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Should I repair or replace my boiler?
If your boiler has broken down again, you're probably wondering whether to fix it one more time or replace it. It comes down to its age, how often it goes wrong, and what the repair costs.
- Under 7years old: a repair is usually worth it
- 12+years old: start planning a replacement
- 12years: the longest guarantee on boilers we fit
Before
There's no single age at which a boiler has to go. Plenty of older boilers run well for years, and a young one can have a bad fault.
These three questions, and our rule of thumb, help you weigh it up. If you'd rather we looked at it, we'll tell you honestly which makes sense.
Three questions to ask
The answers point you one way or the other.
How old is it?
Under about 7 years, a repair is usually worth it, and it may still be under guarantee. Over about 10 years, parts get harder to find and it's worth starting to think about a replacement.
How reliable has it been?
If this is the first fault in years, repair it. If you're paying for a repair every winter, the costs add up and a replacement starts to make sense.
How efficient is it?
Older boilers, especially non-condensing ones, send more of their heat up the flue. A modern condensing boiler uses less gas for the same heat.
We'll take a look
Our rule of thumb
Not a hard rule, but a good starting point.
Usually worth repairing
- It's under about 7 years old
- It's a common part, such as a fan or a pump
- You're planning to move soon
- It's still under guarantee
Usually time to replace
- It's over about 12 years old
- The parts are obsolete or hard to get
- The repair is over about £400 on a boiler more than 10 years old
- You're staying in the house for years
After
Which one sounds like you?
- First fault, newer boilerRepair it
Repair visit £120, parts priced first.
- Old, and it keeps breakingGet a quote
A guide price in a couple of minutes.
- Not sureBook a repair visit
We'll tell you which makes sense.
- Want to keep it runningAnnual service
Catches problems early.
Common questions
Is it worth repairing a 15 year old boiler?
Sometimes, if it's a simple part and the boiler is otherwise sound. If parts are hard to get or it keeps breaking down, replacing it usually makes more sense.
Will you tell me if it's not worth repairing?
Yes. If a repair doesn't make sense for the age and condition of the boiler, we'll say so and explain why.
Will a new boiler lower my gas bills?
If your old boiler is non-condensing or in poor condition, a modern condensing boiler uses less gas for the same heat. How much you save depends on the old boiler and how you use your heating.
What guarantee comes with a new boiler?
We're Worcester Bosch Accredited Installers, which gives guarantees of up to 12 years on selected boilers we fit.
How much is a repair visit?
£120 inc VAT. If we can fix it on the visit, that's all you pay. Any parts are priced before we fit them.
How do I get a price for a new boiler?
Our online quote gives you a guide price in a couple of minutes, and a survey confirms it.
Related pages
Not sure what you need? Give us a shout.
Book online in a couple of minutes or give the office a call, Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm. We'll tell you what we think, and if the answer is to leave things as they are, we'll say that too.
Worcester Bosch Accredited Installer
Guarantees of up to 12 years on the boilers we fit. Gas Safe registered. Fife Trusted Trader. 400+ customer reviews.