There is no exact time frame on how long your boiler will last, however, the average life of a boiler is usually between 10-15 years. This is dependent on multiple factors, such as, use, maintenance and type of boiler. Instead of basing your decision on the age of your boiler, it is worth keeping an eye on your energy bills and the comfort of your home.

If you have noticed that your home is taking longer to heat up, or your hot water is unreliable, then it might worth thinking about having your boiler replaced.

Replacing your boiler will make your home warmer and more comfortable, as well as saving you money on your energy bills. Replacing your boiler also gives you an opportunity to upgrade the rest of your heating system to make sure it is as efficient as possible. Adding new controls, Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRV’s) as well as sensors can make your system more energy efficient.

The smart connected Bosch EasyControl combined with TRV’s gives you complete control of your heating system.

Boiler prices vary greatly depending on the type of boiler, output and brand of boiler. You will also need to consider the installation cost, which can vary depending on the size of the job and the boiler location. Our Find a New Boiler tool can provide you with an instant quote.

Even though the initial cost of replacing your boiler might seem expensive, it can lead to significant savings on your energy bills in the long run. A new heating system, fitted with a smart control and a system filter could save you up to £300 a year, according to the Energy Saving Trust.

If your boiler installation is a straight forward swap (e.g. a combi for a combi), the engineer should be finished within the day. If you’re having a different type of boiler fitted (such as a system or a regular), or if you’d like your boiler fitted in different location (e.g. changing the room your boiler is located), then this can make the installation more difficult.

Boiler installations can vary, however our step by step guide to a boiler installation can help you understand what is required for a boiler install. 

On the day

A boiler installation usually takes between 1-3 days to complete depending on the complexity of the job. However, most straightforward like for like swaps can be carried out in the space of a day. The installation process and length of time then varies depending on your requirements. Here are some of the steps your installer may take when fitting your new boiler.

1. Removal of the old boiler

The removal of the current boiler is a typical place installers will start. The length of time this takes again depends on the complexity of the job and the existing system.

2. Flush/Clean

According to British Standards, the installer should flush or clean your system. The type of clean may vary depending on the systems condition; a chemical flush may be sufficient or a power flush may be required. It’s important to keep your system water as clean as possible, specifically when having a new boiler installed.

3. Upgrades/changes to pipework

The fitting of your new boiler may require changes or upgrades to your pipework. Pipework may not be a straightforward job, so have the potential to take up a large amount of the installer’s time.

4. Fitting of the boiler

The installer will fit your new boiler either in the location of your old boiler, or in a new location. You can change the location of your boiler, however moving your boiler will take extra time and cost. It is important to listen to the installers recommendations.

5. Accessories

Your installer should recommend a system filter is fitted alongside your new boiler inline with British Standards best practice. A system filter is designed to protect your boiler from any debris or sludge that may occur over time; to prevent this the installer will also treat the system with a cleaner first, followed by an inhibitor to prevent corrosion. The system filter ensures your boiler remains efficient and as ‘clean’ as possible, providing the whole house with system comfort. Additionally, other accessories will be fitted such as a control, filling loops, flue and any other accessories you may have purchased

6. Commissioning of the system

Once your new boiler is fully installed and the relevant pipework completed, your installer will commission the system to ensure everything is working as it should.

7. Handover

Make sure your installer completes a handover with you once the work is finished so you’re as informed as possible, know how to operate the boiler, use the controls and understand some basic maintenance checks that you may have to do during the boiler’s lifetime; such as topping the pressure up in the system and bleeding a radiator.

8. Registration

Either the homeowner or installer will need to register the boiler with the boiler manufacturer so your product’s guarantee is valid, making sure you are covered if you are unfortunate enough to experience any issues.

Understand more about the benefits of a Combi Boiler

A combi (or combination) boiler is an ingenious space-saving idea, and an increasingly popular choice in UK homes. In fact, combis now account for well over half of all the new domestic boilers installed in Britain every year.

We offer a full range of Combi Boilers to suit your needs.

Save space in your home

Combining both a water heater and a central heating boiler into one unit greatly reduces the space required.

Mains pressure water

Hot water is delivered through your taps and shower at mains level power, allowing you to enjoy high power showers.

Lower costs

Installation time and costs are reduced due to the combined nature of the boiler and having no tank in the roof space..

Do your radiators need bleeding?

Over time it is normal for air to build up in your radiators which can affect their efficiency. When air builds up it will mean some areas of radiator will be colder than others. You can normal tell if your radiators need bleeding as they will be colder at the top than at the bottom. If this is the other way round (cold at the bottom and hot at the top) this could mean that sludge has built up in your radiator and you might need your system cleaned.

How to bleed a radiator

1. First of all, turn your heating on and wait for the radiators to warm up. Check all radiators and identify which radiators might need bleeding.

2. Turn off your heating system and wait for the radiators to cool

3. Insert your radiator key into the bleed screw in the bleed valve which will be at the top of your radiator. Make sure you have a cloth or rag ready to hold under the bleed valve to catch any drips.

4. Turn the radiator key anti-clockwise to open the valve. You will hear a hissing sound (this is the gas escaping). Some water might escape.

5. Keep the radiator key turned until water starts to flow steadily and then turn the radiator key clockwise to close the valve.

6. Use the cloth to catch the drips and clean up any excess water.

7. When you have bled all the affected radiators, turn the heating system back on. Check treated radiators to make sure they are now warm all over.

8. After you have finished bleeding all the radiators, make sure you top up the pressure on your boiler. Boiler pressure can be lost when bleeding radiators

Summer is the perfect time to ensure your boiler is in shape and ready to support you throughout the colder months. There are a few things you can do during the summer to keep your boiler in good health.

Servicing

Servicing throughout the summer months allows engineers and installers to identify any issues before the temperature falls. Service appointment availability is also much higher, so you are more likely to be able to arrange a service at a date and time that suits you. It is often a condition of your boiler manufacturers guarantee that you are required to have an annual service to maintain its validity, keeping you covered should you encounter any problems during colder spells

Benefits of a Boiler Service

Just like a car, a boiler needs to be well maintained in order to keep it operating at its best.

An annual service helps ensure that your boiler is running as efficiently and safely as possible.

There are a number of key benefits of a regular boiler service.

Key benefits

Validates your guarantee

It's a condition of our guarantee that your boiler is serviced annually.

Extends your boiler life

Regular servicing ensures your boiler can deliver reliable heating and hot water comfort year after year.

Maximises energy efficiency

An annual service ensures that your boiler is as energy efficient as possible, helping to keep fuel bills low.

Safety

A regular service will ensure your boiler components are checked and operating safely.

Upgrade your Boiler

With the warmer temperatures, you’re less likely to be inconvenienced by the process of replacing your boiler. Upgrading your boiler is a big investment, and the summer months allow you to make this decision with less stress and haste. This also gives you a good opportunity to upgrade your boiler control. Our range of controls offer you an additional way of boosting your system’s overall performance and saving you money on your heating bill.

Boiler Replacement

Switch on your Heating

Whether you choose to switch off your boiler completely during summer or switch to hot water only, it is recommended to run your central heating for a few minutes once a month to keep the system in working order. Doing this occasionally throughout the summer will prevent components of your heating system from seizing up. You should also check your boiler pressure, as well as your radiators to see if they need bleeding.