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Should I Replace My Old Boiler

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  • Admin
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  • Old Boiler, Replacing Boiler, Boiler Price
  • Posted date:
  • 10-05-2022
Should I Replace My Old Boiler

Are you asking: should I replace my old boiler? We look at what boiler problems to look out for if your heating system is ready for replacement. In this article we discuss the common reasons for purchasing a new boiler as well as the price for a new one.

Should I replace my old boiler?

Professionals often recommend that your old boiler change every 15 years because, as the boilers get older, they have to work harder to generate heat in your home. Such exertion on your boiler damages your energy bills, as a great deal of the heat it creates will be transferred into other sources.

When you purchase a brand-new boiler, it will ultimately run on maximum boiler efficiency, with most of the energy and fuel used to generate heat throughout your home, keeping heating costs down.

What is the average lifespan of a boiler?

Many modern boilers and cast iron boilers across the UK tend to last approximately 10-15 years; this is considered the average lifespan. However, their lifespan may be much less for those with much older boiler models, so it may be time to consider buying a new one.

Why replace your boiler?

It's stopped working

If you notice that your boiler has begun tripping out or stopped working altogether, causing baths to run cold, kettles and radiators never to heat up or your boiler to not boost up when you switch it on during cold mornings or winter nights.

It may be time to call out a professional plumber in the area and get them to check out the issues and request a boiler replacement.

It's beyond repair

When you discover your boiler is beyond repair, this is the apparent sign that it's time to purchase a new boiler. Often experts may see so many faults with your boiler, like the pilot light going off and water leaks, and remind you that it may ultimately be cheaper to buy a new boiler than to fork out on repair costs.

Make sure you contact a trustworthy professional fitter or plumber, and they may be able to offer industry-standard advice on the best next boiler for your property or household.

It could be that the boiler installed for you wasn't the right type for your building, which is why it's best to invest in a more efficient model that will save you money in the long term.

Should I Replace My Old Boiler?

It's old and inefficient

The older it gets, your boiler will be less efficient — a combination of wear and tear and the lack of fuel that properly heats your whole household. Modern ideal boilers are made from more advanced technology and new regulations that improve them and ensure they keep running costs down and energy up.

Even though your current 30-year-old boilers actively supply you with heat and hot water, you're likely to pay far higher gas bills than you should. It's also not good for the environment as you'll leave a much more significant carbon footprint with the hot gases not adequately used.

Your needs are changing

For those with the needs of their home changing, perhaps with children entering the scene or elderly parents moving into your housing, you may need to adjust your central heating system. The size of your household may be expanding, and therefore your hot water demands may require a brand new boiler.

If you are unsure whether you will need a new, perhaps more significant boiler inside your typical semi-detached home, speak to an expert in your local area.

One of the most significant factors to note is that each boiler has various systems, drastically affecting the costs. Typically, you may require new or extra tanks and piping, especially those switching from a combi boiler to a system boiler or perhaps a conventional boiler.

However, it will be easier for those from conventional to a system or combi boiler to utilise the current piping, tanks, and hardware. Doing so may be the route if you're looking for a cheaper option.

Is a brand-new boiler more efficient?

You're selling your home

Usually, there are often two styles of home-seekers searching for a home; those that look for a relatively cheap house that they can do up quickly, and those that wish to move into a pre-furnished property, unpack their belongings and begin living with decent annual maintenance on their boiler.

The latter will often be far more prepared to pay extensive prices than the first, so if you wish to sell your home in the future, it's best to give your homeowners or rent payers as little to decorate or rearrange as possible. Many may think it is more costly to pay for brand-new guttering, wallpaper, insulation, carpets, glazing, or even a new boiler; however, it is ultimately cheaper to do so in the long run.

In purchasing a new boiler for the home you wish to sell, you'll be making the process of moving a great deal less hassle for its new owners, and they'll be paying for it. It's best to note that it is highly likely to appear on the yearly boiler service if you have a boiler with an incredibly low-efficiency rating due to its age.

Before any home is sold, professionals in the field will complete an inspection and survey of the existing boiler, appliances and units. The survey reports any faults or repairs that need taking care of. Any prominent faults could potentially scare away buyers looking in your local area for a straightforward transition from their old home to a new one.

If you are a seller searching for a quick sale no matter the price, you may potentially benefit from leaving the current or old boiler in place. Many professional developers that renovate and purchase houses will generally know the best places and locations to buy a new boiler. Most may have tight-knit business relationships with several central heating fitters.

Is a brand-new boiler more efficient?

Modern boilers are designed to be incredibly efficient compared to much older boilers. However, a modern boilers' most significant advantage is that they are far more 'condensing'.

The modern condensing boilers allow the unit and its exhaust flue gas to recover more heat by heating the water used for central heating throughout a home or property. Recovering and reusing more heat makes the modern unit more efficient and allows you to save money on your energy bills.

How much should a boiler replacement cost in the UK?

In the UK, manufacturers and plumbing and heating service companies average the cost of a brand-new modern replacement at approximately £500-£1,500. However, bear in mind that the costs can change dramatically based on whether you are purchasing a different type of boiler or the same model and brand as the one you are getting replaced. The installation costs are a crucial aspect to consider when evaluating the overall cost of a new boiler.

Your home's overall structure is significant; for example, the costs will differ depending on whether you choose to install the boiler in the exact location or a different one. If you plan on switching the position of your boiler, perhaps to a different area or different room altogether, you may face additional restructuring costs for upgrading your pipes.


How much should a boiler replacement cost in the UK?

An excellent rule of thumb to go off is to assess the labour involved; if the job is more straightforward to complete, it will often be cheaper. Installing brand-new boilers into much older buildings or households will usually be more expensive, as it tends to require considerable replacing and upgrades regarding pipework.

An even cheaper option to seek is a similar installation of the same boiler in the same place as the previous; this will typically cost less. However, on rare occasions, this may not be the case, as this largely depends on the condition of your current fittings and systems.

Lastly, the installation cost is usually affected by the service company you have chosen to fit it for you, and prices can often vary. Ensure you select a reputable boiler fitting or plumbing and heating company, which can provide a considerable payoff. 


Are you looking for boiler replacement in Retford or the surrounding area of Nottinghamshire? If you find yourself struggling with any of the above problems or more, don't hesitate to contact our professional team. 

We offer a free quotation to you before conducting work, and our website has a full list of our plumbing services.