Warmur - Make this boiler (my) last

Make this boiler (my) last

Quick summary

Modern boilers should last around 22 years
Most UK households replace far too early, often at half that age.
If you buy another boiler now, you’ll be tied to gas until the late 2030s.
Keeping your current boiler safe and efficient is cheaper.
Even keeping it for 2–5 more years can save £1,000s.
Instead of “one more boiler,” invest in your system
Heat pumps already work in UK homes today

The cultural habit of “one more boiler”

UK households are used to replacing a boiler every 10–12 years — often far earlier than needed. In reality, most boilers last 18–22 years with servicing and are highly repairable, meaning you usually have far more time than you think.

With gas being phased out and heat pumps becoming the standard replacement, continuing the “one more boiler” cycle now risks wasting money and locking you into gas for another decade.

Why making this boiler your last is the smarter move

1. Repairing often costs half as much as replacing

A new boiler typically costs £2,250–£3,660 upfront
Over a 10 year period that rises to £3,100–£4,520 with an annual service
By contrast, boiler cover - including an annual service - is around £200 a year, or £2,000 over 10 years.
Even with the odd repair, keeping your existing boiler going is usually 35–55% cheaper than replacing it.

2. Don’t lock yourself into gas
A new boiler ties you to gas for another 10–15 years — taking you into the late 2030s, while most homes will have already moved to clean heating.

3. Heat pumps are ready now
They work in almost every UK home, are heavily subsidised (£7,500 BUS grant + 0% VAT), and use 65–75% less energy than a boiler. Running costs can be less than a boiler with smart tariffs.

How to make this boiler last

Keeping your boiler running safely and efficiently buys you time to switch later without wasting money now.

Service annually
Consider boiler cover for peace of mind.
Lower the flow temperature if you have a combi (55–60°C).
Turn off pre-heat on combis.
Ask your engineer to down-rate the boiler and adjust pump speed
Balance radiators.
Add load/weather compensation controls where compatible.

These quick wins cut gas use, reduce wear and extend boiler life.

Invest in your system, not another boiler

If you’ve budgeted for a replacement, spend it where it actually improves comfort and future-readiness:

Upgrade key radiators to run at lower flow temperatures.
Fit a heat-pump-ready cylinder if yours is old.
Make small efficiency tweaks now.
Or simply wait - if the boiler works, keep it going safely until you’re ready to switch.

Why “hydrogen-ready” doesn’t change the picture

“Hydrogen-ready” is a marketing label. All modern boilers can handle a small hydrogen blend, and there are no viable plans for full hydrogen heating in UK homes. It’s not a reason to buy another boiler.

Plan the move to a heat pump

Buy time, cut costs and plan your switch - get your free Warmur Report & Readiness Score.