When your boiler stops working things can move quickly from inconvenience to what feels like disaster, especially during winter. But you can be prepared by understanding the warning signs of boiler failure in advance, what type of boiler you need, and how much the right replacement is likely to cost.

Here are five reasons you may need to think about a boiler replacement:

Funny smell coming from your boiler? Something’s not right. Carbon monoxide can be extremely dangerous to you and your family, so get it investigated by a professional right away.

If your energy bills are costing more than normal, it could be down to a faulty boiler. As they get older, boilers can lose efficiency and start to become more costly to run.

Banging, clanging, and whirring could mean anything from a broken valve to a heat pump problem, so it’s best to get it looked at as soon as possible.

In some cases, a slow boiler can be a sign it’s on its way out. If your home takes too long to heat up, or your water isn’t as hot as it should be, arrange for a heating engineer to come and take a look.

If you’re finding water around your boiler then it’s time to call in the professionals. A leak can lead to more serious problems, like rust or corrosion, as well as structural damage to your home.

Boiler replacement costs can range from anywhere between £1,500 to £3,200 , including installation. But before you settle on a budget, you’ll need to find out the kind of boiler that’s best for your property.

The type of boiler you should look for mostly depends on what your hot water needs are, but other factors like the age of your heating system and your water pressure may influence your choice.

There are three main types of boilers to choose from, combi, heat only and system boilers. We’ll take a look at standalone boiler prices, according to figures from Heatable.

A combi boiler heats your radiators and hot water from a single, wall hung unit. This is currently the UK’s most popular type of boiler replacement.

Combi boilers are small, making them ideal for even the cosiest of properties . They use the mains to heat water on demand, so you don’t have to make space for a water tank or cylinder.

Combi boiler prices range from £600 to £2,000, depending on the size and the model of the boiler.

A heat only boiler, also known as a regular boiler, is made up of three components – the boiler itself, a separate hot water cylinder and a cold-water storage tank. It provides hot water to the central heating as well as the storage tank.

It supplies hot water at a greater flow rate, so may be more suitable for larger properties with bigger hot water demands, for example if you have multiple bathrooms. Heat only boilers also work well with older heating systems that can’t cope with high water pressure.

Heat only or regular boiler prices range from £500 to £2,500, depending on the size and quality.

A system boiler is an upgraded version of a regular heat only boiler . It can provide both hot water and heating on demand.

Much like a heat only boiler , a system boiler has a separate hot water tank. And it doesn’t need a cold-water tank, as water is supplied to the boiler via the mains, so it takes up less space than a heat only boiler. It is less suitable for older properties as it’s a high-pressure system, and is unsuitable for areas with lower water pressure.

A new system boiler prices range from £600 to £2,500, depending on which model you choose.

There are also other, less common types of boilers in use in the UK. These include:

It’s difficult to estimate new boiler prices for these less common types of boilers, as they are very much dependent on individual situations and your specific needs.

Once you’ve chosen your boiler, it’s time to consider the boiler installation cost, which will be in addition to the basic gas boiler prices. There are a few factors to take into account:

A boiler flue is a large pipe leading from the boiler to the outside of your home. It makes sure condensation and flue gases are pumped out.

A plume kit is an extension that attaches to your boiler’s flue. They’re required by law if your flue is too close to a window, door, or neighbouring property.

A lot of older heating systems will no longer fit modern regulations. If this is the case, gas pipes may need upgrading.

A chemical flush helps to clear out sludge from your pipes. If you miss this step, the sludge will stop the hot water flowing around your system.

Depending on the amount of labour required, the cost to install your new boiler can vary depending on your location, the company you choose, how long it’ll take them, and the number of engineers required.

Most new boiler installations will include some kind of upgraded controller. The cost will depend on the type and brand you’ve chosen.

Magnetic boiler filters use powerful magnets to trap small particles of dirt and metal, protecting the boiler against damage or leaks.

On average, moving a boiler can cost anywhere between £250 to £500, according to Heatable.

The cost of moving a boiler should be weighed against the advantages of freeing up space where you want it in your home. Depending on how far from its current location you wish to move it, costs will be higher if you need to install new pipes, lift and replace floor boards, drill through walls and so on throughout your home as part of a complex move.

A new boiler installation can take between 1 to 3 days, depending on how difficult the job is. You should allow for initial investigation or survey appointments, where your plans and situation will be reviewed before installation starts.

Simply replacing a boiler like for like in the same location could take as little as one day, but choosing to move the boiler location or choosing to upgrade to a different type of boiler will add to the time needed to finish the work.

With so much to consider if your boiler fails, it’s best to be prepared for the worst.

Make sure your new boiler is protected with Saga Home Insurance and Home & Heating Emergency cover.

Saga Home Insurance policies, exclusively for people over 50, are unique products designed specifically for our customers. They are underwritten by a number of carefully selected insurers that provide our high standards of quality and service. Saga Home Emergency Insurance is provided by Inter Partner Assistance S.A. UK Branch, part of the AXA group.

Add our emergency call-out package to your Saga Home Insurance and get cover for home emergencies with a 24/7 emergency helpline, unlimited call-outs and up to £2,000 per incident. Optional cover available for your boiler & heating too.

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