A new boiler is the right call once your existing one is over a decade old, breaking down often, or burning more gas for less heat. The replacement itself is usually a one-day job for a like-for-like combi swap, or one to two days if you’re converting from a regular system. UKEM fits Ideal Logic 2 and Ideal Vogue boilers with a 2-year workmanship warranty on top of the manufacturer cover. The quote is done online or by phone, and gas boilers don’t need an on-site survey.
When should you replace your boiler?
Most gas boilers last 10 to 15 years. Past that, efficiency drops, replacement parts get harder to source, and the cost of keeping it limping along catches up with the price of a new one within a couple of winters.
The clearest signs it’s time to plan a replacement:
- The unit is 10 years old or more and has needed multiple repairs in the last two years.
- Heating is uneven across the house, or pressure drops constantly.
- Gas usage has crept up without a change in how you live.
- The pilot flame burns yellow rather than blue (a sign of incomplete combustion).
- Your last engineer struggled to source parts.
A failing boiler costs more than the headline of a replacement once you add up callouts, repairs, and the wasted gas a worn-out unit gets through. Replace it on your terms, not on the coldest night of the year.
What are the three types of boiler?
Every UK gas boiler falls into one of three categories. The right one depends on your hot water demand and what’s already plumbed in.
| Type | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Combi | Heats water on demand from the mains. No cylinder, no loft tank. | Flats and one-bathroom homes, and any property where space is tight. |
| System | Heats water and stores it in a cylinder, no loft tank. | Two-bathroom homes and families running multiple taps at once. |
| Regular | Uses a cylinder and a cold-water tank in the loft. | Older properties already plumbed this way. |
Combi boilers are the most popular by a long way because they save space and the install is straightforward. System boilers are the right call if you have two bathrooms and want strong flow at several outlets. Regular boilers are usually a like-for-like swap; converting away from one is possible but rarely worth the disruption unless you’re already renovating. The combi vs system vs regular guide goes deeper on the trade-offs.
Which boilers does UKEM install?
We fit Ideal only, in two ranges:
- Ideal Logic 2. Our mainstream combi range. Compact and quiet, and the unit we fit most often. Suits the bulk of UK homes.
- Ideal Vogue. A premium range available in both combi and system formats. Higher efficiency and better onboard diagnostics, with longer warranty options.
Ideal manufactures in the UK and runs a national parts and service network, which matters when something needs replacing in five years’ time. Sticking to one brand also means our engineers carry certified spares on the van and are trained deeply on the product range. The full lineup is on the boilers product page.
What’s included in a UKEM install?
Every quote covers the boiler, a new flue and termination, a magnetic system filter, a Gas Safe commissioning certificate, and the 2-year UKEM workmanship warranty. A power flush is included where the existing system needs one; we’ll flag it on the quote in writing rather than spring it on you on the day.
The price on the quote is the price you pay. If a wall needs opening up or extra pipework is required after a closer look, we’ll tell you in writing before any work starts.
Do I need a survey for a boiler quote?
No. Boilers don’t require an on-site survey. The quote is built from a short conversation about your existing boiler, your hot water demand, and where the new unit will sit. Heat pumps are the only product UKEM installs that needs a pre-install home visit; for a boiler you can lock in a fixed price without anyone setting foot in the house first.
How long does the installation take?
A like-for-like combi swap (replacing an old combi with a new one in the same location) is a one-day job. Conversions, where you change boiler type or move the unit, take one to two days because the old cylinder, loft tank, or pipework has to come out and the new system needs commissioning.
From quote to install, we typically book work in within three to five working days. Faster slots are usually available if your existing boiler has packed up entirely; we keep emergency capacity through the winter for breakdowns.
What does a new boiler actually cost?
Most UK boiler installs land in the low-to-mid four figures, depending on the model, the type of conversion, any pipework changes, and the size of the system. A straightforward Ideal Logic 2 combi swap sits at the lower end of that range. A Vogue conversion with a new flue route, magnetic filter, and power flush sits higher. Bigger homes with more radiators or a system boiler and cylinder cost more again.
You’ll get a fixed price up front, so the quote you accept is the price on the invoice. 0% finance is available, and longer pay-monthly options exist through Shermin Finance. The full options sit on the finance page.
Are there any grants for a new gas boiler?
There’s no government grant specifically for replacing a gas boiler. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), which provides up to £7,500 off eligible heat pump installations, only applies to heat pump installations.
Eligible low-income households may still qualify for a funded boiler replacement under ECO4 if they’re on certain benefits and live in an EPC D-G property. ECO4 is winding down through 2026 and is expected to be replaced by a successor programme; check current eligibility before assuming it applies. The 2026 grants guide covers what’s still available and what’s coming next.
Should you consider a heat pump instead?
Worth thinking about, even if you’ve ruled it out before. The BUS grant takes up to £7,500 off an eligible heat pump install, which closes the headline gap with a new boiler. In a well-insulated home, running costs end up similar or lower, and the system will outlast a typical boiler.
Heat pumps need a working level of insulation and adequately sized radiators. They aren’t right for every property, and they aren’t a cheap upgrade if your current home isn’t ready for one. The heat pump vs gas boiler comparison walks through where the maths swings each way.
The decision in one paragraph
Replacing your boiler at the right time saves more money over the life of the system than running an inefficient one into the ground. Once you’ve picked the type and sized the unit to match how the household actually uses hot water, the install itself is a one or two-day job. The bigger question is whether to go like-for-like or look at a heat pump while the BUS grant is still in place. The two guides linked above tackle each direction in turn.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a new boiler last?
Do I need a survey to get a boiler quote?
Is there a grant for replacing my gas boiler?
Can I get finance on a new boiler?
How long does the installation take?
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