No boiler lasts forever. According to the Energy Saving Trust, heating and hot water accounts for over half of what is spent a year on energy bills. So replacing your LPG boiler can feel like a big commitment. Especially at the present time, when we’re all feeling the cost-of-living squeeze.
On average, an LPG boiler will last between 15 and 20 years, depending on how well it has been maintained. If your boiler is 10 years old or over, it may be nearing the end of its lifespan. You may find it’s becoming increasingly expensive to maintain, with more frequent breakdowns and more repairs required. Or it could be providing inconsistent heat, or taking longer to reach the set temperature, resulting in energy bills increasing as efficiency reduces.
If your boiler is showing signs it’s on its way out, it’s worth investing some time upfront to understand your options. Careful planning can help ensure optimal performance, efficiency, and long-term value.
The good news is that modern LPG boilers are far more energy efficient, meaning your fuel usage (and your bills) will drop. Plus, renewable gases are on their way, which offer a cost-effective, renewable and environmentally friendly solution to traditional LPG.
Summer is an ideal time to replace a boiler as it’s typically not in use for heating during this season. In this blog, we’ll explore the key considerations when replacing your boiler, and look at the different types of boilers available.
Finding the right boiler – what you need to consider
There are several things to think about when deciding which boiler is right for you. Key considerations are your budget, the amount of hot water you use, how much space is available, and compatibility with other energy sources, such as solar water heating.
When it comes to budget, don’t forget to factor in future running costs, regular maintenance, and the length of the warranty, which will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and from model to model. Some boilers are guaranteed for up to 12 years, providing peace of mind for many years to come. Take the time to research LPG boilers from reputable manufacturers that offer strong warranties and dependable after-care support. Choosing a trusted brand ensures peace of mind and long-term reliability.
Upgrading your LPG boiler may provide an opportunity to reposition it. There are a number of reasons you may wish to move it, such as for better accessibility, to improve aesthetics, or perhaps you are doing house renovations. Whatever the reason, to ensure a safe and efficient relocation and compliance with local building codes, it should only be done by a GAS SAFE registered engineer.
Energy efficiency
Most modern LPG boilers have an energy efficiency of greater than 90%, but efficiency varies from model to model and type to type. Always check the ERP rating. This is a measurement of how energy efficient a boiler is and an indicator of how much it’s going to cost to run.
The ERP can range from A+++ to G, with A+++ the most efficient. The higher the assigned alphabetical number rating, the more efficient the appliance in terms of its energy usage. High-efficiency boilers use significantly less LPG so reduce running costs, plus greater efficiency means less energy wasted so fewer carbon emissions.
LPG boiler options explained – finding the right fit for your home
There are three main types of LPG boiler to consider. Each offers different benefits, depending on your property size, hot water demand, and the amount of available space.
Conventional (Regular) LPG boilers
These are well-suited to homes with a high demand for hot water. While LPG boilers are generally more compact than their oil or mains gas counterparts, this type of boiler does require additional components, such as a hot water cylinder, often located in the airing cupboard, and a cold water storage tank (usually housed in the loft). Installation can be more complex and costly when compared to other boiler types.
Pros:
- Provide high hot water output
- Work well with traditional heating systems
- Are reliable for high demand
Cons:
- Require space
- Higher installation costs
- Slower hot water replenishment
LPG combi boilers
The most compact solution, combi boilers don’t require a hot or cold water storage tank. All the heat and hot water come directly from the boiler itself, making it a good option in smaller homes where space is limited.
Combi boilers give you heat and hot water on demand. They’re an efficient choice for smaller households with low water demands. They work less well for houses with high hot water demands or where water pressure is low.
Pros:
- Compact design, perfect for smaller homes or flats
- On-demand hot water
- Lower installation costs
Cons:
- Limited hot water flow
- Not ideal for larger families
- Pressure dependent
LPG system boilers
If you have more than one bathroom or need hot water on demand, a system boiler may be the ideal choice. System boilers, whilst similar to conventional boilers, have integrated components that simplify installation. They do not require a cold water storage tank, which reduces the space required, but work by retaining hot water in a sealed hot water cylinder. They are a good fit for medium to larger families with high hot water needs, offering a balance between efficiency and performance. They’re also compatible with solar panels.
Pros:
- Efficient for larger families
- No cold water tank required
- Faster hot water recovery
Cons:
- Require a hot water cylinder
- Not instant hot water
- Installation costs can vary
Renewable options explored
We’re all becoming more aware of our carbon footprint and our contribution to climate change. You may wish to consider alternative energy sources such as renewable heating options. Renewable heat systems extract heat from sustainable energy sources. Options include air and ground-source heat pumps, biomass boilers, and solar panels.
Heat pumps, which are the focus of the UK Government’s ‘feel all warm and fuzzy inside’ campaign, use electricity to take heat from the air or ground, and use it to heat hot water or air. However, they’re not suitable for every home.
Biomass boilers run on wood pellets and produce fewer emissions than fossil fuels. However, they require space. Boilers are generally larger than conventional LPG boilers, plus space is needed for storing the pellets. They require more hands-on maintenance than conventional boilers, as boilers require regular loading of pellets, and ash needs to be removed on a regular basis.
Solar panels absorb energy from sunlight to produce hot water which can be used for a wet central heating system and domestic hot water. However, both heat pumps and solar panels deliver central heating at a lower temperature than LPG boilers, so home improvements will need to be made to achieve the same heat – which can significantly increase the costs associated with installing renewable energy.
Combining an LPG boiler with solar panels, which produce most of the hot water during sunny months, can be an efficient solution, depending on your property, and help to cut ongoing fuel costs as well as your home’s overall carbon footprint.
Whatever boiler you choose, it’s important that the removal of your old boiler and installation of the new one is carried out by an accredited GAS SAFE registered engineer. Once done, to ensure your boiler continues to operate safely and efficiently, regular maintenance is essential. It will also typically be a condition of your warranty – skipping a service or failing to document it can void the warranty.
Routine boiler services maximise performance and extend the lifespan of your boiler. They can also help to identify potential issues before they develop into costly repairs, plus an annual boiler service plays a critical role in preventing carbon monoxide leaks.
Again, always choose a GAS SAFE registered engineer to carry out any maintenance, which will ensure the engineer is legally qualified to work on gas appliances such as LPG boilers, guarantees the highest standards of safety, and ensures your warranty remains valid too.
Thinking of replacing your LPG boiler? We’re here to help. Whether you need advice, help finding an engineer, or just want to explore your options, we’re only a phone call away.
Call us on 01423 772 789 – we’re just a phone call away.