1. Is it still under warranty?
Some boilers come with warranties of 10 years – and the manufacturer will replace your boiler if it fails in that time. As always, check the small print of every policy – some charge a call-out fee. Others will bill you for installation. And always make sure you register the warranty as soon as your boiler is up and running (most have to be registered within 30 days).
2. Do you have boiler insurance (also known as boiler cover)?
If you’ve taken out an insurance policy to protect your home against boiler breakdown, you might be able to get some help with the cost of a replacement boiler.
3. What about your home insurance?
Some home insurance plans come with extra services, like home emergency cover. These typically cover things like repairs to your boiler if it breaks down in winter. And they may include a payout should you need a replacement boiler[2]. But it definitely pays to read the small print on all your policies, as some specifically exclude boiler replacement. All will have certain conditions you need to meet too – like servicing your boiler every year (and keeping proof of this).
4. Pay monthly for a new boiler
If you can’t afford the upfront boiler replacement cost, some providers will let you pay for it in monthly instalments instead. Essentially this is a type of loan – much like how you pay for your mobile phone. With a pay monthly deal, you spread the cost of the boiler over a fixed number of months. Bear in mind though there’ll be some interest you pay back each month too, so your total cost is likely to come in higher than the original boiler fee. Take a look at what’s involved through our provider, BOXT.
5. Rent a replacement boiler instead
You can rent your home and car… so why not your boiler too? The advantage of this is that you have a fixed monthly cost. There might not be any interest – but you’ll need to put down a deposit. And if you’ve ever struggled to pass a credit check, that might not be a problem when you rent your boiler. But as with any rental agreement, make sure you check any small print for the full details.
6. Look out for special offers
Admittedly, this isn’t a way to lower your boiler replacement cost. But given the high upfront cost for a new boiler, it’s worth checking if there are any deals or special offers available. At EDF, we often have special offers on smart home products when you take out a new boiler through us. Find out more here.
7. Should you buy a secondhand boiler?
Occasionally you might find a secondhand boiler listed on Gumtree or eBay. But it’s not always a good idea to buy it, especially if you don’t know the boiler’s history. Most people don’t replace their boiler unless it's broken or not working very well. Then there’s the cost of installing it – and paying for future servicing and maintenance. So be very wary of buying secondhand. One alternative to consider is a trade-in deal. Some boiler installers will give you a discount on your new boiler as payment for your old boiler. So ask if this is an option when you’re shopping around.