Is your boiler not working properly? Are you dreading the repair bill? Rather than diving into the unknown, we’ve shared our boiler repair and replacement guide to help you know when it’s time to call in the experts and how much you can expect to pay when you do.
We have also included some advice that is designed to help you keep your boiler in good working order and tips on how to keep it running for many years to come.
Average Boiler Repair Prices
Waiting for a repair quote is a stressful process, especially when you are worried about affording the final bill. To give you an idea of what you can expect, we’ve shared a table of average costs for boiler parts below. Remember that these costs do not include the labour and call-out fees that an engineer may charge, and the final costs will be dependent on the make and model of the boiler you have. It’s also important to remember that geography will play a part in the final cost, with heating companies charging different prices depending on where your property is located.
| Replacement Part | Cost of Part |
|---|---|
| Fan | £230 |
| Heat Exchanger | £550 |
| Flue | £140 |
| Pump | £275 |
| Burner | £300 |
| Ignition Leads | £200 |
| Printed Circuit Board | £375 |
| Automatic Air Vent | £175 |
| Timer | £100 |
| Boiler Expansion Vessel | £310 |
| Automatic Air Vent | £175 |
| Diverter Valve | £375 |
| Gas Valve | £275 |
| Overheat Thermostat | £200 |
In reality, if your boiler is over ten years old and you need to replace multiple parts, then it may be a better idea to install a new boiler and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with doing so. At Boilers Prices, we offer a boiler quotation service that can help you find a suitable boiler replacement without paying more than you need.
Understanding Engineer Labour Costs
Now you have an idea of what you will be charged for the parts your boiler needs; you will also want to discover how much an engineer will charge you for call out and labour. The first thing you need to remember is that you should only ever use a Gas Safe registered engineer as they have the training and qualifications required to work with boilers. Failing to use a Gas Safe registered engineer will invalidate your warranty and leave you at risk of further problems with your boiler.
Understanding the pricing for a Gas Safe registered engineer depends on three main factors:
- When You Call Them Out – you can expect to pay more for your engineer if you call them out after their working day is over for an emergency visit as opposed to a scheduled repair visit during their normal working day.
- Where You Are Based – the pricing structure for engineers is often influenced by the geographical location you are in, meaning that you can expect to pay more when you live in a more expensive area such as London.
- Who You Call Out – there is a wide range of engineers to choose from, and they work for local companies, national companies and even for themselves. Calling out a national company will typically cost you more than a local firm as they have larger overheads to cover. Remember, whoever you choose, make sure they are properly registered and check online reviews to ensure that they offer a quality service.
Can I Recondition My Boiler Rather Than Replacing It?
Frugal boiler owners are right to question whether they can recondition their faulty boiler parts instead of replacing the whole unit, and the answer to this depends on the part in question and the overall condition of the boiler. Remember, when one part fails, it puts pressure on other parts that may then fail too, costing you a lot to keep organising repairs. If in doubt, seek advice from a reputable engineer.
How Do I Know When It’s Time for a Replacement?
Deciding when it’s the right time to replace a boiler can be confusing, especially when the cost of a new boiler is going to leave a big dent in your finances. However, it can often be cheaper to replace a boiler in the long run rather than constantly arranging repairs for a boiler that is no longer efficient. Some of the things that you should consider when thinking about a new boiler include:
- How old your boiler is and whether you have any warranty or boiler cover that you can use – once your boiler is over five years old and is out of warranty, it is wise to properly consider whether a replacement is better than a repair. Obviously, if there are only minor issues and you have a cover plan in place, then a repair may be ideal, but take the time to properly consider your options first.
- The cost you will incur to replace the parts that need changing – even if you can get hold of the parts you need for less than expected, you will need to pay a Gas Safe engineer to fit them, and this can get really expensive, especially when the parts are in a difficult location or when you have multiple repairs that are needed. This expenditure is a lot to put into an old boiler as it may continue to fail or break down.
- The cost of a new boiler and installation – the average cost for a new boiler and all the installation fees is around £1750 – £2500 for a combi boiler that will heat a three-bedroom home with one bathroom. You will recover some of this money in reduced energy bills and improved efficiency, making it worth considering.
- Any boiler protection that you currently have – this can include a warranty or boiler care plan, and you may be tied into to a contract that won’t cover your new boiler. Take into consideration any money that you may lose and include this in your calculations to help you decide.
Before you decide to buy a new boiler or not, take the time to get a quote for a number of different boiler options here
Making Your Decision – Repair or Replace
Making a decision about repairing or replacing your boiler can be made easier if your boiler is under warranty or is still relatively new. If this is the case and your repairs won’t cost more than a few hundred pounds, then repairing is probably your best option. However, if your boiler is out of warranty and is an older model, then getting a new model is probably the best choice, especially as it will give you a more energy-efficient model, and you won’t need to worry about repairs as it will come with a warranty.
Before you pick a new boiler, it is vital that you take the time to get a number of quotes [INSERT INTERNAL LINK] so that you don’t end up with a poor-quality model. The Boilers Prices quotation service works to find you a great boiler across a wide range of makes and models, giving you impartial support when you need it the most. Take a look at our quotation tool and plan your new boiler today.