The Big Decision
Your boiler has broken down and the engineer has given you two options: repair or replace. It's one of the most common dilemmas homeowners face, and the right answer depends on several factors.
The 50% Rule
The standard industry rule of thumb: if the cost of repair exceeds 50% of the cost of a new boiler, and the boiler is over 10 years old, replacement is usually the better financial decision. A new boiler typically costs £1,800–£3,500 installed – so any single repair over £900–£1,750 on an older boiler should prompt a serious conversation about replacement.
When to Repair
Repair is usually the right choice when:
- The boiler is less than 8 years old
- The repair cost is modest (under £300–£400)
- The boiler has been well-maintained with annual services
- The fault is a simple, one-off issue (not part of a pattern of failures)
When to Replace
Replacement makes more sense when:
- The boiler is over 10–12 years old
- You've had multiple repairs in the last 2 years
- The repair quote is more than half the cost of a new boiler
- Parts are hard to source (discontinued models)
- The boiler is consistently inefficient – leading to high gas bills
The Energy Efficiency Argument
Modern condensing boilers operate at 90%+ efficiency, compared to older systems that may be running at 65–75%. If you're paying high gas bills and your boiler is over 12 years old, a new boiler could pay for itself through energy savings within 5–7 years.
Get an Honest Assessment
We will always give you an honest recommendation. If a repair is the right option for your situation, we'll say so – even if it means a smaller job for us. Call us on our number and we'll give you a straight answer.