If you’ve ever experienced a boiler breakdown, you’ll know that this can be an incredibly stressful and costly issue. It’s usually compounded during the winter too, as the cold weather can leave your family exposed to the elements and living in damp conditions.
You’ll also have to decide whether to repair or replace your existing boiler, as there are instances in which a faulty unit can be restored quickly and cheaply.
However, there are also occasions when installing a new and more efficient model is the best course of action, so you’ll need to make a decision based on your precise circumstances. Here are some of the key considerations to keep in mind:
How Frequently Does your Boiler Breakdown?
When your boiler breaks down for the very first time, it’s important to get it checked out by an accredited and Gas Safe registered engineer.
At this stages, there’s no reason to assume that your boiler needs any more than a simple repair, and you should always consult with an expert before making a decision.
However, if your boiler is repeatedly breaking down, the impact on performance and the cumulative cost of continual repairs may mean that it’s more cost-effective to invest in a brand new unit.
Frequent breakdowns are also a recurring source of stress and hassle, especially as winter approaches. This can be avoided by buying a brand new boiler, especially if you install a budget model that helps to save you cash.
The Age of your Boiler and its Efficiency Rating
Your decision may also be influenced by the age of your boiler, as the cost of repairing older units tends to be increased by a lack of available parts.
In instances where heating engineers cannot easily locate components for your boiler, you’ll need to pay a price premium whilst the time taken to complete repairs could leave you without heating for an extended period of time.
This cost should be compared with the price of buying and installing a new boiler, whilst you should also give consideration to the potential energy savings provided by an updated model.
On average, new boilers are around 20% more efficient than older models, whilst an A-rated unit can save up to £340 per year according to the Energy Savings Trust.
The Importance of Safety
Ultimately, safety should always be your primary consideration when choosing whether to repair or replace your boiler.
After all, an old and inefficient boiler is unlikely to comply with modern standards and guidelines, whilst it may also be more likely to develop serious faults and flaws over time.
In instances where your boiler is potentially unsafe or highly inefficient, it may be better to err on the side of caution and replace the unit.
Ultimately, the best course of action is to have your boiler checked by a qualified engineer. This way, you’ll know whether the unit is safe to operate and capable of maintaining its efficiency going forward.
The Last Word
If you live in or around the Snodland, West Malling, Halling, Vigo and Aylesford areas, you can call on LP Plumbing and Heating Ltd to handle all of your servicing and installation needs. You can request a quote quickly and easily by sending an email to lpheatingplumbing@gmail.com. Conversely, you can speak to the team directly on 07534907893 and find out more about the full range of services available.
