Boilers have one talent that always tends to occur at the worst possible moment, and exactly when they’re old enough that you might be wondering about the value of replacement work. A repair bill that runs to £200 seems like just the way to go, but what if another part goes wrong three months later? With the typical cost of boiler installation in Kent running to thousands of pounds, repairing the existing boiler may be preferable. But which option really saves the most money over the next few years? Let’s look at the figures before your boiler gets any other ideas.
The Age of Your Boiler Isn’t a Random Factor
Your typical home heating boiler tends to have an operative lifespan of around 10-15 years, as long as routine service work is being performed. At anything under half its designed life, you can expect a relatively short wait before its old age begins to assert itself. On the flip side, a boiler of 15 years that has previously been maintained doesn’t offer many positives either, with parts becoming obsolete along the way.
It’s not all about the age of a boiler; the condition it is in is also of key importance. A 13-year-old boiler that has been regularly maintained and serviced can very well have a future in the heating system for a number of years yet if an engineer finds no significant cause for concern.
An Unexpected Repair Cost That Sums Up the Job
When speaking of boiler repairs in the UK, bills of between £120-£750 will tend to cover the replacement costs for parts and associated labor charges for the job. A faulty thermostat may run to £90-£160 for the repair bill, whilst work that involves the circuit board can expect to see its costs running to between £250-£500. Repairs to the heat exchanger can rapidly escalate in price, depending upon the age of your boiler.
If repairs have started to run to £250 in January and £300 in April, with £400 more for the end of the year, that might prove a strain when the next boiler fault develops in the next winter. Consider speaking with an engineer before approving a major repair job. Not only is it important to know whether they repair the problem or just mask it for the time being, it’s always worth finding out if other parts that may need to be changed with the same job are also suffering from age.
A New Boiler Isn’t Always Cheaper than Repair Work
There’s a significantly higher starting cost for professional boiler installation in Kent, along with an increase in price potential over the course of an engineering conversation. Replacing a failed boiler in the UK tends to carry a price tag of anywhere from around £2000 to £4000 or higher for a high-efficiency condensing model. Additional alterations, such as adjustments to pipework and a change in system or controls, can further increase the installation costs incurred.
While it’s hard to get excited about a price range that starts at £2000 after a £300 repair, keep in mind that the new boiler will have the benefit of brand new components, an included warranty agreement if you make the purchase, and the absence of worries about parts becoming unavailable. A boiler manufacturer will typically offer a warranty of between 5 and 10 years on the unit’s parts if it’s been installed correctly and the appropriate service work performed. Homeowners with an established and trusted relationship with their repairer may find this additional element to be a strong inducement.
EHS Will Help You Assess the Situation
Instead of simply guessing what the situation is with the boiler, EHS can help. An EHS engineer can provide a professional and objective view of the situation regarding your heating system and the solutions available to you.
For a homeowner considering an upgrade to the system, EHS can discuss potential boiler installation in Kent. Contact them to talk over your boiler and find out what the best move would be to save your wallet from further strain during the cold winter months that are already a long way in the past this year.
