Should I Repair or Replace My Boiler?
If you have an old or faulty boiler, you’ll have to decide how best to resolve this issue. This may be an even more pressing concern during the autumn or winter, as you can ill afford the unit to break down at this time.
However, the question that remains is whether to repair or replace your existing boiler? Choosing the right option may be easier said than done, especially given the associated costs and potential efficiency issues.
In this post, we’ll look at the key factors that should inform your decision and ask why they’re so important.
Do I Repair or Replace my Boiler?
1. Consider the Cost Implications
One of your first considerations is likely to cost, as whilst replacing your boiler is more expensive than may deliver significant savings over time.
For example, if you have an older boiler that’s frequently but temporarily breaking down, the cost of repeat repairs can accumulate quickly over time.
In contrast, a new boiler installation can cost up to £3,000, but this is a one-off cost that will provide you with a contemporary and energy-efficient unit that comes with a healthy manufacturers’ guarantee.
2. Keep the Idea of Efficiency in Mind at all Times
The concept of efficiency is an important one, particularly as modern, A-rated units are up to 20% more efficient than older ones.
Conversely, if you have an older boiler or a conventional heating system in your home, you may be losing efficiency at a rapid rate and paying out more than you need in monthly energy bills.
In this respect, installing a new boiler can help you to save huge sums of money each year, in excess of £300 per month in some instances. This means that you can cover the cost of a new boiler within 12 months of purchase, which is makes sound commercial sense whichever you look at it.
3. Make Safety a Key Watchword
Before you make any final decision, it’s important to consider your safety and the collective wellbeing of those who live in your home.
More specifically, you should make plans for a Gas Safe registered engineer to visit your home and inspect your boiler. They’ll perform a full and comprehensive review of the unit’s performance, before advising you on whether your best option is to repair or replace it.
From here, you can take into account your budgetary constraints and variable costs of repairing and replacing a boiler, before arriving at an informed decision that serves you well.
4. Boiler Age
Your boiler's age is one of the main factors to take into account when determining whether to replace or repair it. Older boilers—typically those that are over 15 years old—could not be as energy-efficient as more recent versions and might malfunction more frequently. In these circumstances, purchasing a new boiler might provide superior long-term performance and savings.
5. Extend of Damage
Determining whether repair is a feasible option for your boiler requires evaluating the level of damage. Small problems like a broken thermostat or a leaking valve are frequently reasonably simple and affordable to remedy. However, replacement can be a more sensible option if the damage is severe, like in the case of rusted pipes or a fractured heat exchanger.
6. Efficiency considerations
Energy efficiency has significantly improved as a result of developments in boiler technology. Modern models are built to be more energy-efficient, which lowers energy costs and lowers carbon emissions. You might save a lot of money in the long run by switching out your old boiler for a more energy-efficient one if it is inefficient and expensive to operate.
By minimising carbon emissions, replacing an outdated boiler with a more energy-efficient model not only lowers energy use and utility costs but also promotes environmental sustainability. The most ecologically friendly option might be to replace an outdated, inefficient boiler with a more eco-friendly model if lowering your carbon footprint is a top concern.
7. Professional assessment
The choice of whether to replace or repair your boiler should be made after carefully evaluating your unique situation. Speaking with a licenced heating engineer may offer insightful advice that is customised to your requirements and can help you make an educated decision that will guarantee your home's comfort, effectiveness, and affordability.
Contact us for our Services
Pipeline Plumbing Services and your Boiler – What do you need to know? At Pipeline Plumbing Services, we have a wealth of experience in the industry and have been repairing and replacing boilers in Storrington and the surrounding areas for years now. All of our engineers are highly trained and Gas Safe registered too, so they’re fully insured to work in your home and operate to an exceptionally high standard.
To discover more, and friendly and courteous team are waiting to take your call on either 01903 740548 or 07871 725133. Conversely, you can shoot us an email at info@pipelineplumbingservices.co.uk and we’ll try to respond as quickly as possible! You should also be aware that you can contact us via our contact form.