Do I need to repair or replace my boiler?

There are many factors that go into assessing whether it's a good time for a boiler replacement or if your boiler needs the attention of a trained heating engineer for a repair. DC Heating, Plumbing & Renewables have created a guide to find out what your boiler needs.

boiler


When your boiler reaches a certain age and begins to break down, the inevitable question arises: should I continue to repair it or replace it? It may be tempting to keep repairing it because the prospect of spending a few thousand pounds on a new one is daunting, but repair bills can add up and the boiler will need to be replaced at some point. According to a BEIS (Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy) survey, 66% of UK homeowners would only replace their current boiler if it failed or showed significant signs of deterioration.

My boiler is old, but it has served me well so far... 

So, if your trusty old boiler hasn't failed you in the last twenty-five years, why would you replace it? Because it will eventually fail, leaving you without heating and hot water in the meantime. Not only that, but upgrading to a more modern, energy-efficient boiler will lower your utility bills. If your old boiler breaks down and you choose to repair it rather than replace it, it is much more likely to break down again, leaving you with the dilemma of 'How many times do I get it fixed before replacing it?' As your boiler ages, parts may be discontinued because the boiler is no longer manufactured and the need for spares becomes obsolete.

Do you need a boiler repair service?

It’s best practice to get the advice of a Gas Safe heating engineer if you notice anything unusual with your boiler system. What are the main signs of a boiler that requires a repair service? Below DC Heating, Plumbing & Renewables have listed the main signs of a boiler that is in need of repair:

Main signs that you need a boiler repair service:

  • Strange noises coming from your boiler system such as whistling, kettling or banging 
  • If your boiler switches off on its own
  • If you are experiencing low or high pressure in your boiler system
  • Uneven heat in your radiators
  • If your boiler is not responding to your thermostat


Now that you know how to tell if your boiler needs a repair, we’ll go over some signs that your boiler is at the end of it’s lifespan. Unfortunately, all boilers will eventually need to be replaced both due to the wear and tear on parts and also the moving technology that is creating more efficient and safer boiler systems. Here are the main signs that your boiler needs to be replaced:

  • If your boiler is over 12 years old
  • You are experiencing frequent boiler breakdowns 
  • If your heating bills are getting more expensive
  • If you are considering a smart thermostat


Conclusion

Staying informed about your boiler system is a great way to keep your heating bills low and keep boiler repair costs to a minimum. Following the advice in this article will mean that you are taking the correct steps to run a safe and efficient boiler in your home. 

Another important step in taking care of your boiler is choosing reputable heating engineers. DC Heating, Plumbing & Renewables are not only fully Gas Safe registered, we also have extensive knowledge and experience repair and installation boilers. To get in touch to book our boiler repair or boiler installation services call 07725 520980 or get in touch using our website’s contact form