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How often should you replace your boiler depends upon how old is your boiler. Typically, a boiler lasts around 15 years. But if you take good care of your boiler, it may last even more. Moreover, as time passes, an older boiler loses its efficiency so it is advisable to replace the boiler. On top of that, you should consider the cost of replacing the boiler. By and large, boilers are costly to replace. So how often a boiler be replaced also depends upon your budget. If you can afford a replacement, you should do it after your boiler has completed its lifespan. What’s more, you may qualify for free boiler grants. Keep reading the blog to learn more.
What Boiler Do You Have?
Before we jump to the topic of how often should a boiler be replaced, you should be aware of what type of boiler you have. Chiefly, boilers are essential for warmth and hot water. From traditional gas and oil to electric and green options, there’s a variety of boilers. But knowing your boiler, its technology and the fuel it uses is critically important. So let’s explore the different types of boilers and find out which one keeps your home cosy.
Condensing boilers
Condensing boilers heat water using hot gas in two parts. The well-liked combi-boiler has both hot and cold water in one unit, making installation easy. It ensures a constant flow of hot water, so you don’t have to wait for the tank to heat up. But, there’s a catch—combi-boilers can’t make a lot of water at once.
You’ll get full pressure from only one tap, depending on the unit’s size. So if your boiler is a non-condensing model, you should know the answer to the question of how often should a boiler be replaced. Of course, now all non-condensing boilers are banned in the UK. You no longer can use them. So replace your non-condensing boiler with its condensing counterpar
Biomass boilers
Biomass boilers use wood pellets, logs, or chips to warm water. They suit homes without gas, like oil boilers. Another kind is the wood stove, a biomass heating system. Biomass heaters are larger than gas or oil boilers. To install one, you need a flume or chimney. Moreover, you must get planning permission.
Electric boilers
Old boilers get replaced by electric ones, pulling power from the house to heat the water inside. The warm water moves through central heating. Electric boilers are safe, creating no fuel burn, fumes, or carbon monoxide. Furthermore, they provide easy servicing and maintenance. Also, their installation is simple. They’ve no flume or fuel storage. But they’ve got a high efficiency rate.
Oil boilers
Without a doubt, four million homes in the UK use oil boilers. These homes don’t have gas connections so they use oil boilers. Oil boilers work like gas boilers. But they use oil for hot water. Moreover, the heated water circulates through home radiators. As a result, oil delivery makes these boilers a bit more expensive.
When should you replace your boiler?
A well-kept boiler lasts 15 years. But annual service boosts its lifespan. If there are frequent fixes or breakdowns, you should consider replacing a boiler. No doubt, investing in a new heating system is costly, but there is no option available. Next, if your repair bills go over 50% of a new system’s cost, replacement is the best solution. Moreover, you cannot always find your boiler’s replacement parts. But if you notice the following severe signs, it is not time to repair parts. Rather, it’s time to opt for the question of how often should a boiler be replaced. A broken boiler doesn’t need parts replacement, but it needs a one-time full replacement.
So stop thinking about how often should a boiler be replaced. You should replace it if it has completed its lifespan it is broken or it is a non-condensing model.
Signs to replacing a boiler
- Replace the boiler when parts get scarce. Paying extra for rare replacements increases costs.
- If your home doesn’t feel just feel warm, consider replacing a boiler.
- Though carbon monoxide has no smell, a problem with your boiler’s combustion might add a faint scent. So if you smell something odd, replace your boiler as soon as possible.
- When you hear unusual sounds, it’s smart to call your heating contractor. But if you’re frequently making this call, it might be time to consider replacing your boiler.
- The time when your fuel bills go up is likely because of two reasons. Either your energy supplier is hiking prices, or your boiler is declining efficiency. Undeniably, older systems work harder, resulting in higher monthly bills. So switch to a more energy-efficient model.
- If your boiler can’t keep up with hot water and heating needs, it might be time for a higher power output model.
How long does it take to replace a boiler?
Well, an experienced engineer can take as little as 48 hours to replace your boiler. But it depends on their availability. Moreover, your home’s situation plays a key role in replacement. In fact, the actual replacement may only take a few hours, but it can take more or less time. So it is better to consult an engineer and get the best deal.
How much does it cost to replace a boiler?
