Boiler life has become a hot topic now-a-days. What’s written on the internet about average boiler life is quite different from the reality. As a result, people get frustrated and start complaining to their boiler installers right-away.
Their anger is justified, but the problem is not with their boiler but the lack of awareness. Knowing the lifespan of your boiler helps you plan ahead. That’s why, replacing your boiler at the right time ensures you won’t face unexpected breakdowns or frequent repairs.
In this blog, we will try to highlight how long boilers last, based on facts and help those anger come to an end. Before getting straight to the point, it is important to learn why knowing an average lifespan of boilers is crucial
Why Knowing Boiler Life Span is Important?
As time passes and the boiler approaches the end of its service life it may become less effective. Consequently, an increase in energy costs and repair services becomes inevitable. This awareness helps you keep your home warm without interruption, and prevent sudden breakdowns. Such unforeseen situations can be avoided if you make boiler replacement beforehand.
Winter, for instance, brings along unwanted risks and problems related to running heating systems. It is also possible to reduce energy costs and save money by modernising and replacing outdated boilers with more effective ones. In layman’s terms, understanding when your boiler is in its final stage helps you manage your resources better and ensure there is warmth in your house.
Factors Affecting the Life Expectancy of Your Boiler
- Type of Boiler: The lifespans of various boiler types vary. For example, because of its contemporary, energy-efficient design, condensing boilers often have longer lifespans than non-condensing ones.
- Quality of Installation: A badly installed boiler may have leaks, malfunctions, or inefficiencies that cause it to break down sooner.
- Maintenance: By maintaining your boiler in excellent operating order and spotting little issues early on, you may extend its lifetime.
- Water Quality: Hard water stains cause limescale to build up within boilers, which lowers boiler performance. It thereby reduces the lifetime of your boiler.
- Usage Frequency: Compared to less regularly used boilers, extensively used boilers over the course of the year often wear out sooner.
- Climate Condition: Boilers may have to work harder in colder areas, which might limit their lifetime.
How Long Does a Typical Boiler Last in the UK?
A typical gas boiler generally lasts between 10 to 15 years. However, this depends on the type of boiler and its maintenance. A well maintained boiler can last even longer than 20 years, which is an ideal condition, and happens rarely. As discussed earlier, several factors can interfere to reduce your boiler life. Let’s look at the average lifespans for different boiler types:
Average Life of a Combi Boiler
A combi boiler usually lasts for a decade or a bit more if proper maintenance and right usage is followed. It could even last closer to 15 years if used with a reliable boiler.
Average Life of a System Boiler
System boilers have a bit more durability, and they can easily last upto 15 years. Regular check-ups help extend their life
Average Life of a Regular Boiler
Regular boilers can last around 12 to 15 years. These are old technologies which are not that much efficient and economical compared to the previous two types. Regular boilers are more costly to buy, install and run than combi and system boilers. Also, with proper care, they tend to survive even about 2 decades.
Now that you came to know the average boiler life of different boiler types, let’s highlight the same for different boiler categories.
A. Non-Condensing Boilers
Non-condensing boilers are older technology which is less efficient but durable. Usually, it has been seen on average that non-condensing boilers last around 10 to 15 years.
B. Condensing Boilers
Condensing boilers uses advanced technology that not only conserves heat for a long time but also the boiler life. Most condensing boilers have spent 15 to 20 years and still functioning with little requirement of maintenance or repair. They are not only more efficient but also more durable than non-condensing boilers.
How Long Does a Gas Boiler Last?
Gas boilers use the same condensing technology that usually lasts between 15 to 20 years. Well-maintained models get life even more than 20 years.
Is Gas Boiler Life Different for Those Installed Under ECO4 Grants?
Boilers installed under ECO4 Grants should last just as long as any other gas boiler, provided they are serviced regularly. Whether you get a boiler under the grants or without grants, the boiler manufacturer never distinguishes its models, whether it’s installed for free or not.
Apply For Free Boiler Grant Today!
Replacement of the old boiler with a new energy-efficient model will enable reduction on the total energy expenditure and carbon footprint as well.
