There is no set rule for when a boiler should be replaced. Most should last up to 15 years but can go even longer if they are of good quality and well maintained.
There are, however, some signs to look out for that may mean your boiler is nearing the end of its life.
- Your energy usage (and bills) are increasing – a boiler’s efficiency decreases as it ages, leading to more expensive bills.
- The blue flame has turned yellow – this could suggest a serious problem involving carbon monoxide. Contact us immediately if this happens.
- The boiler is leaking – this does not necessarily indicate that the boiler needs replacing. Still, you should contact an engineer quickly to correct the leak and avoid any further damage or issues.
- Your radiators are taking longer to heat up – this can indicate a smaller component problem but is often a sign that your boiler is coming to the end of its usable life.
- The boiler gives off a bad smell – a bad smell can indicate a dangerous boiler. While carbon monoxide is odourless, a bad-smelling boiler can be the sign of a gas leak. If this happens, turn off your boiler immediately and contact the Gas Emergency Services – 0800 111 999.
- Your boiler is not an ‘A grade’ – lower graded boilers are less efficient and can cost you more money. For example, with a G-rated boiler, for every £1 you spend you could waste 30p on lost energy. If you replace your boiler with a more efficient version, you could save up to £300 a year! (Savings will vary depending on the size and thermal performance of your home).
- Replacement parts are difficult to source – older boilers are more challenging to repair as the parts are often no longer available. If you are starting to find this problem, it is best to replace your boiler, mainly to avoid some of the issues above!
How much does it cost to replace a boiler?
The cost of a new boiler can vary depending on several factors, such as the size of your property and the specific type and make of boiler you choose. Additionally, installation costs will be influenced by your current boiler and heating system, any necessary additional building works or parts, and the type of boiler to be installed.
Rest assured that our expert and gas safe registered engineers will work closely with you to thoroughly understand your heating and hot water requirements, as well as your budget. We believe in providing you with the most suitable solution tailored to your specific needs. After discussing your options and reaching an agreement on the replacement, we will provide you with a fixed price.
If you are considering a boiler replacement, please call us today on 01502 719726.
Choosing your next boiler
Choosing the right boiler for your home depends entirely on the size of the property and your requirements. The right choice can ensure optimal energy efficiency, reduce energy bills, and provide a reliable source of heat and hot water for your household. At Amber Heating Solutions, we understand that each home is unique and requires a customised solution.
- Hot Water Usage
If your household has a high demand for hot water, a regular boiler may be the most efficient option. On the other hand, if you have fewer people in your household, a combi boiler is suitable as it heats water directly from the mains. This means that no storage cylinder is necessary, making it ideal for smaller homes with fewer residents. - Property size
If space is an issue, a combi boiler could be the best option. This type of boiler does not require a storage tank and can be installed in any room without taking up much space. However, if you have a larger property, you may want to consider a system boiler which includes a hot water cylinder. - Solar water heating
If you are using solar energy to power your hot water system, you should be aware that combi boilers may not be the best choice. Solar water heating is more compatible with traditional boilers that have a hot water cylinder. Therefore, it is best to consider multi-fuel boilers which can accommodate solar energy while retaining their efficiency.
Replacing your regular gas boiler
A conventional boiler system is heat only and also known as a regular boiler. These boilers store hot water in a cylinder (usually in an airing cupboard) and cold water in a storage tank (usually in the loft). A regular boiler is more efficient at producing hot water and can supply multiple taps with water at the same time.
A circulation pump is housed as an external component, along with expansion and feed tanks. These usually have an on off witch, meaning that you can heat the water in the storage tank when you know that you will be using it and will conserving energy when it’s not in use.
Pros:
Most suitable for large households.
Large amounts of hot water can be supplied to multiple taps simultaneously.
Cons:
Replacing a regular boiler with a combi version can be a complicated process.
Replacing a gas boiler with a combi boiler
Combination, or combi boilers are now the most popular boiler type installed in the UK. Combi boilers provide a combination of both instant hot water and efficient central heating.
According to the Energy Saving Trust, combi boilers can save £340 a year on gas bills. To swap an existing combi boiler for a new version is a simple process and will take 4-6 hours for a Gas Safe engineer.
