How long do boilers last?
There's no fixed lifespan, but many boilers last somewhere around 10 to 15 years. Some go on much longer with careful servicing; others fail sooner, especially if the system water is dirty or the boiler has been worked very hard.
Age on its own isn't a reason to replace a boiler that's safe and reliable. It becomes a factor when combined with the warning signs below.
Warning signs to look out for
Any one of these can have a simple fix. Several together – or the same problem returning – usually mean it's time to start thinking about a replacement.
- Breakdowns that are becoming more frequent
- Pressure that keeps dropping and needs topping up
- Radiators that take a long time to warm up or never get properly hot
- Hot water that runs lukewarm or fluctuates
- Banging, gurgling or kettling noises
- Gas bills rising without an obvious reason
- An engineer telling you that parts are hard to find or no longer made
- Signs of soot or staining around the boiler, or a lazy yellow flame on older models
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Repair or replace?
If your boiler breaks down, ask the engineer for a repair price and their honest view of the boiler's condition. A one-off repair on a boiler that's otherwise in good shape is often worthwhile.
Replacement starts to make sense when a costly repair is needed on an older boiler, repairs are becoming regular, or parts are no longer available. It can help to get a replacement quote at the same time as the repair quote, so you can compare like with like.
Planning a replacement before it fails
Replacing a boiler in spring or summer is far less stressful than in a cold snap. Engineers have more availability, you're not without heating while you compare quotes, and there's time to think about whether to change the type of boiler, move it or upgrade the controls.
Gather the make, model and age of your current boiler, count your radiators and bathrooms, and take photos of the boiler, pipework and flue. That gives engineers what they need to quote accurately.
