How Long Should a Boiler Last?

There are lots of benefits to having a modern boiler. They heat your home quickly and in the most cost-effective way. On the other hand, older models are more likely to experience breakdown and often use more energy than necessary.

But just how long should a boiler last? In this post, we’ll discuss the typical lifespan of different boilers and some factors that come into play.

How long should a boiler last?

Different models of boilers will have different lifespans. As a general rule, you can expect a boiler to last anywhere from ten to fifteen years. If you regularly service your boiler, it may even last up to twenty years.

The older your boiler is, the less efficiently it will run. This can end up costing you in energy bills, but you may also find yourself forking out to replace parts over time, too.  If your boiler is older with an energy rating of ‘G’, it’s only operating at 70% efficiency.

If either of these are true, your boiler may be at the end of its lifespan. While it might be expensive to do replace your boiler, it’s more cost-effective than regularly calling out an engineer.

How can I tell my boiler’s age?

You can determine your boiler’s age by checking its make and model. Alternatively, look for the serial number. If neither of those routes work, you might want to contact the manufacturer.

It’s sensible to keep a full service history of your boiler, too, so that you can keep track of its age and function over time.

How to extend your boiler’s lifespan

Book an annual service

It’s good practice to book your boiler in for an annual maintenance service. A qualified professional will go over the machine to double check that it’s working properly, and can sort out any minor faults before they become more severe.

Plus, many manufacturers will cancel their warranty on your boiler if you don’t keep up with annual servicing.

It can be sensible to book in an annual service over the summer, to reduce risk of breakdown over winter.

Don’t delay repairs

If you notice any issues with your boiler, don’t delay calling out an engineer. If your boiler develops a fault, it’s sensible to get it fixed it as quickly as possible, so that the issue doesn’t get worse – and more expensive.

Bleed your radiators

Bleeding your radiators will help regulate the function of your central heating system.

If there’s air in your system, this can cause corrosion and damage in the long run. Look out if your radiators are cold at the top and hot at the bottom – this can be a sign of an issue.

You can also install inhibitors and filters, which can reduce the risk of corrosion.

Choose a high-quality boiler

If you have to replace your boiler, be sure to choose a high-quality option. The best models are more energy efficient, and less likely to break down over time.

Saving money in the short term on a cheaper machine may cause problems down the line.

How long can your boiler last?

If you’re concerned that your boiler is coming to the end of its lifespan, contact the team at Surrey Heating Specialists today. We’ll inspect your appliance and let you know the best course of action. We can also perform the necessary repairs to keep it running smoothly or provide an energy-efficient boiler replacement if needed.