For many homeowners, a gas boiler is one of the most significant appliances in the home. When it works, it sits quietly in a cupboard, pumping out endless supplies of heat and hot water. When it doesn’t work, it is a problem that can’t be ignored, particularly if it stops working in winter! Waking up to a cold house and an “F” fault code flashing on the boiler control panel is not something anyone wants to face. After the initial shock, your next thoughts are usually, how much will it cost to repair the boiler and how soon will a heating engineer be available to start work?
However, if you have an old boiler, you face a third dilemma: should you actually spend money repairing a dated gas boiler, or bite the bullet and replace it entirely?
While this decision feels huge, you can simplify it by focusing on three essentials: boiler age, boiler efficiency, and costs. Combine this with sound advice from your local gas heating engineer, and you’ll be well equipped to make the right choice for your home.
1. Boiler Age
Most modern condensing boilers are built to last around 10 to 15 years. So if your boiler is approaching or has passed the 15 year mark, you are entering an age when replacement often becomes a better option.
In addition, modern condensing boiler technology became standard in 2005. Older boilers, particularly those manufactured before 2005, rely on parts that can be very difficult and expensive to obtain. Even if a specific part is fixed, because the boiler is old, another part is likely to break soon after. Repairing an old boiler quickly becomes a costly stream of fixes, as one worn component gives way to the next.
However, if your boiler is relatively new, it’s usually worth repairing, assuming the issue isn’t catastrophic.
2. Boiler Efficiency
Before you even consider the repair cost, look at your boiler’s efficiency. Modern A-rated condensing boilers are typically 90% or more efficient (usually around 92-94%). This means that for every £1 spent on fuel (gas), 90p is converted into heat for your home.
Conversely, many older boilers, especially non-condensing ones, have efficiencies as low as 60% to 70%. So for every £1 you spend, 30 to 40p is totally wasted.
While a new boiler involves a significant upfront cost, the long term energy savings can be substantial. Modern A-rated condensing models can save you hundreds of pounds on your annual gas bill. If your old boiler is very inefficient, those energy savings alone could cover the entire cost of replacement within a few years. This is something worth considering.
3. The Upfront Costs
After your Gas Safe engineer provides a quote for the necessary repair, it can sometimes be useful to apply a calculation known as the ‘50% Rule’. This rule says that if the cost of a single repair is more than 50% of the cost of an equivalent brand new boiler installation, boiler replacement is typically a better long term option.
For instance, if a new boiler installation was quoted at around £2,000 and your boiler repair costs £1,400, then this single repair is well over 50% of the cost of a new boiler. The current problem may be fixable, but you also need to remember that the remaining parts in your old boiler are also worn and likely to fail at some point. This will add to the overall cost.
On the other hand, while a new boiler is more expensive initially, it offers a full warranty and is more energy efficient. It will save you money on future energy bills.
Gas Engineer Thoughts
Choosing between a boiler repair and a new boiler is always a balancing act of inconvenience, running costs, and immediate financial outlay. A boiler repair is often the best option for many boiler issues, but for older boilers, it may be a false economy.
Before you make any decision, always have your boiler inspected by a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer. They can provide an accurate diagnosis, a clear repair cost, and advice on the overall condition and age of your boiler. If needed, they will also be able to provide you the cost of a new boiler (including installation costs) suitable for the size of your home. With this information you will be better able to decide on the best solution for your particular property and needs.
If you need any help with boiler repairs or are considering upgrading to a more efficient system, please get in touch with Gasworks Edinburgh, for advice.
