Your guide to boiler replacement.
What do I need to know to replace the boiler in my home?
If your boiler has regularly been playing up or you’re not getting enough hot water when you need it, then it may be time to replace your boiler.
It can be tough to know when it’s right to do a boiler replacement or repair, so we’ll give you the information you need to help you make the right choice.
When should I get a boiler replacement?
There are a couple of ways you can tell that you might need a new boiler, these include:
Your boiler is leaking.
Your thermostat keeps losing connection or has issues regularly.
You’re constantly hearing strange or knocking noises from your boiler.
You often have low pressure.
Your boiler isn’t producing enough hot water.
Your boiler is over 10 years old.
You have a non-condensing boiler.
1. Leaking boiler.
Boiler leaks are one of the more common issues that you may face. They can cause water damage to your home and can also cause electrical components in and around your boiler to malfunction or break.
Boiler leaks are normally caused by:
Corroded pipes or tanks.
Excessive boiler pressure.
Leaky seals.
A faulty component.
If you do have a boiler leak then you should call a qualified Gas Safe heating engineer. However it may be more economical to get a new boiler than to have your boiler repaired.
2. Thermostat losing connection.
Sometimes your boiler and thermostat stop communicating, which causes your heating to come on at the wrong time or the temperature to be too hot or cold.
If you don’t think your boiler is responding to your thermostat then you may need to replace the batteries or move it closer. If that doesn’t fix it then you may need a new thermostat.
3. Boiler making strange noises.
Hearing banging noises coming from your boiler? There a number of reasons why you have a noisy boiler:
Low boiler pressure.
Trapped air.
Blockages such as limescale or sludge build-up.
Faulty pump.
Depending on the issue you may need to get a part replaced or repaired.
4. Low pressure boiler.
This could be an issue with your boiler or may be another part of your heating system, for example your radiators. It’s recommended that you check for small leaks first and if you can’t find any then speak to a heating engineer.
If the problem is your boiler then you may need a new part or a complete boiler replacement.
5. Boiler isn’t producing enough hot water.
If you’re struggling to get enough hot water for your home, then you may need to change to a different size or type of boiler. For example if you have a combi boiler, then you may need to get one with a larger power output or switch to a system or regular boiler.
6. The boiler is over 10 years old.
This means that often your old boiler is out of warranty so you’ll need to pay for any repairs to it. If it’s regularly experiencing issues then you may want to get a boiler replacement to save money over time.
7. You have a non-condensing boiler.
Non-condensing boilers are less energy-efficient than condensing boilers so to save money over the life of your boiler you might want to switch to a condensing boiler. All new boilers are condensing and are over 90% energy-efficient.
Get warm and cosy and save up to £475 on your annual gas bill.1
Plus, if you’re an E.ON Next customer, save £150 when you buy a boiler through E.ON. T&Cs apply.
Get a new boilerLooking for a new boiler?
Hear from E.ON Next customers about their boiler installation experience and find out what to expect on your E.ON Next boiler installation.
What's the lifespan of a new boiler?
The lifespan of a new boiler can vary depending on several factors, including the type of boiler it, how often it's maintained and how you use it. On average, a well-maintained boiler can last anywhere from 10-15 years.
Here are some factors that can influence a new boiler’s lifespan:
The build quality of the boiler.
How often you schedule boiler maintenance.
The water quality in your area.
How often you use your boiler.
Poor boiler installation.
1. Build quality.
Investing in a reputable brand with a track record of reliability can increase the chances of a longer lifespan for your boiler.
2. Regular boiler maintenance.
Regular maintenance is essential to keep the boiler in good working condition. Annual servicing, cleaning, and inspection by a qualified professional can help identify and address potential issues before they escalate, extending the lifespan of the boiler.
3. Water quality.
Hard water, for example, can lead to scale build-up and increased wear and tear on the internal components.
4. Boiler usage.
The frequency and intensity of boiler usage can impact its lifespan. A boiler that’s in use constantly or experiences heavy use may have a shorter lifespan compared to one that is used intermittently or for lighter loads.
5. Boiler installation.
Having a new boiler installed by a qualified professional is crucial for its longevity. Poor installation practices, inadequate sizing, or incorrect fittings can lead to premature wear and reduced efficiency.
It's important to note that as your boiler gets older its efficiency may decrease, leading to higher energy consumption and potentially higher operating costs. By getting your boiler regularly checked and replacing it before it becomes inefficient or unreliable, you can help keep your heating costs in check.
How much does a new boiler cost?
A new boiler’s cost depends on a number of factors including the type of boiler you want, whether you’re having a like-for-like swap and what size boiler you need. For example a new combi boiler may cost less than having a system boiler installed as you don’t need the extra hot water cylinder.
If you want to get a better idea of how much a boiler costs then check out our online quote tool.
The average you can expect to spend on a new boiler is between £1,500 - £3,000.
How much does boiler installation cost?
All of the boiler installation costs are included as part of your fixed price boiler replacement cost.
Are there any boiler grants available?
The government is currently running the ECO scheme which is available to UK’s most vulnerable households, including those on Income Support, Housing Benefit, Pension Credit and Tax Credit.
This scheme is currently promoting repairing boilers as well as installing greener heating systems and insulation to improve energy efficiency.
How long does it take to replace a boiler?
If you’re getting a straight boiler swap then it can be done in a day. If you’re moving your boiler then it can take 1-3 days depending on how much work is needed.
Is it time for a new boiler?
A Worcester Bosch boiler could be ideal for your home.
They’re fast and economical to run.
Worcester Bosch boilers are A-rated for efficiency, guaranteed to be 94% efficient, helping you to reduce your energy bills.
Smart connected thermostats.
Control your central heating and hot water with the wireless Bosch EasyControl, plus get easy-to-understand graphs on gas consumption and how efficient your heating programmes are.
Awarded Best Buy by Which?
Our new Worcester Bosch boilers build on the award-winning Greenstar range, offering smarter and more powerful condensing boilers with advanced technology to maintain water pressure.
What type of boiler do you need?
Get help understanding the advantages and disadvantages of the three main types of boilers and find the one that's right for your home.
Combi boilers.
Great for smaller homes as they can fit in a cupboard and you don’t need a hot water cylinder or cold water storage tank, so they don't take up any loft space either.
Regular boilers.
If you often use hot water in multiple places at the same time, consider a regular or condensing boiler, linked to a hot water cylinder and a cold water storage tank.
System boilers.
Designed for homes with more than one bathroom, system boilers give you a constant supply of hot water to multiple taps. There’s no need for the tank in the loft either.
E.ON's energy experts can help you get the right boiler for your home by understanding your energy use, how many people live in your home and the size of the property.
What is a good boiler efficiency?
If you’re looking for a new boiler then you should be looking for a boiler energy efficiency of 90% and above, or A-rated. This means that for every pound you spend on gas, 90p or more will be used to heat your home.
If your current gas boiler only has an energy efficiency of 70% for example, then you’re wasting 30p of every 1 pound you spend on gas for your boiler system.
Can you help me decide what type of boiler is right for my home?
We're happy to discuss your central heating requirements, for example the number of radiators in your home, if it’s semi-detached or if you’ve just moved into a four-bedroom property.