When your boiler starts acting up, it’s not just about the inconvenience; it’s also about money. Will opting for a brand new boiler going to be lighter on your wallet than getting the old one patched up?
This article explains when you should get a replacement and when to settle for a repair, offers tips to make the best decision, and discusses some points to consider while choosing a repair service or a new boiler.
Let’s get started.
Why Should You Repair Or Replace Your Boiler?
Like every other appliance in your home, boilers may break down occasionally. A leaking boiler, emission of unusual noises or unpleasant sounds, a sudden increase in power bills, and delays in heating or supplying hot water are a few reasons for considering boiler repair or replacement.
Let’s discuss exactly when you must repair your boiler and when to replace it.
Boiler Repairs
Below are some situations where you have to consider boiler repair over replacement:
- The average lifespan of boilers is around 15 years. So, if you have purchased a new boiler and it has many more years to go, you can call up a professional service and have it repaired.
- If the cost of a new boiler and installation is much more than the repair, it’s better to repair it.
- If you have minor issues, such as a small leak in your boiler, a faulty thermostat, faulty radiators, an accumulation of sludge, or problems in the heating system, you can easily fix them. Ensure you fix them at the initial stages before going beyond economical repair.
Overall, if your boiler is relatively new and reliable but facing minor issues, opt for repair.
What are the benefits and downsides of boiler repairs?
Pros
Boiler repair is relatively cheaper than boiler replacement for minor issues.
Gas-safe engineers can fix them quickly, so your house won’t be left without heat for a long time. Some issues can be fixed within an hour or two. If your boiler is leaking water, it may take up to 6 hours to complete the repair.
Repairing is less disruptive as there is no new installation, and you don’t have to worry about disposing of the old boiler.
Cons
If your boiler is too old or you have to repair it multiple times after the initial repair, replacing the boiler might be more cost-effective in the long run.
Boiler Replacement
Below are some of the situations where you have to choose boiler replacement over boiler repair:
- If your boiler is more than 15 years old and requires repeated repairs, replacement is a better option. Additionally, you won’t be able to find parts for the boiler if it’s too old.
- If the boiler is not energy efficient, it will cost more in the long run. So, you must replace it.
- If the repairs cost half the price of a new boiler, replacement is the best option.
Here are the pros and cons of boiler replacement.
Pros
The major benefit of a new boiler is energy efficiency. It can reduce your domestic power bill and save you money.
Additionally, new boilers have a warranty. So, you don’t have to spend on any repairs for several years.
Your boiler will function smoothly for years with regular ongoing maintenance, giving you peace of mind.
Cons
High cost is the main disadvantage of a new boiler. You must ensure that you have enough budget for a new boiler and for the installation.
Boiler Repair Vs. Boiler Replacement: Which Is The Best Solution For You?
You must consider many factors when choosing between boiler repair and boiler replacement. Let’s discuss them in detail so that you can make the right decision.
Safety
There are laws and guidelines on boiler safety and operation. If your boiler is too old, it may not meet these guidelines. Ensure you are up to date.
Sometimes, your boiler might have been damaged to a level which is not repairable and dangerous to use. For example, there might be a risk of releasing carbon monoxide.
In other cases, the boiler might be unsafe to use even after the one-off repair. You must consult a local engineer and check if your boiler is safe to use after repair. If there’s any risk to your safety, get your boiler replaced.
Energy Efficiency
A modern condensing boiler has an efficiency of 89% or more. If your boiler has an efficiency of 60-70%, consider a replacement.
A less efficient boiler takes time to heat and deliver hot water, and this increases your domestic power bills. By replacing it, you might be able to save money in the long run.
In the meantime, if you already have an efficient boiler, but it’s working improperly due to minor breakdowns, consider getting the boiler repaired.
Cost
You must consider the fixed price of repair vs the price of replacement.
Sometimes boiler replacement is cost-effective, especially if the parts are difficult to find. Also, remember that an old boiler will need multiple repairs after the initial repair, which may add up to your costs.
If your boiler is relatively new and you are facing only a minor issue, consider boiler repairs. If you have a warranty or a support plan, it might cover the repair and labour costs, which will save you money.
Overall, add up the costs for the parts, repair visits, and any other hidden fees and compare them with the price of a new boiler installation.
Breakdown Frequency
If your boiler is breaking down frequently after the initial repair, it’s time for a replacement. Why?
Frequent breakdowns can be frustrating, as you have to go without the heating system until the repairs are complete and you have to spend more to repair the boiler fault repeatedly.
If your boiler breaks down rarely, it’s better to get it fixed by calling a professional gas repair company.
Availability Of Spare Parts
Usually, manufacturers discontinue producing non-essential parts for older models but they keep manufacturing the essential parts such as the heat exchanger, gas valve, printed circuit board, etc., for some time.
You must contact the boiler manufacturer’s technical helpline and inquire whether the spare parts are available. Sometimes, gas-safe engineers may also know about this.
If spare parts are not available on the market, you must consider buying a new easy-to-maintain model.
Age Of The Boiler
If your boiler is too old, the warranty period has ended, and it has undergone many repairs, you must consider a replacement.
Long Term Benefits
Consider any future issues that could arise, the price you will have to pay for them, and the prices for ongoing maintenance.
You can get help from a gas-safe engineer to predict future issues. Compare whether it's cheap to buy a new boiler or get the old one fixed.
Tip: Regular maintenance and annual servicing is crucial for your boiler to function efficiently for a long time. Check out this article for some practical tips on plumbing maintenance.
Factors To Consider When Choosing A Boiler Repair Service
If you’ve decided that a repair is the most suitable option for you, your next step would be to book your repair. Below are some points you must pay attention to when choosing a repair service.
- Look out for details of the company: Check for verifications and registrations; gas-safe engineers must have Gas Safe Registration in the UK.
Certifications show that engineers are knowledgeable in the field, and they know the boiler installation rules and regulations.
- Check customer reviews: Research what other customers are saying about the service. Consider whether they provide access to 24/7 customer support and whether they are registered under relevant authorities.
Some companies allow you to book online. To do so, you have to create an account on their website and book an engineer.
- Price: You must choose a company that offers a fixed price without hidden fees. Look for a detailed breakdown of the pricing, including the repair options and labour.
Some services come with parts included, and some don’t. Ensure you check this, too.
- Warranty and guarantee: Reputed companies provide a guarantee that if you face the same problem again within a specific period you will not have to pay an extra fee to fix it.
Check for how long the services are guaranteed.
- Location: Some companies work at specific locations such as London, Wales, England, Liverpool, etc. For example, Boiler Repair Liverpool will conduct commercial boiler repair, boiler cover, installation, and other services in Liverpool.
Factors To Consider When Buying A New Boiler
If you decide to buy a new boiler, consider the following points:
- Choose a reliable brand with new technology and high energy efficiency. If you aren’t knowledgeable about this, get advice from an engineer.
- Check whether you get an after-care plan and annual service for boiler maintenance.
- Check how many years of warranty the boiler has and what services are covered by it.
- Choose the correct size that suits your home.
- Consider your budget. Some manufacturers may have a support plan which allows you to pay for the boiler monthly.
In Summary
The cheapest option out of boiler repair and replacement depends on several factors, including the type of boiler issue, age, repair cost, etc.
If your boiler is not functioning properly, first, you must check whether the issue is repairable. If it needs a quick fix, contact a registered engineer to carry out the repair.
When choosing a repair service, consider the fixed price, customers' opinions, and guarantee. If your boiler is too old to repair or the cost of the parts are too high, you should buy a new boiler.
Consider the brand, after-care plan, warranty, size, and efficiency when buying a new boiler.
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