A boiler is one of the most essential items in your home, especially during colder times when we want our rooms to be warm and cosy.
Although your existing boiler might be well-maintained and it keeps your radiators warm – this doesn’t mean it’s the most cost effective and efficient one.
Older boilers tend to lose more heat through hot gases as it gets older, which means you have to switch it on more often and for longer periods of time – this all adds up to more money being wasted!
Ensuring your home is fitted with an energy efficient boiler will help you save money and reduce carbon emissions. Replacing a boiler isn’t something you need to do often, but when you do, it’s worth considering the cost of a replacement boiler.
If you think your boiler could do with an upgrade, then bite the bullet and get a new one.
This free boiler replacement guide will tell you all you need to know, and help you potentially save up to 30% with our free quote comparison tool.
When is it time to replace your boiler?
A decent boiler tends to last around 10-15 years, but some boilers won’t last as long as others.
It often depends on the manufacturer quality, was it correctly sized for your home (i.e. too small, so overworked) and whether it has been well-maintained.
It is important to know when it’s time to replace your boiler to save you wasting money on gas or fuel.
Here are some signs to look out for:
1. Boiler Keeps Breaking Down
The first sign your boiler needs replacing is if it is frequently breaking down. Checking your boiler regularly is crucial to ensure that no repairs are required. A regular annual service on your existing boiler will help to keep it in tip-top condition. If your boiler continues to breakdown, it’s time for a replacement.
2. Increased Energy/Fuel Consumption
Keep track of the efficiency rating on your boiler, as it costs more money to run an inefficient boiler, meaning more £££ on your household bills.
If you notice an increase in your energy bills, it might be time to think about replacing your current boiler. But before you splash out on a new boiler – ask for several free boiler replacement quotes, then calculate if the extra expense outweighs the savings on fuel.
3. Bad Odours Coming From Your Boiler
If you notice a sulphurous, eggy odour coming from your boiler, it could be a sign of a gas leak. Do not ignore this in the hope that it goes away.
Turn off your boiler and your gas supply, then immediately call a gas or heating engineer – they will be able to check your boiler and advise you on whether it’s time for an upgrade.
4. Odd Noises Coming From The Boiler
We all hear odd noises coming from our central heating from time to time.
If you begin to notice any change to the noises, like they are getting louder and more noticeable or humming – it’s time to call in a professional.
Some noises, such as tapping, can indicate a build-up in the system or radiators. If you hear banging or humming noises, there might be a bigger problem with the boiler or central heating system.
5. Has the blue gas light turned yellow?
A change in colour from a blue flame to yellow/orange is an indication your boiler needs a service, or that something is wrong.
A qualified heating engineer will be able to check your gas boiler and inform you how serious the problem is, and whether it requires replacing or not. If they advise that it needs replacing, always ask for multiple estimates for replacing the boiler – as they might not offer you the best deal.
How often should my boiler be checked?
Ideally, a professional heating engineer should check the condition and safety of your boiler every year (annually). They should check the seals, the flue in and outside the house, operating pressure, emissions and heat output.
The best time to check your boiler is in the summer. Don’t wait for winter to arrive to find out that you need a new boiler.
You will likely find that many boiler installers/engineers are dealing with emergency callouts and their costs will be higher.
The following graph illustrates the old “supply and demand” scenario. You will notice that during the summer months, less people are searching for “boiler service” which means more heating engineers will be available to check your boiler – at a lower cost!
What should you be looking for?
If you know that your boiler needs replacing, start thinking about what type & size you need, where to buy it and the cost.
Buying a new replacement boiler for your home is probably one of the most expensive purchases you will make. But before you go out and buy the first boiler you see, you will need to know which is the right one for your home.
When it comes to choosing a new gas boiler, there are several factors you will need to consider before making the purchase:
- Size
- Water pressure
- Temperature range
- Capacity
- Type
And whether the boiler’s style is appropriate for your house type. You will also need to think about installation costs and logistics.
If the replacement boiler is the same model (or similar) as your old one, then the installation costs are likely to be less, when compared to a totally different model which may require new pipework and new electrics to be installed.
These will all impact the overall cost and future maintenance of your gas boiler.
Who should install your boiler?
Outsourcing to a local boiler supplier/company or energy provider is probably the best way to install a new boiler.
