Can I get financial help to change my ageing boiler?

My boiler is 13 years old. Should I replace it?

If I need a new one, how much will it cost and can I get help paying for it?

Or should I replace it with a heat pump? BM, Clapham, London

Ruth Jackson-Kirby replies: Your boiler has served you well, but its age doesn’t automatically mean it needs to be replaced. ‘There is no set number of years for when a boiler needs to be replaced as it depends on the type, your home and how you use it,’ says Hannah Hughes, a heating engineer at British Gas.

You can look out for warning signs that your boiler is nearing the end of its life, such as frequent breakdowns, noises such as humming, vibrating, banging or a water leak.

Also keep an eye on your bills and the heat of your home. As your boiler ages, it will become less efficient, which means your bills could add up – above the price hikes that affect all of us right now – and your radiators may take longer to heat up.

Your boiler should be serviced annually. This is always a good time to ask the mechanic if it is nearing the end of its life.

How much you pay for a new boiler depends on the type you need, the brand and model you choose and the size. According to the Energy Saving Trust, you can spend an average of € 2,500.

‘When replacing your old boiler, it is always a good idea to go for a more economical model. While this is usually the more expensive option, an efficient boiler can reward you with cheaper bills in the long run,” says Bethany Howell of The Eco Experts.

For example, replacing an old G-rated boiler in a semi-detached house with an A-class condensing boiler costs around £4,000, but should save you around £540 a year.

There are several government schemes that can help you with the cost of replacing your boiler if you meet the criteria.

The Boiler Replacement Scheme Obligation Energy Company replaces old, inefficient, broken central heating boilers free of charge. To qualify, you must receive at least one benefit, such as income support or living allowance. You must also be the homeowner.

Alternatively, the Nest program in Wales offers free water heaters to homeowners and tenants who receive certain benefits or have a chronic medical condition.

In Scotland, the Warmer Homes Scheme provides free boilers and insulation to homeowners and renters who are struggling to pay their energy bills and have been living in their home for at least 12 months.

You can check your eligibility for a grant with the Simple Energy Advice calculator at simpleenergyadvice.org.uk/grant-eligibility/ questionnaire.

If you do not qualify for a scheme from the central government, you can still spread the costs of your new boiler. Energy suppliers such as British Gas, EDF and Eon all offer interest-free deals. British Gas, for example, offers five years interest-free credit on new boilers.

Some boiler manufacturers also offer interest-free deals, including Worcester Bosch.

“When it comes to replacing your boiler, it’s worth considering heat pumps — if your home can handle it,” says Howell. ‘This efficient heating system can save homeowners an average of £6,700 on energy bills over its lifetime, as it will last between 20 and 25 years, with a boiler having to be replaced every ten years.’

To install a heat pump system, your home must have underfloor heating or radiators two and a half times larger than regular ones. This is because heat pumps do not produce as much heat as a boiler, so they require a larger surface area to achieve the same heat level.

You’ll also need space for a hot water heater if you don’t already have one. A heat pump cannot supply hot water on demand like a ‘combi’ boiler.

The initial costs for an air/water heat pump are higher than for a traditional boiler. It costs between £7,000 and £13,000, according to the Energy Savings Trust.

The good news is you can get a grant of £5,000 towards government costs. The scholarship is available to anyone living in England and Wales.

You must use an MCS certified installer and agree a quote with them – they can then apply for the grant.