Like all products, boilers too have a finite lifespan. However, as the beating heart of your home’s energy security, a boiler breakdown can have detrimental consequences to your living experience.
When you start to notice a sluggish performance, or worrying amounts of maintenance needs for your boiler, when exactly do you know it’s the right time to say goodbye? In this article, we will delve into some of the telltale signs of an underperforming boiler, and the best course of action to find yourself the right replacement.
Tips to identify an underperforming boiler
1. The age of your boiler
The average lifespan of most boilers is around 10 to 15 years. Although it is more than possible for a boiler to outlive this duration, the boiler would likely have dropped dramatically in its efficiency. With boilers past the 15-year mark, you may be throwing more money at maintaining the boiler’s operation, than it would cost you to get a brand-new boiler instead.
2. The frequency of maintenance needs
Another telltale sign of an outdated boiler is the frequent need for maintenance. That of course doesn’t mean that the odd need for tweaks or repairs means your boiler is underperforming, but an optimally functioning boiler certainly should not need constant maintenance.
If you are accumulating substantial bills from maintenance needs alone, chances are that you would save much more money in the long run by replacing your boiler with a brand-new high-efficiency one.
3. Rising energy bills
Perhaps the most obvious indicator of an underperforming boiler is the creeping rise of your energy bills. Typically, all boilers are rated for their efficiency. For example, a brand-new A-rated boiler has an efficiency of 92%. This means that only 8% of the generated energy is lost.
Over time as a boiler gets older, its efficiency levels will drop, resulting in larger amounts of lost energy. To compensate, your boiler will work more often than it needs to, thus raising your energy bills with every passing month. For this reason, higher than usual utility bills should be a sign that it’s soon time to get yourself a brand new A-rated boiler!
Benefits of a boiler replacement
Alongside reducing your spending on utilities, there’s no shortage of reasons as to why a boiler replacement is a smart move to make. Below we have outlined some of the key benefits that come with making this change.
1. Improve your home energy efficiency
New-age boilers boast some of the highest efficiency rates of all energy systems. A brand new A-rated condensing boiler is typically able to achieve up to 92-94% efficiency, helping you drastically reduce your carbon footprint.
A high-efficiency boiler will turn your home into a more comfortable and reliable living space, as well as give your property a more attractive energy rating, thus bumping up its value!
2. Reduce your utility bills
An A-rated boiler will also help drastically cut down on unnecessarily high energy bills due to more efficiently produced heat. Replacing an outdated boiler with a modern, condensing boiler can even see you save up to £450 on your annual energy bills.
3. Improve your energy security
Switching to a new and improved boiler also provides your household with enhanced energy reliability and security, as newer boilers work better for longer, and often have impressive warranties in place by manufacturers. With this decision, you can ensure that a boiler breakdown is not an imminent risk in your home.
Already interested in a boiler replacement? Check out your options now for a new boiler UK.
The cost of a boiler replacement
The price of a boiler replacement varies based on factors such as the type and size of the boiler, the fuel you opt for, the manufacturing company, and the complexity of the installation.
Keep in mind that the estimated price ranges below are calculated with the assumption that the system being replaced is of the same type. It is generally recommended to make sure your new boiler is the same type as your old one, in order to minimise unnecessary costs.
Typically in UK households, combi boilers are the most popular type, given their ease of installation and smaller size. A combi boiler replacement can cost anywhere between £1,500 to £3,500, depending on the factors mentioned above.
For larger homes with higher water demands, a full system boiler replacement is roughly projected to cost somewhere between £1,500 to £3,000, including installation.
As for regular or conventional boilers, a full replacement is estimated to also cost somewhere between £1,500 and £3,000, including installation.
If you live in a rural area or a household that is not connected to the national grid, you may be utilising oil as your fuel source. To further gauge your options, make sure to check out your options for the best oil boiler.
Takeaway
At the end of the day, we all aim to spend our finances wisely. Although at first impression buying a brand new boiler when your old one still functions may seem counterintuitive, you’re far more likely to save money with a modern and highly efficient boiler than with one that has reached or surpassed its estimated lifespan.
By opting for a timely boiler replacement, you are prioritising long-term savings on energy bills, a reduced carbon footprint, and enhanced energy security in your home.
