This article covers how long boilers last and the best ways to extend the life of your boiler.
Your boiler is a crucial part of your central heating system and needs to be well looked after to ensure it can perform at its best all year round. If you do everything you can to keep your boiler in tip-top condition, you should avoid costly repairs and even help extend its life.
But, how long does a boiler last? Read on to discover the typical lifespan of modern boilers and what can prolong your boiler’s life.
How long does a boiler last?
You can expect a modern boiler to last between 10 and 15 years. That doesn’t mean your boiler won’t malfunction or break down at some point or another. But it does mean that you shouldn’t have to replace it until it becomes this old and inefficient.
That said, some modern boilers may have a shorter life, especially if you choose an unreliable brand or a boiler with a short warranty.
When to repair your boiler
If your boiler breaks down or needs a minor repair and is only a few years old, your best bet is to get a qualified heating engineer to repair it. Before calling an engineer, check whether your boiler is still under warranty.
Your boiler warranty covers the cost of parts and labour if the internal components fail within the warranty period. So, if your boiler is still under warranty and needs repairing due to a component failure, you won’t have to pay for the repairs.
When to consider replacing your boiler
You should consider replacing your boiler if it’s old, out of warranty, and needs an expensive repair or keeps breaking down. If an engineer tells you that your boiler is dangerous, you’ll need to find a replacement quickly.
How much does a new boiler cost?
The cost of a new boiler and the installation depends on the brand, model and type of system you choose to have installed. Average installation costs are between £500 and £1,200, but you can expect to pay more if you replace your boiler with a different type or want to move it to a new location.
You can find budget, mid-range and premium models on the market and get free fixed-price quotes from trusted boiler engineers by completing our online form.
How to extend the life of your boiler
No matter the brand or type of boiler you have installed, you need to take care of your boiler and make sure it stays in good shape so it can meet your heating and hot water needs. Proper maintenance will help extend the life of your boiler and ensure it functions as efficiently as possible for however long it lasts, but there are some other things you can do as well.
Below are the steps you can take to maximise the longevity of your boiler and keep it running efficiently.
Buy a reliable boiler
When the time comes to replace your existing boiler, look for reliable boilers by recommended brands. If you end up purchasing an unreliable boiler, it will likely require frequent repairs or break down time and again.
But how can you tell whether a boiler is going to be reliable? According to the UK’s consumer champion Which?, Worcester Bosch, Viessmann and Vaillant are currently the top three boiler brands and Baxi, Ideal, and Glow-worm are the top three cheap brands.
Choose a boiler with a lengthy warranty
If you choose a boiler with a generous warranty, you’ll know the manufacturer is confident that the boiler will outlast the warranty. All new boilers come with a warranty or guarantee, which can sometimes be extended. Like we said above, the warranty covers the cost of parts and labour if a component needs repairing or replacing within the warranty period, meaning it saves you from paying for the repairs.
Powerflush your heating system
A Gas Safe registered engineer can perform a powerflush to remove rust, sludge and deposits from your central heating system. Powerflushing is a cleansing process that helps prolong the life of your boiler and improve the energy efficiency of your heating system. It also increases the speed of your heating, prevents your radiators from getting cold spots and minimises the risk of rust and corrosion to components.
It’s worth having a powerflush when you get a new boiler installed or every five to six years unless your central heating system develops a problem earlier due to a build-up of sludge.
Ask your engineer to install a magnetic filter
If you’re about to have a new boiler installed, you can ask your Gas Safe registered engineer to fit a magnetic filter. Alternatively, you can ask your engineer to add a magnetic filter to your existing system.
A magnetic filter collects the sludge and debris within your heating system to prevent blockages and other problems, and your engineer should empty the filter during your annual boiler service. Some boiler manufacturers offer longer warranties when you choose to have a magnetic filter installed with a new boiler.
Protect your system with a central heating inhibitor
A central heating inhibitor is a chemical liquid that your engineer can add to your system to keep it working effectively, extend its life and prevent the build-up of sludge inside your pipes and radiators. Ideally, you should install a magnetic filter when using a central heating inhibitor.
If you don’t use a central heating inhibitor, your system may break down or develop faults and blockages. You can ask your Gas Safe registered engineer to add the correct amount of inhibitor into your system once they’ve installed your new boiler or performed a powerflush.
Book an annual boiler service
Getting an annual boiler service by a Gas Safe registered engineer is a condition of your warranty, but that’s not the only reason why you should arrange a service each year. Your boiler requires an annual service to ensure your system is safe to use, working as it should be, and running efficiently.
During a boiler service, your engineer checks for any problems and dangerous carbon monoxide leaks. A service allows your engineer to spot any issues early before they become serious, saving you money on expensive repairs and helping to keep your boiler in good working order for longer.