If you've recently acquired a new boiler or are wondering when it's time to replace one, you're certainly curious about how long a standard boiler lasts. In the average home, boilers can last up to 10-15 years.
It should be noted, however, that this timetable is conditional. If you do not maintain your boiler on a regular basis, its life expectancy will be reduced; therefore, be proactive in caring for it to maximise its lifespan.
Read on to find out how our skilled gas engineers can help you extend the life of your boiler, whether it's a combi or a traditional model.
How long can a boiler operate?
Modern combi boilers, as compared to older boilers, should last up to 15 years due to their high efficiency and fewer pressure issues. Of course, this is dependent on the model you choose and how well you maintain the system.
When choosing a boiler, consider the brand, make, and quality of the system.
Although a higher-quality boiler may be more expensive up front, you will reap the benefits in the long term by avoiding unnecessary, costly repairs. When you need a new boiler installed, our gas engineer will always give you advice and recommendations.
How to Extend the Life of a Boiler?
There are no two ways about it: your boiler will eventually need to be replaced. However, there are a few things you can do to extend the life of your boiler and keep your central heating system running as efficiently as possible.
Get an annual boiler service
The necessity of an annual boiler service from a Gas Safe Registered engineer cannot be overstated. A qualified gas expert can evaluate your boiler for efficiency and discover early signs of damage, which can save you money on repairs.
Even if your boiler appears to be in fine working order, an annual boiler service is a tried and true strategy to keep it that way. An annual service is required for Vaillant installed boilers after the first year to maintain your guarantee.
Keep rust at bay.
Boilers, like many other systems, are prone to rust and corrosion over time. The boiler may potentially be harmed as a result of this. To avoid this, just have a Gas Safe Registered engineer place an inhibitor in your system. This is a protective layer that grows around metals to prevent limescale and corrosion.
Please bear in mind that an inhibitor is a preventative measure, not a cure for limescale buildup. Your gas engineer will need to execute a power flush if your system has corrosion, sludge, or limescale (detailed below).
Keep sludge from accumulating
Sludge and debris can build up in the pipes of your central heating system over time, causing damage to your boiler. By installing a magnetic filter, a small component located within the system's pipes, sludge will be thoroughly filtered before it reaches the boiler.
A Gas Safe Registered engineer may install and clean a magnetic filter during your yearly service, which can help your boiler last longer.
Powerflushing
If your boiler is older, you may already have limescale or sludge accumulation. This can cause obstructions in the central heating system and corrosion, resulting in a boiler breakdown. Simply put, sludge buildup can drastically reduce the lifespan of your boiler.
A gas engineer will execute a power flush, which includes pumping a specific cleaning chemical through the heating system at high pressure. Depending on the size of your house, this can take anywhere from 8 hours to 2 days, but it is necessary if you want your boiler to last as long as possible.
Do you need the assistance of a Gas Safe heating or gas engineer?
Our gas engineers in Bathgate, Falkirk, Livingston, and Dunfermline assist with the maintenance of a wide range of boilers and heating systems. To contact us, please call 07562 288726 or fill out our online form.