Pros:
Gas combi boiler do not require external components, therefore making them compact and requiring less space.
Hot water in available on demand and does not require a feed or expansion tank.
Combi boilers are more affordable than regular models.
Cons:
Combi boilers have more internal moving parts, meaning the possibility for more potential malfunctions. These issues could also be more expensive to fix.
Hot water can only be supplied to one user at a time, making them less ideal for a larger home.
System gas boiler replacement
If you prefer a heat-only boiler with less external components, a system boiler may be the best choice. Like a combi boiler, system boilers have their external components built into the heating system. The boiler contains a hot water cylinder, but the feed and expansion tanks are supplemented with an expansion vessel located in the new boiler, along with the circulation pump and valves.
Pros:
Suitable for large homes where hot water is required for more than one task at a time.
Requires less space than is needed for a conventional boiler.
Very efficient in areas with low water pressure.
Cons:
Space is required for the heated water cylinder.
Installation costs are higher than basic combi boiler systems.
Less efficient than combi systems because they los heat from stored water in the hot water cylinder.
Once heated water has emptied from the cylinder, you will need to wait for it to heat up again.
Popular boiler brands
There are a number of popular boiler brands available:
Ideal – this company have been supplying homes with central heating for over 100 tears and are committed to a sustainable future. They also have core principles of quality innovation and value.
Worcester Bosch – the market leader in domestic boilers in the UK. All boilers are manufactured in the UK and have been winners of the Which? Best Buy award for many years.
BAXI – Another UK manufacturer, established in 1866. They are passionate about delivering energy efficient heating solutions and have award winning customer support.
Vaillant – A brand that provides customers worldwide with environmentally friendly and energy saving heating and hot water systems.
Boiler replacement process
At Amber Heating Solutions, we believe in making this process as easy as possible for you. Once you’ve chosen your new boiler, our gas-safe registered engineer will arrive and take care of the rest.
Step 1: Removal of old boiler
Our engineer will carefully remove your old boiler, ensuring it is disposed of in accordance with environmental regulations.
Step 2: Installation of new boiler
Next, the new gas or combi boiler will be fitted, along with any required pipework. Our engineers are experienced with all types of boilers, so you can have confidence in the quality of the installation.
Step 3: Testing and paperwork
Once everything is in place, our engineer will test the new boiler to ensure it’s working correctly, and complete any necessary paperwork.
Step 4: Instruction and advice
Our engineer will then provide you with a thorough demonstration of your new boiler, including any smart controls such as programmers, room thermostats, and thermostatic radiator valves. We want to ensure that you’re confident with the operation of your new boiler and are getting the most out of it.
Step 5: Post-Installation Support
Should you have any questions or require any further advice after the installation, our friendly team will be more than happy to assist you. We believe in maintaining long-term relationships with our customers, so you can feel free to contact us any time if you require support.
We are independent and will advise on the right boiler for you, your heating and hot water needs. If you are also considering a renewable replacement, we can advise on the options available. Please get in touch with us for a no obligation conversation.
If you need a boiler replaced, please call us today on 01502 719726.
Our Commitment to you
Transparent and competitive prices – Where possible we will always quote upfront for boiler repairs. Sometimes, in the case of emergency boiler repairs, we do not have time to get exact pricing. In these circumstances an estimated figure will be provided. Our quotations always include parts and labour and there are no hidden costs. Emergency callouts have a minimum charge, quoted at the time you contact us.
Clear communication – We will always explain the work that we are doing and why it is necessary. We aim to provide the right solution for you, depending on your budget and circumstances. If there are multiple repair options, we will provide you with all the information so that you can make an informed decision.
On-time – We always provide a 4-hour appointment window, to prevent you wasting valuable time. In the unlikely event that this changes for unforeseen reasons, we will contact you as soon as possible with an updated time of arrival.
Aftercare – All of our work comes with our own one-year workmanship warranty, in addition to any manufacturer guarantees.
Friendly Service – All our staff are committed to providing the highest level of customer service and satisfaction. We’re a family run company and it’s important for us to maintain a personal touch with our customers. We aim to deliver the same consistent, friendly service every time, and our service is built on trust, high standards of workmanship and always putting the customer first. Many of our clients have found us through word of mouth and we’re very proud of our strong reputation.