Your boiler is the heart of your home. It helps keep life running smoothly and has a huge impact on your comfort levels. Due to its importance, it’s key that your heating system is kept in tip-top shape to meet your needs. Part of caring for your boiler includes knowing how long it is likely to function for and being able to recognise when it’s time for a replacement. Find out how long your boiler should last below.
How long do boilers last?
The average life expectancy for a boiler is between 10 and 15 years. You should ensure that your boiler is maintained properly in order to keep it functioning for as long as possible. Below we list a few measures you can take to prolong the life of your boiler:
- Purchase a reliable system – You should select a boiler that has been manufactured to be reliable and efficient. The last thing you want is a temperamental system or a boiler that frequently breaks down. Brands such as Worcester Bosch and Ideal are some of the industry’s leading manufacturers. At HomeServe, we install boiler systems from both of these brands.
- Choose a boiler suitable for your needs – You’ll need to ensure that your boiler is the right size (kW output) for your home. Installing a boiler that is too small could put excessive pressure on the system and cause frequent breakdown and reduce the system’s lifespan. Whilst a boiler that has excessive power could lead to high energy bills. You should consult a heating professional to help you choose a suitable boiler.
- Ensure work is conducted by a Gas Safe registered engineer – It is illegal, and not to mention dangerous, for someone who is not qualified and competent to conduct gas work on appliances such as boilers. By getting help from a qualified engineer, you could prolong the life of your boiler by preventing any mistakes that could lead to an early replacement.
- Organise an annual service – This is highly recommended for the maintenance and well-being of your boiler. Just like your car, your boiler requires a frequent health check to ensure that it is functioning effectively and safely, this appointment could also help to spot any issues that could cause costly damage in the future. Most manufacturer-backed warranties require you to arrange a yearly service as a part of the terms and conditions*.
Tip Alert – Organising a system Powerflush (chemical flush) prior to any new boiler installation and having the water quality checked regularly could also help to prolong the life of your boiler system. Find out more about central heating Powerflushes by visiting our “What is a Powerflush” page.
- Arrange repairs as soon as possible – Putting off a repair will only make things difficult for both you and your boiler. You’ll be without the heating and hot water you need, whilst your boiler’s condition could get worse. HomeServe aim to tend to your heating needs as soon as possible and our expert engineers are on hand to provide you with a professional repair.
Book a repair
- Monitor your central heating and make note of any unusual changes – You can usually tell when your heating system is performing differently. If you’ve noticed any change in the way in which your boiler performs, you should consult a heating professional as soon as possible so that any issues can be diagnosed and rectified.
When should you replace your boiler?
Even if your boiler is still performing after 10-15 years, it’s still a good idea to start considering getting a replacement as its efficiency levels will have declined. A brand-new boiler could provide you with a better quality of heating and hot water. You could even save money on your energy bills by increasing the levels of energy-efficiency with a new boiler **.
Below we highlight some signs that typically mean it’s time to get a new boiler:
- Frequent boiler breakdowns and repairs
- A high-cost repair
- Unusual noises
- System leaks
- Intermittent heating and hot-water
- Radiators take long to heat up
- Excessively high energy bills
- Unusual smells coming from the boiler
- Replacement parts are difficult to find or no longer manufactured
- Your boiler simply doesn’t meet your needs
If you’ve identified any of the above issues, you should consider getting your current boiler replaced.
Getting your new boiler
If you need a new boiler, HomeServe can help you with every step of your new installation. From helping you choose a suitable model to conducting a first-class boiler installation. Find out more below.
The cost of your new boiler
Cost is likely to be one of the main factors on your mind when getting a new boiler. At HomeServe, we understand this and seek to provide you with the best deal. To find out how much your new boiler installation could cost, try HomeServe’s free quote tool. Simply answer a few questions about your heating needs and in a few moments you could receive your free quote which includes a recommendation of a suitable new boiler for your home. Find out more on HomeServe’s new boiler page.
The benefits of a new boiler
If you’re currently dealing with an old and inefficient heating system, you’re likely to notice the difference a new boiler can make straight away!
Here are a few of the advantages of getting a new boiler installed:
- Improved quality of heating and hot water
- Enhanced levels of energy-efficiency
- Reduced carbon footprint
- Lower energy bills**
- Peace of mind through getting a system you can rely on
* Subject to an annual service at the customer’s expense. Warranty extension from 5-years to 7-years or 10-years only available on Worcester Bosch. Warranty extension from 5-years to 10-years available on Ideal Boilers. All warranty extensions subject to an additional charge.
**Source: energysavingtrust.org.uk. Saving calculated when replacing G-rated with A-rated boiler in a semi-detached house.