Ask for several quotes from trusted and “rated” boiler replacement companies near you so you’re getting the best value service possible for your money.
If you would like free estimates from local companies to see how much you can save, use our free quote tool.
What boiler options are there?
Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all approach when getting a new replacement boiler. You wouldn’t normally fit a conventional boiler system into a small one bedroom flat, likewise, it’s unlikely that a combi boiler would be fitted in a large five bedroom house.
Most heating companies offer a free survey to advise which gas boiler is the best for your property.
1. Gas Combi Boiler
The Combi boiler is popular in households across the UK. It’s compact and energy efficient, meaning it will save money and space in your home (they are often fitted into a cupboard).
They are recommended for flats and small homes as it provides heat to your radiators and directly heats water for immediate use – they are the best option for homes with less demand.
2. System Condensing Gas Boiler
This type of boiler is one of the top picks for efficiency. A condensing boiler captures heat through heat exchangers before any waste gases escape via the flue – this helps prevent energy waste.
System boilers are good for mid-sized homes and in areas with low water pressure.
A condensing boiler also falls under the UK government incentive to reduce carbon footprint. If you qualify for a local grant, it could save you money towards your replacement boiler costs.
3. Regular (or Conventional) Gas Boiler
Conventional boilers use water cylinders for hot water storage to maintain a high-water pressure when hot water is required in multiple locations throughout the property. A conventional boiler also pumps hot water around the central heating system to heat radiators.
This is probably the best choice for mid-sized to larger homes – though a qualified heating engineer will be able to advise you.
How long does it take to install a replacement boiler?
The time it takes to replace a boiler depends on the complexity of the job and the type of boiler. Installing a new boiler normally takes anywhere between 1-3 days.
What are the costs of a replacement boiler?
Spending money on a replacement boiler is most likely the least exciting purchase you’ll make.
It is not like buying a brand new car or piece of jewellery. But an efficient working boiler is essential for the home and will keep you warm for all the chilly winters to come.
They’re not cheap, but they are an investment. So when you buy one, it needs to be a reliable one.
The price of boilers varies based on the size, type, and brand you choose. The average cost for a boiler in the UK is anywhere between £400 to £3,000.
| Boiler Type | Average Price Range |
|---|---|
| Conventional Gas Boiler | £400 – £,1500 |
| Gas Combi Boiler | £500 – £2,000 |
| Condensing System Gas Boiler | £1,300 – £2,500 |
But fear not, these costs can be recouped from the savings on your energy bills as a result of getting a new more efficient boiler installed.
Plus you need to account for engineer installation costs.
How much will boiler installation cost?
In the UK, boiler installation cost on average between £500 – £1,500.
Again, these costs can vary depending on the company you choose and whether you are going for the same type of boiler or a different model.
The general rule for installation costs is, the easier the installation, the cheaper the job will cost.
Some bigger gas companies will offer a “package deal” for a new boiler and installation. But it may be cheaper to find a local heating engineer who can supply a replacement gas boiler, then install the boiler for you.
The third option is to buy the boiler yourself, then find a boiler installer near you who will fit it and commission the boiler for you.
So it is always best to get boiler and installation quotes from a range of companies to compare the best cost for what you need.
Why is boiler efficiency important?
Getting a boiler that works efficiently isn’t just in your best interest.
With the UK aiming for zero carbon emission targets in the near future, consumers and business can help by using more efficient boilers.
By investing in a good efficient boiler, you will keep costs and your carbon footprint down.
In an attempt to lower the carbon footprint, the UK government have established a variety of initiatives to support people looking for a new boiler to reduce energy consumption.
Who qualifies for a free boiler?
If it is difficult for you to meet the cost of a new boiler, you might be eligible for a free boiler.
If you claim income support, child benefit, working tax credits, disability living allowance or other support, you can apply. Full details available at the UK government website.
Will getting a new replacement boiler save money?
By replacing an old boiler with a newer model, it is will be more environmentally friendly and will also save you money on your energy bills in the long-term.
When it comes to getting the best boiler, don’t choose the cheapest one, choose one which is right for your home (and you).
Although it is a costly, time-consuming process, it is crucial to replace your boiler if it isn’t working as it should. By replacing your boiler, you could save upwards of £200 a year on your household heating bills.
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