There are plenty of scenarios where your broken boiler could just be fixed simply and quickly. Although, there are certain scenarios in which replacing your boiler and installing a more efficient, new model is the best route to take.
When a boiler gets to a certain age, it is highly likely to break down at some point. If the boiler has been repaired several times, you may be able to save yourself a substantial amount of cash purchasing a new one rather than sticking to your current boiler.
In this blog, we will investigate the benefits of a new boiler purchase instead of getting your old boiler back up and running through costly repairs.
How old is your boiler?
Perhaps this is obvious, but the age of your boiler will be your key consideration. Lots of manufacturers will stop the production of spares and accessories for a boiler after a decade. With this in mind, it is worth checking if a repair can actually be carried out due to the possible lack of parts. Often, an old model of a boiler will lack efficiency due to how old it is or just because it is generally outdated.
Maybe you have even experienced a long wait for your central heating to kick-in or your hot water to heat up to the required temperature. Your boiler may be the main cause behind those sky-high monthly energy bills as well as your repair costs.
It’s crucial to access the overall condition of the boiler prior to going ahead with a repair. If your boiler is not performing as it should be and has a few faults, this might not be the first time you’ve had to pay out to get it repaired. Consider the fact that you will need your boiler to be performing well throughout the cold winter months, especially since your central heating needs to kick in on demand.
How energy efficient is your boiler?
Regulations were put in place in 2005 to make sure that all new boilers put in place in properties are condensing boilers. Condensing boilers consist of two main internal heat exchangers which lower in heat loss and make them very efficient. If your boiler is over a decade old, it’s possible that you have a non-condensing boiler put in place. High efficiency condensing boilers were introduced into homes as of 2005 when specific building regulations came into place. With energy prices increasing year by year, it’s now more critical than ever to check your boiler’s efficiency.
How much can you save?
The cost to repair your boiler may set you back hundreds of pounds in comparison to the cost of a new boiler. You need to consider, if the money spent to repair your boiler is really worth the costs, especially with older models. If one part requires a replacement, you may be faced with a whole list of other issues. Repair costs can range from £150 to £300 depending on the fault or the damage.
In addition to this, if you have the potential to lower your energy costs by a good percentage if you decide to get rid of your old boiler. Often, customers can make a saving of £350 on their energy bills by installing a newer model. Once you think about the fees involved with repairing and the costs of running your boiler, the case for replacing your boiler becomes much more appealing.
To improve boiler efficiency, it’s crucial to have the right model for your property – one that can deal with your needs and keep costs to a minimum:
Combi boilers
This kind of boiler will save you on heating water on demand, which will in turn make it a cost-effective and energy-efficient kind of boiler. Combi boilers are perfect for smaller properties as they don’t require a hot water storage cylinder, making them less suitable for larger homes and families.
Conventional boilers
Often also referred to as heat only, regular, open vent are the most common kinds of boilers used by families who have a high demand for hot water and own a more extensive property. Replacing a conventional boiler is stress-free in most cases. Although, a loft is needed for a large hot water tank to be installed for additional cold-water storage.
System boilers
This kind of boiler sits in between a combi boiler and a conventional boiler. You don’t need a hot water tank with a system boiler due to its added internal components, but you do still need a hot water cylinder. Whatever your choice, installing an A-rated boiler will go a long way in saving money on energy bills.
What to consider when replacing your boiler
The size of your property
The size of your property is crucial regarding finding the perfect boiler to suit your property. Conventional boilers and system boilers use a cylinder (conventional boilers also need a water tank in addition to a cylinder) which make them much more suited to larger properties with more than one bathroom. These kinds of boilers permit you to run hot water in several bathrooms at the same time, while combi boilers are unable to run two baths or showers at the same time because they heat cold water on demand.
As previously mentioned, a combi boiler is best suited to smaller homes and is connected directly to the mains, rather than using a cylinder or tank for additional hot water. It’s important to note that the type of shower you have can be a deciding factor for which boiler you need.
The brand
Different boiler brands provide you with different levels of energy efficiency with all of their boilers. How energy efficient a boiler is will have a significant effect on your savings on your gas and water bills, so it’s ideal for you to do your research before you buy a boiler.
If your current boiler is older than 15 years old, it’s likely you have a G-rated one, which may be due for a replacement. An older, G-rated boiler is said to waste around 30p of every £1 of gas, which could cost you about £350 extra on your energy bills. It’s worth researching brands and their customer satisfaction ratings before you go ahead and purchase a boiler.
West London Gas – Gas, Heating & Plumbing Engineers In West London
As boiler specialists, West London Gas serves a wide range of clients across West London. Call us today for efficient boiler installations, servicing and repairs from an experienced team. We supply and install a range of high-quality boilers at highly competitive prices, meaning you can get a great deal on a boiler that will serve you exceptionally well for years to come.
Our Gas Safe registered engineers know how to work quickly and efficiently to deliver a boiler installation that meets the very highest professional standards. So, don’t hesitate to contact us today for expert advice on our range of boilers and to book your installation. We’d be delighted to help with any enquiries you may have.