When should you replace a gas boiler or central heating system?

Central heating systems have a primary heating appliance such as a furnace or boiler located in an out-of-the-way spot such as a basement or garage. The system delivers heat throughout the house, either by pumping warm air through a system of air ducts or more likely, sending hot water through pipes to room radiators or convectors. In London they are mostly powered by natural gas.

If your gas central heating system fails - it can be an expensive business to get it fixed. It can also be very inconvenient. No hot water or heating in the winter is a nightmare.

So when should I replace it?

If the boiler is more than 15 years old, you should consider replacing your system with one of the newer, energy-efficient units. A new unit would greatly reduce your energy consumption, especially if the existing equipment is in poor condition. An old boiler will be more expensive to run. You'll see a dramatic improvement in efficiency and a reuction in your gas bills.

If the system has broken down and it's 10 years old, consider replacing it. Old boilers are like cars. Once they start going wrong, they usually keep going wrong. You'll end up throwing good money after bad replacing worn parts like PCB Boards and heat exchangers.

If you have an unreliable boiler than is constantly breaking down - consider replacing it. Cheap makes like Ideal, Ariston or Ferroli are likely to be more unreliable than Worcester or Vaillant. Landlords and cheapskates install cheap makes of boiler. And are then surprised when they make up the difference in cost with call out charges from plumbers and gas engineers. So, do yourself a favour and buy the best boiler you can afford from a good manufacturer - that'll be a German company then!

Before calling a plumbing and gas heating company - do your homework. Research the company, ask for references and most of all make sure the professional engineer sent to you is is licensed and registered with Gas Safe. A professional central heating installation will normally guarantee the boiler installation for a period of years.

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