How Long Do Gas Boilers Last?

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A new gas boiler is a significant investment, so you should expect it to last for a good period of time. Typically, a quality boiler will keep your home toasty and warm for at least 10 years. Many boilers will last far longer than that, though. 

There are of course plenty of things that you can do to extend the life of your boiler, from managing maintenance with care to ensuring that any faults are picked up on and repaired quickly. Always use a qualified engineer to carry out any boiler-related work and you’ll avoid the risk of damage that could cause your boiler to fail much earlier than expected. 

If you’re thinking of replacing your boiler, or you’d simply like someone to check your current system to make sure it’s in full working order, we’re here to help. Contact our team and we’ll arrange for an experienced engineer to visit you at a convenient time. 

How long should you expect a boiler to last? 

A well maintained boiler should provide a reliable service for over 10 years, but of course the lifespan of a boiler varies quite considerably. On average, systems will work well for at least this long, but there are many factors that can influence how long a boiler works for. 

A boiler that is under considerable pressure on a day to day basis is unlikely to last as long as one that isn’t used quite as often, for example. But, on the other hand, boilers that are left unused for lengthy periods and therefore not maintained as well may also need to be replaced earlier. 

In a best case scenario, you may be able to increase the lifespan of your boiler to 20 years or more. To do so, you’ll need to maintain it well, servicing the system at least once a year. You’ll also want to ensure that any work is carried out by someone who really understands the system and how it works, and that all repairs are of the highest standard. 

The quality of the boiler itself will also have a bearing on how long it lasts. The finest quality models tend to be created using the very best components. Customers pay a premium for this level of quality, so it goes without saying that such units should of course outlast those that aren’t quite as high spec. 

How to get the most out of your boiler 

Maintenance is key, particularly if you want your boiler to last as long as possible. Take a look at some of the tips from our experts on how to prolong the life of your boiler. 

Monitor your boiler

Don’t overlook the work your boiler does. If you ever notice a strange noise, or you think that some radiators aren’t working as well as they used to, make sure you call in an engineer to get the issue investigated. Often, boilers will give a fair few warning signs of a potential fault before repair work needs to be undertaken. The earlier the problem is noticed, the better. 

Don’t overlook your annual service

Booking your annual boiler service might be low on your list of priorities, but it shouldn’t be. We always recommend that boilers are serviced once per year, no matter how old the unit is. With regular servicing, a quality boiler will work well for a considerable number of years. 

Choose a boiler that fits your property

If you’re selecting a new boiler, it’s vital that you consider options that suit your home and requirements. Boilers that are overworked will fail far sooner than those that are designed for the amount of pressure they’ll be put under. Think about how often you’ll use your heating and hot water, then choose a boiler with your specific needs in mind. 

Opt for a qualified engineer every time

Don’t be tempted to carry out any work on your boiler yourself. Not only is this likely to shorten the lifespan of your boiler, it could be incredibly dangerous too. If you have any concerns about your boiler, call in a qualified engineer. Make sure the person you’ve asked to work on your boiler is gas-safe registered and comes recommended. 

Get any problems fixed quickly

If you’re made aware of an issue with your boiler, make sure you get any repairs booked in and completely as quickly as possible. While not every boiler repair is time critical, it’s always worth getting a problem fixed sooner rather than later. 

Book a power flush

Every so often, your heating system may need to be professionally cleaned. This service, known as a power flush, can have a huge impact on the efficiency of your heating system. Particles of dirt and sludge will inevitably build up in a heating system over time. If these particles are left to continue building up, they will eventually cause problems that could affect your boiler. Talk to your heating engineer about a power flush and find out whether it might improve the health of your boiler or increase its longevity. 

What to do if you think your boiler needs replacing 

If you have any concerns about your boiler, don’t hesitate to contact us. Perhaps your heating has started making strange noises when you turn it on, or you’ve noticed that it doesn’t seem to be working as efficiently as it once did. Don’t worry – just give us a call and a qualified engineer will soon be there to check whether any repairs are needed. 

Our engineers will let you know whether your boiler would benefit from a repair, and book in a time to carry out the work. If your boiler does need to be replaced, our team will be able to advise you on which units might suit your property. We can even arrange a full boiler installation at a time that works for you. Get in touch and we’ll do the rest.