When your boiler breaks down, it may be a stressful experience, especially when you are on a busy schedule. The stress increases even more when you are unsure if your boiler can be fixed or whether it has to be replaced entirely.
In many cases, your broken boiler may be fixed quickly and easily but there are times when upgrading your boiler and installing a new, more efficient unit is sometimes the best option.
So, how can you determine whether repairing or replacing your boiler is the best option?
Safety comes first
Always put safety first when deciding whether your boiler needs to be repaired or replaced. If your boiler is older, there are chances that it may not comply with current boiler safety and operating regulations.
The first step should always be to consult a qualified heating engineer to determine if it can be properly repaired and if it is safe to run. Even if a professional is able to repair an issue with your boiler, it may still be prone to issues. A heating engineer will be able to tell you if your boiler is safe to use or whether it needs to be replaced.
What is the overall cost?
Because replacement components are no longer readily accessible for some older boilers, the cost of repair may be increased dramatically. At Greenside Smart Heating, we recommend researching the overall cost of getting your boiler repaired and comparing it to the cost of getting a new boiler installed.
If the cost to repair the boiler is higher, it is cost-efficient to get a new boiler installed. And if the cost of fixing your boiler is relatively low and straightforward, this can be the best option for you. Furthermore, many modern boilers will very certainly still be protected by a warranty, which covers the cost of replacing components, and in certain situations, it may also cover the cost of labour.
Are the breakdowns frequent?
If your boiler is continuously breaking down, upgrading to a new one could be the best solution. The expense of regular maintenance and repairs, especially for older boilers, may quickly add up.
Breakdowns are inconvenient and unpleasant, especially in the winter, so consider whether you'd rather prevent this by replacing your boiler with a newer one that will require less care.
If your boiler is newer and only occasionally breaks down, fixing it is usually the best option, as frequent issues are uncommon. Most boiler problems are not detected until the summer and many people often wait until the winter to fix them. We recommend that if you notice an issue with your boiler get it fixed as soon as possible to avoid any further issues.
Think of the future
Finally, think about any potential future boiler bills. Consider how much longer your boiler will endure and if replacing it now would save you money in the long term. If your boiler has reached the end of its warranty period, future expenses might be extremely high, since you will no longer be insured for breakdowns and will be responsible for the entire cost of any repairs.
A qualified heating engineer can assist you with this and discuss the possible lifespan of your boiler to assist you in making your decision.
Speak to a Gas Safe registered engineer today
Our heating engineers, here at Greenside Smart Heating are available throughout Ryton, Gateshead, Newcastle and Hexham. If you would like to get professional advice from us, simply call us on 07506 544773 and we will be happy to help.
