A reliable boiler is one of the most important components of a comfortable and warm home. However, if your boiler is old and outdated, it may be beneficial to replace it.
While regular boiler maintenance is critical to operational efficiency and keeping your costs low. Like anything else, boilers age over time, eventually maintenance on your current boiler may be obsolete, and you may need to consider the pros and cons of keeping your boiler or replacing it.
Whether you’re experiencing frequent breakdowns or simply looking to upgrade your home’s heating system, a new boiler can provide many benefits. This article will discuss why you should consider replacing your old boiler, including improved efficiency, cost savings, and increased safety.
Why Replace Your Old Boiler with a New One
While installing a new boiler may seem an expensive investment, it can be one that could begin paying for itself from the moment it’s installed. Here are some reasons why it may be beneficial to replace your old boiler.
Increased Efficiency
From your car to your electronic devices, efficiency decreases with age. As a result, newer models with improvements and longer-lasting efficiency are released based on newer technology and other available options.
The same goes for your boiler. When your boiler reaches a certain age (typically around the ten-year mark), efficiency decreases. This is because the older boiler will start to burn off more fuel to heat your home than a new, energy efficient boiler. The higher level of fuel burnoff results in higher energy bill costs.
Measuring the efficiency of your boiler comes down to how it burns fuel to heat your home or provide hot water. If your boiler starts to burn off more fuel than it used to, this is generally a sign that your boiler’s efficiency (and overall lifespan) is decreasing. Aside from the lack of efficiency, a poorly functioning boiler can also emit greenhouse gasses and other pollutants into the air.
As of October 2020, new homes in the UK must have a boiler with at least an 88% efficiency rate. With a condensing boiler, efficiency ratings are usually higher, as these boilers convert burned fuel and save it by condensing waste gasses for later use.
An older, non-condensing boiler would simply burn off the fuel needed to generate heat for hot water storage. When you consider the pros and cons of replacing your old boiler, consider everything from how it runs and the carbon footprint it may leave if you don’t replace it.
Increased Energy Savings
A more efficient boiler leads to an increase in energy savings. Energy bills are one of the highest costs for homeowners. So the potential savings on your energy bill are an immediate plus when considering replacing your old boiler.
Heating your home (and providing hot water) accounts for over half of the average household energy bill. When you have an old, inefficient boiler, the fuel burnoff and waste will rack up energy costs. Replacing your old boiler with a new one could make a huge difference in your energy bill costs and will eventually pay for itself.
Warmer Home (When You Expect and Need It)
If your home needs a little more heat than usual due to a blast of arctic air, (a common feeling in Winter, here in the UK!), you’ll need to ensure your boiler is up to standard. When your boiler isn’t working correctly or is reaching its anticipated lifespan, it may lead to issues like not reaching the desired temperature.
As a result, your boiler may not run smoothly or go into overdrive or try to overcompensate, leading to higher energy costs and potential breakdown issues. Replacing your boiler with a new one that won’t break down in a cold snap will save you more money in the long run.
Leak Prevention
As your boiler ages, you may notice small areas of dripping or pooling water around the boiler tray. Pipes and valves may begin to corrode with older boilers, especially considering that traditional or non-condensing boilers aren’t meant to last longer than a decade. So when your boiler leaks or requires excessive maintenance and repairs to operate, replacing the boiler before a significant issue (such as a breakdown or flood) occurs is critical.
Quieter Operation
While old boilers are notorious for being noisy, especially in more open areas. A new boiler will reduce “noise pollution”, especially in open area living spaces that are common in more modern properties.
Smaller in Size
Modern boilers aren’t just quieter but also take up less space than an old boiler. This makes it easy to install a boiler in a smaller, less visible space (such as a utility room, closet, or loft area), leaving you with more space in your home or other living space.
Less Maintenance
With an older boiler, the likelihood of breakdowns or part malfunctions increases. If your current boiler is old, you may not be able to get the necessary parts in for a repair, as manufacturers may discontinue certain parts as the model ages. In addition, the frequency of repairs to an old boiler may eventually add up to the overall cost of a new boiler.
Fewer repairs are required with a newer boiler, and your HVAC system won’t undergo as much strain to heat your home. This equals long-term savings on your energy bills.
Choose Simply ECO Ltd. for Your Boiler Replacement and Maintenance Needs
Replacing an old or outdated boiler can bring significant benefits in terms of energy efficiency, cost savings, and comfort. With advancements in technology, newer models can provide better heating performance while using less energy, lowering utility bills, and a smaller carbon footprint. While the upfront cost of a new boiler may seem daunting, the longterm savings and benefits make it a worthwhile investment.
Simply ECO Ltd. assists people in fuel poverty gain access to Energy Efficiency and Carbon Saving Measures. As a Green Deal Approved Installer, we work with a panel of approved funders. This allows us to help families in fuel poverty access government grants to make their homes more energy efficient and implement carbon reduction measures.
We’ve installed over 6000 boilers since 2014 and are the largest installer of boilers in Birmingham and surrounding areas and we’d love to help you. Contact us today if you’re considering upgrading your boiler.