Check your Eligibility Now
How Long Does an Electric Boiler Last?
Electric boilers have a typical lifespan of 15 to 25 years. They may last longer with fewer moving parts compared to gas boilers. It seems electric boilers are most durable for serving the longest lifespan, but there are many downsides with this boiler type. For deep understanding, you should analyse electric vs gas boilers.
Boiler Type | Lifespan (Years) |
Combi Boiler | 10-15 |
System Boiler | 12-15 |
Regular Boiler | 15 |
Non-Condensing Boiler | 10-15 |
Condensing Boiler | 15-20 |
Gas Boiler | 15-20 |
Electric Boiler | 20+ |
10 Hacks to Have Your Boiler Last for 20 Years
- Annual Maintenance: An important reason behind the importance of boiler maintenance is that it allows a certified professional to identify and fix potential problems before they even arise. In addition to that, regular maintenance services also improve efficiency as well as keep the warranty intact.
- Bleed Your Radiators: Air in radiators can create hot and cold areas when heating. Forcing out this air regularly allows free flow of hot water which eases the boiler’s burden.
- Install a Magnetic Filter: This filter is fitted with a magnetic filter which prevents the heating system from sludge and debris build up, which in turn prevents the boiler from blockages and rust. This results in a cleaner system and an efficient boiler.
- Use Soft Water: The internal parts of the boiler are often damaged and inefficient, owing to the limescale causing hardened water, which is used in the boiler. The purpose of using a water softener is to decrease the occurrence of limescale and hence increase the quantity of water boiler use.
- Balance the Heating System: Maintaining an even supply of hot water for each radiator is known as balancing the heating system. The boiler needs to work more in areas where certain radiators stay colder, which shortens its lifetime and reduces efficiency.
- Replace Parts When Needed: There are some boilers’ parts that cannot go on functioning forever. Changing worn out parts, like mechanical pumps or control valves, helps to lengthen the functional lifespan of the boiler and avoids its total failure.
- Keep Vents Clear: Blocked vents can cause the super hot water inside the boiler to overheat leading to significant shutdowns or damage. Clear out any air vents and flues to help prevent this from happening.
- Use Smart Controls: Smart thermostats help control the temperature of your home more efficiently. They prevent overuse of your boiler by turning off heating when it’s not needed, reducing wear and tear.
- Flush the System: In most cases, power flushing is meant to expel the sludge and dirt from the components of a heating system. This will take place every 5 to 10 years.
- Avoid Overworking: Don’t set your boiler to run at maximum capacity for long periods, especially in extreme cold weather. Overworking your boiler can cause it to fail prematurely. Set it at a reasonable temperature to avoid excessive strain.
By following these tips, you can increase your boiler’s lifespan, reduce energy bills, and avoid costly repairs.
Is Your Boiler Older than 15 Years?
In case your heating system is older than 15 years old, it is advisable to replace it with a more energy-efficient one. You may qualify for a new boiler under the ECO4 Scheme. Find out if you meet the requirements and whether a new boiler could bring down energy bill costs.
Start Increasing Your Boiler Life Expectancy!
In advance knowing your boiler lifespan helps you prevent making wrong decisions that may affect heating your home uninterrupted. The most crucial element in extending a boiler’s lifetime is routine maintenance. Your boiler’s lifetime may be increased by using the previously outlined steps. For better performance, it is advised that you replace your boiler under the ECO4 Scheme if it is between 15 and 20 years old. You may have comfort and economy for a very long time if you take good care of your boiler.
Frequently Asked Questions
An old boiler which has spent its average life should be replaced because it may add up to £250 annually on your energy bills.
Combi boilers have an average lifespan of up to 15 years. It means, some may uninterruptedly work for more than 15 years if regular maintenance and service is given.
Following are the major signs when you should install a new boiler right-away:
- Frequent repairing
- Boiler is older than 15 years
- Too much noise
- Don’t have a condensate pipe
- Persistent leakage issues
- Abrupt fluctuation in temperature
