How Long Should a Combi Boiler Last?

What is the lifespan of a combi boiler?

A combi boiler will usually have a lifespan of between 10 to 15 years, however,  this can vary depending on the specific make and model you have. 

The lifespan can also be affected by how often you use it and whether it has been serviced regularly. 

How often should you replace a combi boiler?

Although boiler technology is always evolving, the best way to ensure you have the most efficient and reliable boiler is by upgrading your heating system every 15 years or so.

This doesn’t mean your boiler will suddenly stop working after 15 years. Instead, it is simply a general guideline, suggesting that after this period of time, it’s likely your boiler will begin to become more inefficient and so it would be more cost effective to upgrade to a new one. 

How long do Worcester Bosch combi boilers last?

Whilst Worcester Bosch themselves state there is no exact time frame for how long their boilers will last, they stick by the 10 to 15 year rule. Again, this will depend on a number of different factors, such as maintenance and the type of boiler. 

How long do Baxi combi boilers last?

Like Worcester Bosch, Baxi suggests your boiler should last from 10 to 15 years as long as it is serviced annually and well maintained. 

How long do Ideal combi boilers last?

Again, like the others, Ideal suggests that their boilers will last from 10 to 15 years provided that they are correctly serviced and maintained.

How do you know if your combi boiler needs replacing?

Buying a combi boiler can be an expensive decision, so it’s important to be aware of the signs that your combi boiler needs to be replaced. Listed below are the key signs to look out for. 

It’s over 15 years old 

Time is a great sign of when you need to replace your combi boiler. After 10 to 15 years, you may start noticing that things are going wrong with your boiler and losing efficiency. 

Your energy bills are increasing 

Old boilers tend to be much more inefficient than newer boilers, and therefore cost more to run. If you notice your heating bills are rising significantly, this may be time to invest in a new combi boiler. This will save you money, as well as help you to have less of an environmental impact. 

Common boiler problems are arising 

There are a number of reasons why your boiler may not be working. However, if you are noticing common problems such as gurgling, banging and leaking more often than usual, this could be a sign that your boiler needs to be replaced. 

Your boiler flame is yellow or orange 

If your boiler flame has changed from blue to yellow or orange, this is a sign of complete combustion which can increase the risk of carbon monoxide leaks. While fixing the issue should be straightforward for a heating engineer, if the issue persists,  it’s time to change your boiler. 

You can smell gas 

This one is obvious, but as soon as you smell gas, you should turn your boiler off and contact our emergency engineers immediately. A gas leak can be extremely dangerous, and if your boiler leaks gas, it is often a sign that it needs to be replaced.

Should you replace an old combi boiler if it works?

If your combi boiler is less than 8 years old, then repairing any issues it may have would be a more sensible option. 

However, if your boiler is more than 10 years old, then repairing any potential problems may not be the best option since chances are you will face more repairs in the future, which can become incredibly costly. Instead of paying for multiple repairs, it would be a much more cost effective option to replace your old boiler with a new, A-rated combi boiler. 

If you are interested in upgrading your old combi boiler to a brand new one, contact our expert boiler specialists for more information on our boiler installations. We will take the time to review your current combi boiler and ensure your new one works exactly how you need it to.