Most boilers have a lifespan of around 10-15 years. However, with proper maintenance and care, some boilers can last 20 years or more. There are several factors that affect a boiler’s lifespan, such as how often it is used, the water quality in your area, and how well the boiler is maintained.
Maintaining your boiler requires ongoing attention and a watchful eye to ensure your boiler is functioning properly and not costing you excess amounts of money. It’s up to you to make sure yours is in tip-top condition– and one way of doing this is by working out your boiler’s lifespan.
What Is The Average Lifespan Of A Boiler?
A boiler’s lifespan is all dependent on the size of your boiler, efficiency, and how well you look after it. However, on average boilers typically last anywhere from 10 to 15 years.
If you’ve just installed a brand new boiler, you may be under the impression that you don’t have to worry about your boiler for another ten years. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case, as boilers can be temperamental. We rely on them, which means they go through a lot, and you may end up with some boiler issues if you do not maintain your boiler properly.
Boilers need attention. So, we recommend getting an annual check-up to make sure yours is in perfect condition and not costing you considerable amounts of money.
How Can I Prolong The Lifespan Of My Boiler?
To ensure your boiler is long-lasting here are some tips to help your prolong the lifespan of your boiler:
- Drain the boiler monthly to remove any sediment that has built up
- Test the pressure relief valve regularly to make sure it is working properly
- Inspect the boiler regularly for any signs of corrosion or leaks
- Have the boiler serviced yearly by a qualified technician
How Do I Know If My Boiler Needs Replacing?
As we mentioned before, the 10 to 15-year mark is usually the point when it’s time to get a new boiler. Even if yours appears to be performing as normal, it’s likely its efficiency rate has diminished over time.
If you’re unsure whether your boiler is on its way out and need help to make a decision, here are some tell-tale signs to look out for that suggest it’s time for a new boiler installation:
Strange Noises
If your boiler starts making strange noises, such as rattling, humming, vibrating or banging, then this could be a sign that there is an issue with your boiler. Noises could be an indication of a build up of sludge which can be repaired with a power flush. However, some noises may be a sign of something more serious, which can be determined by a qualified heating engineer, who may decide a boiler replacement is the best option.
Leaking Boiler
It’s important to remember that a boiler should never leak, so when it happens, you must call a professional straight away. Water leaking from a boiler typically means that a seal or valve is broken, which could cause an electrical short circuit if left. Therefore, it’s vital that you turn off your boiler and call a professional to check the boiler over, and decide whether or not a replacement is necessary.
Higher Energy Bills
If you’ve noticed your energy bills are higher than usual, this could be a sign that your boiler is no longer working like it should. This is common with older boilers, which are far less efficient than newer models, which means they use up more energy, resulting in expensive energy bills. To lower your bills, you should replace your old boiler with an efficient model that will also save you a significant amount.
Requires Frequent Repairs
If your boiler breaks down regularly, then this is a clear sign that there is an ongoing issue that may be beyond repair. Boiler breakdowns are not only inconvenient, but they can also be expensive, so to save time and money, it may be time to invest in a new boiler.
If you think your boiler may be nearing the end of its lifespan, or experiencing any of the above issues, be sure to contact a qualified heating engineer to have it inspected. They can help you determine whether you need a new boiler and, if so, which one would be best for your home.
Lingering Odours
If you notice any strange smells coming from your boiler, then you should call up a professional straight away, as this could be a sign of a gas leak. This is especially important if you smell an eggy sulphorous odour when your boiler is switched on. If you are unsure whether it is a gas leak, you should turn off your boiler and seek help from a professional who will advise you on whether to replace your boiler.
Flame Colour Changes
A boiler that is in good working order should have a bright blue flame, however, in the event of an issue, the boiler flame may turn yellow or orange. If this happens, you should speak to a qualified gas engineer who will be able to determine the issue and decide whether a repair is sufficient, or a boiler replacement is necessary.
How To Choose A Boiler With A Long Lifespan?
When replacing a boiler, it’s important that you choose a model that is efficient and long-lasting. Selecting a boiler demands plenty of research and thorough planning to ensure you find one that’s perfect for you and your family, tried and tested.
To help you find a boiler that’s guaranteed to last, here are some tips to ensure you choose a boiler with a long lifespan:
Select a Boiler That’s Reliable and Efficient
Look for well-known boiler brands that are proven to work. Brands like Worcester Bosch, Ideal and Vaillant are always safe options.
These types of boiler have been around for years and are fit for homes of all shapes and sizes. Most heating engineers will also be familiar with these brands, making your installation a much smoother process. When it comes to looking for boilers that stand the test of time, stick to legitimate and trusted brands.
Choose the Right Boiler For Your Home
It’s vital you pick a boiler that meets the demands of your home. When selecting yours, make sure you choose one with the right kWh output. This is very important, so pay close attention:
If your boiler’s kWh output is too small, you’ll only put excessive pressure on the system and increase the risk of frequent breakdowns. On the other hand, a boiler that uses excessive boiler power will mean you will use more energy than you need, resulting in high energy bills.
When buying a boiler, make sure you consult with a professional and choose one that’s perfect for your home. Consider the size of your home, the number of rooms and how often you turn on the heating. All of these considerations will help you make a much more informed decision.
Hire a Registered Gas Safe Engineer
A boiler installation is not something you can afford to cut corners on. That’s why it’s essential you get a Registered Gas Safe Engineer to install yours. Boilers can be dangerous if installed incorrectly. If you opt for an unregistered plumber, you risk your boiler leaking and potentially letting out carbon monoxide.
Take the safe route and get a fully qualified engineer to fit yours for you. This will rule out all possible health risks and also save you considerable amounts of money down the line.
Organise an Annual Service
An annual boiler service ensures that everything is in running order and safe.
If you don’t arrange an annual boiler service, you may risk a minor problem turning into a major issue. The smallest of leaks will only get bigger as time goes on – costing you serious amounts of money and increasing the chances of a carbon monoxide risk.
The same goes for boiler repairs. If you notice something is wrong, don’t wait around. Instead, you should hire a professional heating engineer to assess the situation and determine whether any repairs are needed.
Invest In A Boiler Replacement With Senior Heating Services
Sadly, boilers don’t last a lifetime, but that doesn’t mean you can neglect yours until then. Boilers need regular attention to ensure they reach their sell-by date. If you think your boiler is on the blink, please give us a call.
We’ll provide you with a free no-obligation quote and send out one of our qualified gas engineers to assess what needs to be done.
When you are ready to replace your boiler, our installation process is straightforward. Our qualified heating engineers will remove your old boiler and the new one will be installed in its place. Most boiler installations can be completed in a day or two.
