Replace your central heating boiler or repair it?

The five questions that determine the choice

1. How old is the boiler?

The year of manufacture is usually on the type plate, often at the bottom or behind the flap of the boiler. A boiler that's been going for a long time isn't necessarily due for replacement. But the older the boiler, the greater the chance that after this repair the next one will follow, and the harder it becomes to get parts. A young boiler with one breakdown you generally just have repaired.

2. How often has it broken down recently?

One breakdown says little. Recurring breakdowns, especially different breakdowns in quick succession, are a sign that the boiler is reaching the end of its life. Keep track of when the boiler broke down, with which error code and what was done. That makes the decision easier.

3. Which component is broken?

An ignition electrode, a sensor or a dripping pressure relief valve is something different from a leaking heat exchanger or a faulty PCB. Ask the technician which part it is, whether it's still available and whether there are more parts in the same condition.

4. How efficient and safe is the boiler still?

An older boiler that is no longer properly adjusted or is dirty uses more gas than necessary. A well-maintained boiler works more efficiently and safely. Read about this in boiler servicing. If you have an open appliance (which draws combustion air from the room), have the safety checked extra carefully, and in any case install a carbon monoxide detector.

5. Does the boiler still suit your situation?

Has your household grown and do you have too little hot water, are you renovating or renewing the bathroom, or do you want to insulate your home better? Then it may be wise to include replacement in those plans, rather than waiting until the boiler breaks down in winter.

Repair or replace: the rule of thumb

• Repair makes sense if the boiler is relatively young, has had few breakdowns, the part is readily available and the boiler is otherwise in good condition.
• Replacement is obvious when the boiler is old, breakdowns follow one another, important parts are no longer available or a repair is large in relation to the age of the boiler.
• If you're unsure, have the repair done that's needed now and request a quote for replacement. Then you can choose calmly instead of under pressure in winter.

What should you look for in a new central heating boiler?

• Hot water demand. How many people shower, do you have a bath, how far are the taps from the boiler? This determines which hot water class you need.
• Output suited to the property. A unit that is too large or too small works less efficiently.
• Connections and flue gas discharge. Sometimes the gas pipe, flue gas discharge or condensate drain need to be adapted. That should be stated in the quote.
• Future. Think about the coming years: are you going to insulate or are you considering a (hybrid) heat pump later? Rules and schemes for this are changing; check with the government and your municipality for the current situation.
• Maintenance and guarantee. Ask what maintenance agreements are included and what the manufacturer's guarantee conditions are.

How we approach it

In case of a breakdown, we first establish what's wrong. Then you'll hear honestly whether repair is still sensible, or whether replacement works out smarter in the long term. If you choose replacement, you'll receive a written quote in advance, so you know exactly what will happen and what it costs.

Do you smell gas? Then do not touch the boiler, do not use light switches or open flames, open windows and doors, leave the property and call the national gas and electricity fault number: 0800-9009.