Should you repair or replace your boiler?

Safety first

If you smell gas, leave the property and call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999. Don't use electrical switches or naked flames.

For any gas work, use an engineer on the Gas Safe Register. It's a legal requirement, and you can check their registration and the type of work they're qualified for.

The questions that decide it

When a boiler breaks down, ask the engineer — and yourself — these questions.

How old is the boiler, and how has it behaved?

A boiler that has run reliably and been serviced regularly is a better candidate for repair than one that breaks down every winter. Keep a note of repairs and costs; a pattern is more telling than any single fault.

Are parts still available?

For older models, parts can become scarce. If the engineer has trouble sourcing a part, that's a sign the boiler is near the end of its practical life.

How big is the repair compared with replacement?

A small, common fault is usually worth fixing. A major component failure on an older boiler is where replacement starts to make more sense. Ask for both prices so you can compare.

Is it still under warranty?

Check before paying for a repair. Many warranties require annual servicing by a Gas Safe engineer.

Is it safe?

If an engineer classes an appliance as unsafe, they'll explain what that means and may disconnect it. Ask for the findings in writing.

Thinking about running costs

A new boiler may use less fuel than an old, inefficient one, but how much you'd save depends on your home, your usage and the system. Be cautious about claims of specific savings without a clear basis, and ask the installer to explain any figures they quote.

You may also want to consider whether a different heating system suits your home. Government schemes for heat pumps and insulation change over time, so check GOV.UK for what's currently available.

Comparing quotes

For a replacement, get at least two or three written quotes. Compare:

• The boiler make and model.
• What's included — flushing the system, controls, flue, removal of the old boiler.
• Warranty length and its conditions.
• How the installation will be notified to building control.
• Timescales.

The quote comparison checklist helps make sure you're comparing like with like.

Emergency repairs

If you need urgent help, emergency call-outs can carry extra charges. Ask what the call-out fee covers before the engineer arrives.

Next steps

Get a written diagnosis, ask for both repair and replacement prices, and compare them. Estimo's home repair cost estimator can give you a personalised range to check quotes against.

Sources

• Gas Safe Register
• GOV.UK — Building regulations approval