How Long Do Gas Boilers Last?

Gas boilers play an essential role in keeping our homes cosy and our showers warm, but have you ever wondered how long these hardworking appliances can actually keep chugging along?
Why is it important to think about how long a gas boiler will last? Well, it helps us prepare for any future maintenance concerns, know when to buy a new one and, most importantly, work out how much it’ll cost.

In this article, we talk about everything you need to know about gas boilers and just how many years they typically last before calling it a day.

A gas boiler is a type of heating system that uses natural gas as its fuel source to heat water.
You can think of it as a powerful heating appliance that ensures your home stays warm and provides you with hot water for everyday tasks, such as heating your radiators, showering, and washing the dishes. It’s essential to your home’s infrastructure, especially when the colder months roll around.

Generally speaking and based on the average household, a gas boiler can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years. 

However, it’s important to remember that a boiler’s life expectancy isn’t just about how many years it can work – it’s also about how efficiently it’s working. As gas boilers age, they can become less efficient, which means they use more gas to produce the same amount of heat.

So while you might get 15 years out of a boiler, after a decade, it might be worth thinking about getting a new one. That’s because a newer, more efficient gas boiler model could save you money on energy bills.

Yes, many gas boilers are designed to be energy efficient.
Nowadays, a quality, A-rated gas boiler model is engineered to convert a large portion of the gas they use directly into heat. Think of it as getting more heat for the same amount of gas.

So what’s the big deal about that? A lot less waste – it’s essentially like having a smart machine that knows how to use gas wisely. This is great, because wasting less energy means you’re only using what you need to keep your house warm, which can lead to some nice savings on your energy bills.

And let’s face it, who doesn’t want to save a little money where they can? So not only do these boilers do their part to help the environment by wasting less, but they can also be kinder to your bank account.

If you’re passionate about the environment and care about your own carbon footprint, you might be wondering, “But, aren’t gas boilers bad for the environment?”
Gas boilers do have an impact on the environment, mainly because they use natural gas. When we burn natural gas, it releases carbon dioxide, a type of greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. So in that sense, yes, using gas boilers does have an environmental cost.

However, it’s important to know that not all gas boilers are the same. Modern gas boilers are designed to be much more efficient than they used to be, with the ability to get more heat from less gas. And if they’re using less gas, they’re also producing less carbon dioxide.

No, gas boilers aren’t being phased out entirely. But, they won’t be installed in new build homes from 2025. This is because the UK government is on a mission to reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2050.
So, what does that mean for you? Well, it doesn’t mean your existing gas boiler will suddenly stop working or become illegal. It just means that, in the future, when it comes time for your old gas boiler to be replaced, you might have to choose a greener option. This could be something like a heat pump, which works a bit like a refrigerator but in reverse, taking heat from the outside air and using it to warm your home.

If your gas boiler is 25 years old, it’s safe to assume it’s time to replace your boiler.
Even if no issues arise during its annual boiler service, there’s just no way a boiler of this age could compare to modern, A rated boilers of today.

So, if your boiler has reached the ripe old age of 25, we’d highly recommend seeking to replace your boiler – even if it’s just for the sake of your energy bills!

Technically, yes. They can. But, it’s not common, and we would be very surprised if your 40-year-old gas boiler were operating at a fully optimum, energy-efficient level!

Related article: A Guide to Having your Gas Boiler Replaced

• An annual boiler service isn’t enough – too often, you find your boiler breaking, followed by expensive repairs.
• The gas boiler’s efficiency – it feels like your boiler is working overtime to keep up with daily requirements, such as your hot water demands.
• Your central heating feels uneven – it doesn’t seem to heat your home evenly or provide enough hot water anymore.
• Heating bills are high – your energy bills keep going up, even when your usage happens haven’t changed.
• You’ve had the same boiler for 10+ years – a reliable gas safe engineer will always recommend replacing your boiler if it’s approaching the 10 to 15-year mark.
• It’s no longer a good-quality boiler – does it makes weird noises or smells strange? That’s a sign that something might be seriously wrong. If this sounds like your gas boiler at home, we strongly encourage you to seek advice from a qualified engineer.

If you’re not quite ready to invest in a new boiler just yet, you’ll be glad to know that there are some worthwhile tips to be aware of to extend the lifespan of your boiler.

• Gas boiler serviced annually – make sure to have an older boiler checked and serviced regularly by a qualified professional.
• Check boiler and heating system regularly – check the water pressure and temperature every now and then, just to make sure everything is working as it should.
• Keep tabs on your heating and hot water – make sure your hot water taps and radiators are working properly and not blocked. If they’re not, check in with a qualified engineer to make sure your boiler is working as it should be.
• Follow the instructions from the manufacturer – after all, they know their product best!
• Don’t ignore any problems – get them fixed quickly to avoid any preventable issues with your old boiler.

If it’s time to replace your gas boiler, contact us today to speak to a member of our friendly team about what we can do for you.

At Home Care Heating, we provide an affordable boiler installation service, allowing our customers to stay warmer for less. Plus, we only install A rated boiler models from the most reputable manufacturers – which means impressive, efficient boilers that help keep energy costs down.

So, whether you’re in need of some advice on your existing boiler or looking for a provider you can trust to deliver a quick and hassle-free installation service, we’re here to help in anyway we can when it comes to your boiler needs.