can save money on your energy bills. 

According to the Energy Saving Trust, replacing an old boiler with a new A-rated boiler could save you up to £840 per year on your energy bills. This means that over time, your new boiler could pay for itself in energy savings.

ErP Explained 

ErP stands for Energy-Related Products and is a way of measuring an energy consuming appliance, such as a boiler’s, efficiency in converting the energy it uses into the desired product, heat for your property and its water.

ErP was introduced in 2009 by the European Union in order to increase the clarity of an appliance’s function and aid in the sharing of information from manufacturer to consumer, all the while promoting an eco-consciousness for both.

Energy Labelling

This aspect of ErP is to inform consumers with complete transparency, the energy efficiency of the product they are buying, and its subsequent likelihood of affecting their energy bills.

Appliances are rated in energy efficiency classifications from G to A (A+++ for certain types of appliance); the higher the assigned alphabetical rating, the more efficient the appliance is in terms of its energy usage.

Formerly SEDBUK (Seasonal Efficiency of Domestic Boilers) were responsible for boiler energy ratings, the ErP directive replaced them in the majority of cases for modern appliances.

Some manufacturers still attach a SEDBUK rating to their products, and operate a similar alphabetical classification system.

Naturally, the newer a gas boiler system, the more efficient it is due to engineering and design progression. 

Outdated or failing systems could be the reason for your shock when seeing your monthly energy bills. 

Most UK boilers are running at 80% energy efficiency with some antiquated models operating at 60% or less! These sub optimal levels of output are as avoidable as they are shocking.

The direct correlation between boiler age and its efficiency is clear to see in the newer systems’ ErP, so it may be worth upgrading your model to an energy efficient boiler. check out our handy guide on the most energy efficient boilers.

Lower Carbon Emissions

Modern boilers produce fewer carbon emissions than older models. This is better for the environment and can help you reduce your carbon footprint. According to the Energy Saving Trust, replacing an old gas boiler with a new A-rated gas boiler could save up to 1,200kg of CO2 per year. This is equivalent to taking two cars off the road.

Better Performance

Modern boilers are often more reliable and have better performance than older models. They are designed to provide a consistent and reliable source of heat and hot water, which means you can enjoy a warm and comfortable home all year round. They are also quieter and take up less space, which means you can enjoy a more comfortable and peaceful home.

Smart Features

Many modern boilers come with smart features, such as Wi-Fi connectivity and smartphone apps. This can make it easier to control your heating and hot water and can give you greater control over your energy usage. For example, you can use your smartphone to turn your heating on or off remotely.

New Boiler Costs

Boilers can be a daunting purchase for many people as they’re an appliance with a lot of responsibility, providing heat for you and your family is something you want to get right. Boilers aren’t exactly a quickly disposable item either, potentially lasting you a decade.

Boiler costs can be split into two segments: 

• The first is the actual boiler itself (unit price)

• The second is the cost of the boiler being installed (set up) in your property by an expert engineer. 

Here at iHeat, we want to remove all of this undue stress and make the decision making process of upgrading to a new central heating system, as easy as possible.

Boiler costs can vary depending on a number of factors including their brand, model, fuel, output, warranty, labour and installation type. Typically a new boiler will cost between £1,845 and £3,500, below is a list of average boiler installations offered by iHeat.

Some Location Factors That Can Influence the Price of Your New Boiler

You will be given a specific quote from the boiler installation company based on:

• Your postcode and specific location

• The type of home you have (i.e. terraced, semi-detached, etc.)

• How many bedrooms you have

• How many bathrooms you have

Here at iHeat we stock premium, cost effective modern boilers to replace your old central heating system, quotes are free, fixed price and take just 60 seconds!

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