When making a decision on your boiler, always consider safety first. If your boiler is old, it may not meet modern laws and guidelines on boiler safety and operation. The first thing you should always do is consult a professional to make sure that your boiler is safe, and see if it could be safely repaired.

Even if an engineer can repair a fault with your boiler, it may still be potentially unsafe and prone to problems. In the worst of cases, your boiler may even be at risk of producing carbon monoxide. A professional will be able to inform you if your boiler can be safely used, or needs replacing.

Once your boiler has been checked over and you can be sure that it’s safe to continue using, you can consider the other factors that will impact on whether your boiler should be repaired or replaced.

Even if the fault with your boiler can be fixed, a new boiler may be significantly more energy efficient. You may even be able to save money in the long run by installing a boiler that is more efficient.

Rather than paying for a repair, consider whether or not this may be a good opportunity to replace your boiler and make efficiency savings. A more efficient boiler can heat the rooms in your home more quickly and do a better job of keeping you warm through the winter months.

If your boiler is already a modern, energy efficient model, simply having a repair carried out by a registered professional may be the best course of action for getting your boiler back into working order quickly.

For some older boilers, the cost of repair may be significantly increased because replacement parts are no longer readily available. Look at the potential cost of repairing your boiler and assess if replacing it could actually be a more cost-effective solution. Bear in mind that the cost of repairs for an old boiler will only increase over time.

If the cost of a repair to your boiler is relatively low, or the repair is simple, then this may be the best choice for your boiler. Not only that, but many newer boilers will likely still be covered with a warranty. This can cover the cost of replacement parts, and may even cover the cost of labour as well in some cases.

Are breakdowns becoming all too familiar? If your boiler is constantly running into problems, then replacing it with a new model may be the best option. The cost of constant maintenance and a repair can mount up over time, particularly for older boilers.

Frequent breakdowns can be a hassle and can be stressful, particularly in the winter, so think about whether you’d rather avoid this and replace your boiler with a new model that is likely to be much lower maintenance.

If your boiler very rarely breaks down and is a newer model, then repairing it is probably the best course of action as frequent problems are unlikely. Many people don’t notice boiler issues through the summer and don’t address them until the winter, even though it may be a simple fix. If you’ve turned your boiler back on for the winter and have noticed a problem, it may not be a serious issue.

Finally, consider any potential future costs for your boiler. Think about how much longer your boiler is likely to last and whether replacing it now could be a better decision in the long run. A professional engineer can help you with this, and talk through your boiler’s potential lifespan to help you decide.

If your boiler is out of warranty, future costs could be particularly significant, as you will no longer be covered for breakdowns and will need to cover the full cost of dealing with any repair issues.

If you’re planning home improvements that involve moving or upgrading your boiler, this could be an ideal time to consider a replacement. However, if these changes aren’t in the immediate future, and your old boiler is still functional, you may choose to hang on to it until the renovations are underway.