Safety Warning

If you smell gas, see a yellow flame, or suspect carbon monoxide, turn off your boiler immediately and call the Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999. Then contact a Gas Safe registered engineer.

How Long Should a Boiler Last?

Modern boilers typically last 10-15 years with proper annual servicing. However, older boilers (pre-2005) may last 15-20 years but become increasingly inefficient and expensive to run.

As a boiler ages, efficiency drops, breakdown frequency increases, and parts become harder to source. Knowing when to replace rather than repair saves money and stress in the long run.

10 Signs It's Time for a New Boiler

1. Your Boiler is Over 10-15 Years Old

Modern boilers last 10-15 years. If yours is older, it's less efficient and more likely to break down. Replacement can save you 30-40% on energy bills.

2. Rising Energy Bills

If your bills are climbing despite similar usage, your boiler is likely losing efficiency. Old boilers can waste £300+ per year compared to modern A-rated condensing boilers.

3. Frequent Breakdowns and Repairs

Calling out engineers multiple times per year? Repair costs add up quickly. If annual repairs exceed £300-400, replacement is more economical.

4. Strange Noises (Banging, Whistling, Gurgling)

Kettling (rumbling sounds), banging pipes, or whistling indicates limescale buildup, pump failure, or air in the system. In old boilers, these issues often signal the end.

5. Leaks and Drips

Water leaking from your boiler indicates seal failure, pressure issues, or corrosion. While minor leaks can be repaired, persistent leaking often means replacement is needed.

6. Yellow Flame Instead of Blue

A yellow or orange flame indicates incomplete combustion and potential carbon monoxide risk. Turn off immediately and call a Gas Safe engineer. This is a serious safety issue.

7. Slow Heating or Radiators Not Getting Hot

If radiators take ages to heat up or never reach full temperature, your boiler may be undersized, inefficient, or failing. Power flushing sometimes helps, but old boilers often need replacing.

8. Pilot Light Keeps Going Out

Frequent pilot light failures indicate thermocouple problems, draft issues, or gas supply problems. In older boilers, replacement parts may no longer be available.

9. Condensate Pipe Freezing Repeatedly

While this can happen in extreme cold, frequent freezing indicates poor installation or an aging system struggling to cope with modern condensing technology.

10. Parts No Longer Available

Manufacturers discontinue parts for old models. If your engineer struggles to source parts or quotes long lead times, replacement is inevitable.

Repair vs. Replace: Making the Right Decision

Consider Repair If:

Boiler is less than 10 years old
Single minor issue
Repair costs under £300
Parts readily available
Good service history

Consider Replacement If:

Boiler over 10-15 years old
Multiple issues or frequent breakdowns
Repair costs exceed £400
Parts obsolete or hard to find
Energy bills rising significantly

Benefits of a New Boiler

Save 30-40% on energy bills: Modern A-rated condensing boilers are far more efficient than older models
Improved reliability: New boilers with manufacturer warranties mean fewer breakdowns
Better heating performance: Consistent hot water and faster heating throughout your home
Reduced carbon footprint: Lower emissions help the environment
Smart controls: Many new boilers work with smartphone apps for remote control
Peace of mind: Typically 5-10 year manufacturer warranties plus our 12-month guarantee

How Much Does a New Boiler Cost in Exeter?

Boiler replacement costs in Exeter typically range from £1,800 to £3,500 depending on:

Type of boiler (combi, system, or regular)
Brand and model chosen
Complexity of installation
Whether it's a like-for-like replacement or system upgrade
Any additional work required (pipework, radiator upgrades, etc.)

We provide free, no-obligation quotes and can discuss payment options for larger installations.

Why Choose Gas Safe Registered Engineers?

By law, only Gas Safe registered engineers can legally work on gas boilers. Using unqualified fitters is illegal, dangerous, and invalidates your home insurance.

We're Gas Safe registered (565047) with over 15 years' experience installing boilers across Exeter. All installations come with:

£5M public liability insurance
12-month workmanship guarantee
Full manufacturer warranty registration
Building regulations certification
Free annual service included (first year)

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does boiler installation take?

Straightforward like-for-like combi boiler replacement typically takes 1 day. More complex installations (system changes, additional pipework, radiator upgrades) may take 2-3 days.

Can I upgrade from a regular boiler to a combi?

Yes, many Exeter homes successfully convert from regular boilers (with tanks) to space-saving combi boilers. We'll assess your property's water pressure and heating demands to recommend the best option.

What's the most reliable boiler brand?

Worcester Bosch, Vaillant, and Ideal are consistently reliable brands we recommend. We'll discuss options based on your budget, property size, and heating requirements.

10 Warning Signs You Need a New Boiler