Having a boiler breakdown when it’s cold and wintry can be a stressful and worrying time. This is especially true when you’re not sure if your boiler can be repaired, or will need replacing altogether.
There are many situations in which your broken boiler can be repaired simply and quickly, giving you a warm and well-heated home. However, sometimes replacing your boiler and installing a more efficient, new model is the best course of action.
So how do you know whether repairing or replacing is the best choice for your boiler?
When making a decision on your boiler, always consider safety first. If your boiler is old, it may not meet modern laws and guidelines on boiler safety and operation. The first thing you should always do is consult a professional to make sure that your boiler is safe, and see if it could be safely repaired.Even if an engineer can fix a fault with your boiler, it may still be potentially unsafe and prone to problems. In the worst of cases, your boiler may even be at risk of producing carbon monoxide. A professional will be able to inform you if your boiler can be safely used, or needs replacing.
Once your boiler has been checked over and you can be sure that it’s safe to continue using, you can consider the other factors that will impact on whether your boiler should be repaired or replaced.
Even if the fault with your boiler can be fixed, a new boiler may be significantly more energy efficient. You may even be able to save money in the long run by installing a boiler that is more efficient.
Rather than paying for repairs, consider whether or not this may be a good opportunity to replace your boiler and make efficiency savings. A more efficient boiler can heat the rooms in your home more quickly and do a better job of keeping you warm through the winter months.
If your boiler is already a modern, energy efficient model, simply having it repaired by a registered professional may be the best course of action for getting your boiler back into working order quickly.
For some older boilers, the cost of repair may be significantly increased because replacement parts are no longer readily available. Look at the potential cost of repairing your boiler and assess if replacing it could actually be a more cost-effective solution. Bear in mind that the cost of repairs for an old boiler will only increase over time.
If the cost of repairing your boiler is relatively low, or the repair is simple, then this may be the best choice for your boiler. Not only that, but many newer boilers will likely still be covered with a warranty. This can cover the cost of replacement parts, and may even cover the cost of labour as well in some cases.
Are boiler breakdowns becoming all too familiar? If your boiler is constantly running into problems, then replacing it with a new model may be the best option. The cost of constant maintenance and repairs can mount up over time, particularly for older boilers.
Frequent breakdowns can be a hassle and can be stressful, particularly in the winter, so think about whether you’d rather avoid this and replace your boiler with a new model that is likely to be much lower maintenance.
If your boiler very rarely breaks down and is a newer model, then repairing it is probably the best course of action as frequent problems are unlikely. Many people don’t notice boiler issues through the summer and don’t address them until the winter, even though it may be a simple fix. If you’ve turned your boiler back on for the winter and have noticed a problem, it may not be a serious issue.
Finally, consider any potential future costs for your boiler. Think about how much longer your boiler is likely to last and whether replacing it now could be a better decision in the long run. A professional engineer can help you with this, and talk through your boiler’s potential lifespan to help you decide.
If your boiler is out of warranty, future costs could be particularly significant, as you will no longer be covered for breakdowns and will need to cover the full cost of dealing with any issues.
In many cases, simply repairing your boiler is the most cost effective and efficient way of getting your heating back up and running. If you have a newer boiler that’s usually reliable then it’s unlikely that your boiler will need replacing. However, if your boiler is old, out of warranty or even potentially dangerous, you should consider replacing it with a new model.
Whatever the case, always consult a professional engineer who can advise you of the best course to take and help you weigh up the options.
If your boiler has suffered a breakdown, or you’re concerned that it’s not fully functional, give our friendly customer service team a call on 0333 577 0151 and we can get one of our trusted engineers to your home, any time of day.
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