Can I Get a Boiler Repaired Instead of Replacing it Entirely?
No, you can’t get your malfunctioned boiler repaired instead of replacing it through any of the free grants. It is only possible if you do it on your own expenses. Otherwise, the grants don’t have such service.
Why Don’t the Grants have Repairing Services?
Following are the some main reasons for the grants to provide repairing services:
Upgradation
The very first reason for grants not providing repairing services is their upgraded version. First of all, you have to understand why upgrading is necessary for the boiler. There are several reasons for this purpose, such as the following:
- The efficiency of the old heating systems was very low. The older boilers are only 60 to 70% efficient. However, new boilers are 80 t0 90% efficient. In this way, it will produce a small amount of waste and protect the environment from air pollution.
- The new systems can cost you more money than repairing but they save a lot of your money in the form of lower energy bills. As they consume less fuel, they will result in lower energy bills.
- If you compare the reliability of old heating systems with the new ones, they are more prone to sudden breakdowns. You can’t rely on them for the comfort of your family. There are thermostats in the new models of boiling systems which allow you to control the temperature of the home.
- The new boiling systems don’t require frequent repairing and maintenance. In this way, they will not only maintain comfortable temperatures but also provide you peace of mind.
- Moreover, technology is evolving towards carbon free systems. Every new model of boilers releases less carbon dioxide than the previous ones.
That’s why the grants prefer replacement on repairing of boiling systems.
Long-term Benefits
Repairing is not a long term solution for a impaired heating system. If you want to have a peace of mind regarding your heating systems and don’t want to get disturbed by frequent expenses, you need to replace them with a new boiling system.
When you hire repair services, they can get your systems back to work. However, they are still prone to malfunction again. After some time, you will again need the repairing services. Once your heating system is repaired, there are very low chances that it can perform like the new one.
That’s why it is recommended to invest once on a new system to save yourself from frequent repairing expenses.
Limitations of Boilers
It is very clear that repairing can’t upgrade your boiler. They will still be energy inefficient and will consume even more fuel for the same results. Moreover, on every repair, the reliability of heating systems decreases. The systems after repair become more prone to carbon monoxide leakage and become hazardous.
Another most obvious limitation is the manufacturing of old boiler parts. Once new boilers are introduced in the market, there are very low chances that they make the parts of previous models. That’s why the grants go for replacement instead of repairing the old systems.
Integration of New Technology
Every new model of heating systems has advanced technology in it. They are more efficient, occupy less space, and integrate systems. Now, the boiling systems are advanced enough to connect them with the smart devices. At the same time, manufacturers of heating systems have introduced smart thermostats.
These thermostats will sense the temperature and maintain the set temperature by operating the boilers accordingly.
What are Your Options for a Malfunctioned Boiler?
As you can’t repair your impaired boiler from the grants, there are several other options to go, such as the following:
Energy Company Obligation (ECO4)
If you want to replace your boiler and you don’t have enough budget, ECO4 will be the best grant to provide you free of cost boiler replacement. In this boiler replacement scheme, they provide the complete boiler installation free of cost. However, they provide this free installation service only to those who meet their eligibility criteria.
Their eligibility criteria includes several factors, such as the financial condition, property type, and condition of the boiler. They provide different heating services for different applicants. These services depend upon the condition of the property and requirements.
Local Council Grants
Local council grants also provide free boiler replacements to the financially struggling households. These grants specifically target the people who are above 65 years of age and diseased people. If you want to get these benefits, you have to visit their website and apply for your required grants.
Affordable Warmth Scheme
Affordable warmth scheme is another grant that can help you deal with boiler replacement. This scheme targets the people struggling with the low income, vulnerable, and diseased people. The eligible people can get new high quality boilers which can save a lot of money in the long run.
Energy Supplier Support
Several energy suppliers launched grants to help their customers who are struggling with energy bills. Their schemes offer full or partial funding for new boiler installations. It depends upon the state and energy supplier company.
Conclusion
Now, you will have a clear understanding about the reasons why the energy grants provide boiler replacement services instead of repairing. It is very obvious that the replacement is a more reliable solution than repairing. That’s why free boiler schemes provide replacement grants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Qualifies for a Boiler Grant?
It depends upon the type of grant. However, if you consider the ECO4 grant, people who are low income, their properties should have EPC rating lower than D, and have boilers which are older than 15 years can qualify for this scheme.
How Long Grant Boiler Last?
The grant boiler can last between 12 to 18 years. It depends upon the frequency of use and wear and tear. Moreover, you can increase the boiler’s lifespan by maintaining it properly.
How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Boiler?
In the UK, it can cost between £1,500 to £5000 to install a boiler. It varies due to size and type of the boiler.
