Quick summary
- Most of the time, repairing is far cheaper than replacing your boiler.
- Keeping your existing boiler with insurance costs is up to 55% cheaper
- Even keeping it going for just 2–5 more years can save £1,000s compared with replacing now.
- Replacement only makes sense if the boiler is unsafe, truly irreparable or if you’re ready to move to a heat pump.
Why households feel pressured to replace
Boilers often break in winter when you need heat back quickly. In that stressful moment, many households hear: “It’s old, you need a new one.”
Because replacing at 10–12 years has become the UK norm, people accept this advice without questioning it, even though most boilers are repairable and have many years of life left.
The true cost of replacement
Replacing your boiler is a major expense:
- Installation: £2,250–£3,660
- 10 years of servicing: £850
- 10-year total: £3,100–£4,520
Almost all households already have A-rated boilers, so you won’t make this back through lower gas bills. Energy savings from “new for old” swaps are minimal.
The value of repair (or boiler insurance)
Keeping your existing boiler running is far cheaper:
- Boiler cover + annual service: ~£200 a year
- 10 years = £2,000
- 5 years = £1,000
- 2 years = £400
Typical repairs cost around £300 each. Even with one or two repairs, you stay well below the cost of replacement. Boiler insurance is ideal for peace of mind and most providers accept boilers of any age if they’re working at sign-up.
The myths that cost you £1,000s
“Your boiler is too old.”
- Most boilers last around 22 years with servicing. Under 20 years? It likely has plenty of life left.
“Parts are getting scarce.”
- Parts for boilers 15–20+ years old are still widely available.
“A new boiler will save you money.”
- Most homes already have an A-rated boiler, so savings are minimal. Real gains come from optimising your existing system.
“You need a new boiler for the warranty.”
- Warranties only cover manufacturing faults. Boiler insurance offers similar reassurance for far less cost.
Why repair buys you time
Repairing isn’t “making do” — it’s a way to avoid wasting money and keep your options open.
Because gas boilers are being phased out and heat pumps will become the norm in the next 10–15 years, replacing now can leave you stuck with gas until the late 2030s.
Repairing and insuring your boiler gives you time to:
- Save for your next system
- Upgrade key radiators at your own pace
- Fit a heat pump–ready cylinder when convenient
- Plan your switch properly, not during a winter emergency
When replacement does make sense
Replacing is the right call if:
- The boiler is unsafe and cannot be made safe.
- It is irreparable or failing repeatedly.
- It is 25+ years old with major parts failing.
- You’re ready to switch straight to a heat pump.
These situations are rare compared with how often households are told to replace early.
Buy time, cut costs and plan your switch - get your free Warmur Report & Readiness Score.
Guides in this section
Why buying “one more boiler” rarely saves money and locks you into gas for longer.
A simple guide to when repairing your boiler is the smarter, cheaper choice.
How long should my boiler last?
Why boilers last longer than you think and how to avoid early replacement.
Cut bills without replacing your boiler
Quick efficiency wins to save money with the boiler you already have.
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