According to the experts at BOXT, running older appliances can actually cost people more over time than buying a new one.
Andy Kerr, Founder at BOXT, comments: “As people look to save money, appliances that are on their last legs are often overlooked, and this is especially the case with boilers. Whilst your boiler might look to be running smoothly, older systems often have an efficiency rating as low as 60% – meaning 40% of the energy that you pay for is simply wasted! As a consequence, they have to work harder to produce the same heat, and some won’t even be able to reach the levels of new boilers. This puts a bigger strain on the old system, causing issues and higher energy bills.
“Older boilers are also more prone to needing repairs, and with the average boiler repair costing £300, they are costs most people would like to avoid.”
How does keeping an old boiler waste money?
All new boilers after 2005 were required by law to be condensing boilers, meaning boilers installed before 2005 are likely to be less efficient. This can mean that if you have an old boiler, nearly 40% of your heating bill could be going towards energy that is being wasted in your home.
Older boilers are also more likely to need continuous repairs, with the average boiler repair costing £300¹. The cost of repairing a boiler can vary depending on a number of factors, for example, it may be more difficult to find parts for older boilers increasing the overall cost. Costs can also vary depending on the time taken to repair as engineers can choose to charge by the hour or by the job meaning the longer the job, the more expensive it becomes.
The cost between old and new
While buying a new boiler may seem like an extra cost, in the long run, you could save money and save energy. In fact, switching to an A-rated boiler could save you as much as £840 a year on your energy bills!
According to the Energy Saving Trust, if you have a G-rated boiler, you could be spending up to £840² extra a year on your energy bill. While if you have a D-rated boiler, you could be spending nearly £400 more every single year due to their inefficiency.
In a house that has a high gas usage, the estimated running cost for a G-rated boiler is almost £2,800, whereas a boiler with a rating of ‘A’s total annual run cost is less than £1970.
Buying a new boiler- how can it save you money?
New boilers are required to pass the ‘Boiler Plus Regulation’ meaning it has to be at least 90% efficient, with an efficiency grading of ‘A’. The high efficiency means that much less energy is wasted, helping you to save money on your bills.
Buying a new boiler doesn’t need to have a large upfront cost. BOXT’S boiler subscription package gives customers peace of mind as it offers unlimited repairs, replacements and servicing. This means that if your boiler does suddenly need to be repaired, no extra cost will be charged to you.
So how do you know when you need to replace your boiler?
Four Boiler Health Checks to Run:
1.Check the age of your boiler
Boilers have serial numbers on the front of them. To check the age of your boiler you can go to the manufacturer’s website and use the serial number to see when it was installed and registered with the manufacturer. You may also find when the boiler was installed in the manufacturer’s instruction booklet, or on previous documentation left by the installer such as the Benchmark Certificate.
2.Listen to your boiler
Keep an eye out for any unusual smells or strange noises coming from your boiler. This may indicate that something is not right with your central heating. ‘Kettling’ or a hissing-type noise may indicate debris collected in the boiler waterways, or low water pressure in the system and even pump failure. It is always advised to get a Gas Safe registered engineer to check the issue.
3.Check the time it takes for your radiators to heat up
Whilst cold radiators can be a sign of blockages, they may easily be fixed by bleeding them. If you continuously find that air is gathering in the radiators this could also be a sign of larger problems. Radiators that take a while to heat up can also be due to a blockage or cold spot, meaning your central heating system may be in need of a flush.
4.Check for leaks
If you notice any signs of a leak from your boiler, it could mean that a part or seal has failed and needs replacing. If this is the case, always book a service or repair with a Gas Safe registered engineer. Depending on the price of the repair, it could be more economical to buy a replacement boiler with a decent warranty, or consider a more cost-effective boiler subscription package.
“Getting your boiler serviced regularly is a great way to ensure your boiler is still healthy and can help to extend the lifespan of your boiler.” Andy says: “During an annual service, the engineer double-checks everything is working properly, providing visual inspections of the boiler and gas appliances. If there’s anything wrong with your boiler, they’ll know and they’ll be able to fix it before it becomes a bigger problem. Not only does this save money in the long term, but these checks also keep your boiler’s warranty valid, meaning that if a replacement is needed, the manufacturer will cover the cost. Our BOXT Life subscription package covers the cost of all services in a monthly subscription fee, which stops you from having to pay large sums of cash. ”
