Boilers are a functional part of almost all UK homes, but it’s no secret that the amount they’re used vs the amount we take care of them isn’t equal. Often issues go unnoticed until it’s too late, or we deal with things like less water pressure or cooler radiators, simply because we don’t have the knowledge, sometimes budget, or even the foresight to deal with them before they break (they are often shut away in cupboards, after all).
You may currently be in a position where your boiler is broken, or maybe you have had some minor issues and want to make a change; either way, we’re here to help you decipher when you should get a new boiler, for your peace of mind and general safety.
Warning signs to look out for
When wondering about buying a new boiler, there will be fairly obvious signs of breakdown, like zero hot water or loud noises coming from the unit, that will likely make your decision to buy come sooner. But what about the more inconspicuous issues that you need to be aware of, that may make you think about the longevity of your current unit? The following can be indicative of trouble:
- Your unit is more than 15 years old
- A water or gas leak
- You’ve noticed an increase in your energy bills
- A yellow pilot light (instead of blue)
- Your radiators take longer to heat up
- Strange smells
Each of these factors could lead you to buy a new boiler, but you may also want to check the grade of your current installation, as anything less than an ‘A grade’ could be costing you more money than it needs to. If you are thinking about replacing your boiler, efficiency and environmental awareness may play a part in your choice, too.
Why buy new instead of opting for repair?
It won’t come as a surprise to tell you that the cost of boiler replacement isn’t going to be cheap, so why wouldn’t you opt for repair instead? Well, it can be important to think about the one you have now. If it’s old, you may not be able to source replacement parts in the event of a breakdown. This means that it can be a good idea to jump the gun and buy new before paying out for an engineer for servicing, especially if they may not be able to make fixes either way.
When thinking in terms of costs, replacement boilers will typically mean a straight swap from your old one to a newer model (which will essentially be the same). This can be cheaper overall than switching your unit entirely (if you would like a combi over a regular boiler, for example). There will be more to do in the latter event, especially when concerning installation, so the costs can certainly mount up.
Many people think about buying a new boiler as the colder months set in, as this is usually when issues start to become more apparent. Boiler replacement can be easy to arrange, as there are a whole host of stores and engineers out there who can help you with everything you need, so whenever you’re hoping to replace your existing model or buy new, you’ll be able to do so with little fuss.
Aidan has been writing about personal finance for over 6 years. Prior to this, he worked as a Corporate Finance Analyst where he specialized in Due Diligence, Company Valuations and more. He is a CFA charterholder.