No doubt, the majority of installers provide free installation service when you purchase a new boiler from them. So, the installation is part of the price. What’s more, it covers new pipework, filters, and removing your old boiler. Some companies also provide a free chemical cleanse for your new gas boiler.
This improves boiler efficiency. Consequently, you don’t have to pay everything upfront. On top of that, the good news is that you can get a free boiler replacement. Yes, you read it right. If you or anyone living with you is on government benefits, we can help you get a free boiler grant. So we’ll replace your boiler at no cost at all. It is free.
Changing the type of boiler: 2–3 days
There are three main types of boilers for your home: combi, heat only, and system. Switching between them requires different plumbing and electrics, almost like a fresh installation. What’s more, the most significant change is upgrading from a combi to a heat-only or system model.
- A system boiler needs a cylinder for central heating water, often in an airing cupboard. This requires raising floorboards and new pipework. So connecting immersion heaters to electricity mains is essential.
- Upgrading to a heat-only boiler requires a cold-water tank and an expansion tank, placed in the loft or at a high point. Moreover, gravity feeds the system, not mains pressure. So this adds more pipework installation time.
Are you thinking to switch to a combi boiler from system or heat-only? Well, it might take more time to remove the cylinder and tanks. Next, it strips away extra pipework later.
Installing a completely new combi boiler: 1–2 days
Installing a new combi boiler takes about the same time as relocating. The work amount is similar. Time saved from not removing the old one goes into creating new connections to water and gas mains. But if there’s no boiler, it is likely no central heating either. If installing a complete new system and combi boiler, the job duration may increase significantly. Roughly, a new system takes one to two weeks. This involves lifting carpets, flooring, floorboards, laying pipework, and installing radiators. The good news is it can happen simultaneously with the boiler installation.
How long does it take to replace a boiler?
Switching a regular boiler for a combi can cost over £4,000. This swap is good for efficiency, giving instant mains pressure water for heating and hot water. Furthermore, regular boilers have a tank in the loft. As a result, they take more space and offer lower flow rates than combis. But, remember, this replacement needs extra parts and labor to restructure pipework and remove tanks. It can add a day to the job, totalling around 2 days.
Cost to replace boiler
You can get a new combi boiler for £500-£3,000. Installation, with extra parts and labour, costs £1,000-£3,000. The total replacement cost is around £4,000.
Replacing a regular boiler with a combi can cost over £4,000. It’s a good choice for instant mains pressure water for heating and hot water. But, keep in mind, that switching requires extra parts and labour. You have to replace pipes, take out the cold water tank, and ditch the hot water cylinder. It usually takes about 2 days for the whole setup.
System boilers go for £580-£3,500, averaging £2,790 with installation. They team up with a hot water cylinder, keeping a constant flow from the local mains. Great for medium-to-big homes with high energy needs.
Conventional boilers cost £600-£3,500, averaging £2,955 with installation. We mostly find these old-school boilers in older homes. They use a hot water cylinder and a cold water tank. Perfect for medium-to-big homes.
How much to replace a boiler?
How often should a boiler be replaced also depends chiefly on boiler prices. The prices change based on features, brand reputation, and model quality. Let’s check out the usual price ranges for each type.
Worcester Bosch Boilers
Combi: £795-£2,865
System: £991-£2,515
Conventional: £819-£2,402
Vaillant Boilers
Combi: £910-£1,689
System: £888-£2,164
Conventional: £854-£1,684
Viessmann Boilers
Combi: £851-£1,453
System: £1,110-£1,382
Conventional: £890-£1,453
Ideal Boilers
Combi: £826-£1,394
System: £881-£1,329
Conventional: £860-£1,692
Alpha Boilers
Combi: £616-£1,698
System: £859-£2,475
Conventional: £704-£805
Baxi Boilers
Combi: £659-£1,698
System: £828-£1,074
Conventional: £731-£1,692
Conclusion
The UK government gives money to help pay for new boilers and make homes more energy-efficient. These grants help homeowners and private tenants for replacing a boiler. So if your boiler is older, non-condensing and in-efficient, you should replace your boiler. Moreover, if you feel your home is less warm and your boiler is making odd noises, again invites you to think of replacing a boiler. Now, that you know the answer to the question of how often should a boiler be replaced, it is time to pass on this information to others.
