Like everything, boilers too have a lifespan. However, as the main artery of energy in your home, timing is everything when it comes to ensuring stability and peace of mind. So when you begin to notice a waning efficiency or too frequent maintenance needs, how exactly do you know when it is time to replace your boiler?
Telltale signs of an underperforming boiler
Generally speaking, the average lifespan of many boilers is estimated to be around 10 to 15 years. A boiler can well exceed this lifespan with proper proactive care, as it all rests on the steps you take to prevent problems from getting out of hand.
Nevertheless, if you are frequently investing good money into constant boiler repairs, chances are you’re throwing away more money than the boiler’s actual worth. To help you identify when exactly the right time has come, here are some telltale signs to look out for:
1. The age of your boiler
Perhaps a bit self-explanatory, but there is no clearer sign of when to replace your boiler than its actual age. Boilers past the 15-year mark are likely to have dropped dramatically in their efficiency and reliability.
Although it may seem to function perfectly, signs of an outdated boiler tend to manifest in subtler manners that chip away at your finances without you realising. Chances are that your old boiler may frequently drop in pressure or efficiency, accruing energy bill increases and maintenance costs that can be better invested in a brand-new boiler.
2. Frequency of maintenance
Another telltale sign of an outdated boiler is how often it requires maintenance to operate normally. An optimally functioning boiler should not need constant maintenance or tuning, not to mention that your overall maintenance costs might be unnecessarily wearing down your finances.
We all want to avoid frivolous spending, but sometimes money is wasted by holding onto inefficient appliances. In this case, if you are amassing hefty bills from constant boiler maintenance, it is a good sign that converting to a brand-new efficient boiler is likely to save you more money and peace of mind in the long run.
3. Rising energy bills
One of the more sinister consequences of an outdated boiler will be suspiciously rising energy bills. All energy systems generally are rated for their energy efficiency. For example, if you have a boiler rated 90% efficient, it means only 10% of the produced energy is lost.
As a boiler gets older, its energy efficiency gradually drops as well, meaning higher percentages of your produced energy are lost. This in turn will result in the gradual increase of your energy bills, eventually causing you to pay far more money in bills than the actual worth of a new boiler.
For this reason, higher-than-usual energy bills should be your sign to get a new A-rated boiler installed. Replacing an outdated boiler with a modern, condensing boiler can even see you save up to £450 on your annual energy bills.
Already interested? Find a new boiler on Boiler Guide.
What to expect during a boiler replacement
Replacing a boiler may seem like a hefty investment, but it can do wonders for your home’s energy efficiency and long-term savings on energy bills.
On average, a full boiler replacement process can cost anywhere between £1,500 to £3,500 including the boiler itself and the installation costs. Nevertheless, the actual cost of a boiler replacement will vary depending on factors like your choice of boiler, the old system being removed, the home’s pipework, and other unpredictables that a licensed professional should assess.
It’s also good to keep in mind that certain government schemes and grants can provide financial assistance in your boiler installation. One such example is the UK’s Boiler Replacement Scheme which seeks to help homeowners transition to high-efficiency energy systems with financial assistance.
Regarding the actual installation process, here are the steps you can expect to go through when replacing a boiler in your home.
1. Choosing the right boiler
A boiler is not something you buy every other day, so making the right choice is crucial. Your choice of boiler type and model will depend on factors such as your energy needs, type of fuel needs, and the previous system you’re replacing. Consulting with a professional boiler installer can help ensure that you make the right choice for your home.
2. Removing the old boiler
The next step will require the old boiler to be removed by the installer in question. This will include shutting the gas supply and disconnecting various pipework to ensure the safe removal of your old boiler.
3. Preparing the installation site
Before a new boiler can be installed, the site needs to be prepared for your new system, especially if it is a different type of boiler than your outgoing one. This may involve replacing old pipes or making pipe alterations to suit your new boiler.
4. Installation and testing
Once the site is prepped and the new boiler is successfully installed, the installer will likely carry out a series of tests and safety checks to ensure that your new boiler is functioning as it should.
5. Commissioning the new boiler
Once the installation has concluded and the boiler has passed its checks, the installer will commission the boiler, which involves tweaking it for optimum efficiency and performance in your home. The installer will also likely give you tips on regular care and maintenance.
Takeaway
Ultimately, we all want to spend our finances as responsibly as we can. Buying a new boiler when the old one still functions may seem counterintuitive, but paying close attention to these telltale signs can help you avoid a full boiler breakdown, no home heating, and wads of unnecessary cash thrown at problems not worth fixing.
Your home’s energy system is the beating heart that keeps it together. Just as one would likely be proactive in identifying health problems ahead of time, treating your home boiler the same way can bring you peace of mind and an uninterrupted energy supply for years to come.
