Taking the decision to replace your boiler can be difficult to make. As the cost of living crisis rages on, having to make expensive purchases can stir up a lot of questions. However, running an old or unreliable boiler is both dangerous and expensive.
More often than not, your boiler is one of the more forgettable household appliances. As long as it is keeping your household warm, it is easy to forget it’s even there. But did you know that replacing your old boiler may be the key to unlocking a reduction in your energy bills? Modern boilers are considerably more energy efficient compared to their older counterparts, which can help reduce your energy bills and your carbon footprint.
Could a new boiler help reduce my cost of living?
While the initial price tag of purchasing a new boiler may be scary, upgrading your existing boiler will help reduce your household bills in the long run. The older your current boiler is, or the lower energy efficiency rating it has, the greater saving you’ll make on your bills if you were to replace your boiler.
There is a direct correlation between having an older boiler, especially if it's over 15 years old, and poorer energy efficiency levels. Older boilers have a harder time warming up your house and producing hot water, resulting in more energy being used to complete these tasks compared to modern boilers. Taking into consideration that more than 50% of an average household’s bills is spent on heating or hot water every year, purchasing a more energy efficient boiler will have a positive impact on your bills.
Additionally, if you live in the UK you may be eligible for one of the free boiler schemes. To find out more go to ZOA Eco Grants who focus on grant support for eco home improvements such as new boilers.
How much money can I save with a new boiler?
Sadly, there is no sure fire method to work out how much a new boiler may save you in the long run. This is due to the considerable amount of variables at play including the efficiency of your current boiler and the type of fuel it uses. However, if your boiler is over 15 years old or has a low-efficiency rating, a new A grade boiler will save you a substantial amount of money in the long run. Typically, if your new boiler will last its entire predicted lifecycle (10-15 years) then it will more than likely pay for itself.
Should I replace my boiler?
To maximize your return on investment in regards to your boiler, you need to ensure that you are purchasing your replacement at the correct time. Like any other appliance you purchase, your boiler will give you a number of key indicators that it's time to trade it in for a newer model.
Has your boiler reached the end of its lifecycle?
While your boiler may be working perfectly fine, if you have had it for 15 years or more then it is time to replace it. After 15 years of service, a boiler is believed to be less energy efficient and more likely to break down. Additionally, after so many years it will become increasingly more difficult to find parts for the boiler if it were to have an issue.
Are you suffering from an unreliable boiler?
Perhaps a more obvious example that it may be time to replace your boiler is if it has become more unreliable. If it has started making loud noises, leaking, producing unusual smells, or breaking down more often, then there is probably an underlying issue. Reliability issues can stem from faulty or broken parts, corrosion, or an internal fault. Rather than seeking constant repairs, it may be time to invest in a brand new boiler.
Have you seen an increase in your heating bills?
Everyone is currently suffering with the energy crisis and the ongoing cost of living crisis which is resulting in an increase in all bills. However, you must be vigilant that these issues are the only circumstances impacting your bills. If your boiler is faulty or suffering with an issue, then it could be having a further negative impact on your bills. Additionally, boilers that are old will have poorer energy efficiency and may be costing you more to run. If this is the case, you should consider purchasing a new boiler which will save you money in the long run.
Does your boiler have a low-efficiency rating?
As we mentioned previously, boilers that have a low-efficiency rating will be costing you more to run and are more prone to needing repairs. Typically, if your current boiler is rated anything lower than an A, you should consider buying a replacement. Most A-rated boilers operate at 90% efficiency or higher, while older G-rated boilers operate at 70% or lower.
When to Replace Your Boiler? 4 reasons why now is the best time to upgrade your boiler conclusion
If you are still wondering whether now is the right time to replace your current boiler, then simply ask yourself these three questions:
Is your boiler over 15 years old? If so, it is time to buy a replacement as your current boiler will have a poor energy efficiency level and is more expensive to run.
Has your boiler become unreliable? Rather than spending a smaller amount of money repeatedly repairing your boiler, it may be time to admit you just need to buy a replacement. If your boiler is making loud noises, leaking, producing unusual smells, or breaking down more often, it may be time to purchase a replacement.
Have you seen an increase in your energy bills? While everyone is suffering from increasing energy bills because of the energy and cost of living crisis’, these expected increases may be hiding other issues. Older boils use more energy heating up your home or producing hot water. You should book a boiler service to ensure you aren’t also paying more for an unreliable or old boiler. If you are, then it is time to buy a replacement.
If a new boiler is looking necessary, then consider ZOA Eco Grants for support with the installation of your new, more energy efficient boiler.
