As a landlord, you’ve already got plenty on your plate, from managing tenants to meeting every legal requirement. One thing that’s easy to overlook is the boiler. A reliable heating system might not seem urgent until it breaks down, leaving you with cold tenants and unexpected costs.
In this guide, we’ll explain how long boilers last, the signs it’s time for a boiler replacement, and why a new boiler installation can save you money in the long run. GMC Gas offers a range of boiler services for landlords, designed to keep properties safe, efficient, and compliant.
How long do boilers last?
Most boilers will keep going for around 10 years with regular boiler servicing. After that, they usually start to lose efficiency, break down more often, and in many cases cost more to run than they should.
At GMC Gas, when we carry out a new boiler installation, landlords benefit from a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty and a 1-year service workmanship warranty, provided the boiler is serviced annually. That means peace of mind for a full decade, as long as you keep on top of servicing. We offer boiler servicing to help you maintain your system, and you can easily book a boiler service to protect your investment while keeping tenants safe and warm.
If your rental property’s boiler is creeping up to that age and doesn’t have warranty cover, it’s worth planning ahead rather than waiting for a boiler breakdown in the middle of winter. If you are a landlord based in or around Glasgow, at GMC Gas we offer tailored landlord services to keep your properties safe, efficient, and fully compliant.
The tell-tale signs it might be time for a new boiler
It’s not always obvious when a boiler is ready to be replaced. Sometimes it’ll keep limping along with minor repairs, but there are a few red flags landlords should pay attention to:
- Rising energy bills: Older boiler systems must work harder to deliver the same results, often pushing up costs.
- Patchy heating or unreliable hot water: Tenants may start reporting inconsistent temperatures or lack of hot water.
- Strange noises: Banging, clanging, or whistling sounds can indicate internal issues.
- Frequent engineer callouts: If you’re calling an engineer more than once or twice a year, repair costs may soon exceed the price of a new installation.
- Hard-to-find spare parts: If replacement parts are obsolete or tricky to source, the boiler is likely outdated.
In these cases, arranging a professional boiler replacement is often the most cost-effective and reliable solution, ensuring your property stays warm, efficient, and compliant.
Boiler Safety and compliance for landlords
Even if a boiler is still technically working, landlords have a legal duty to make sure all gas appliances in their properties including boilers are safe and efficient. Under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, you must arrange an annual gas safety check with a Gas Safe registered engineer.
This is a key part of landlord gas safety responsibilities, and if your boiler doesn’t pass that inspection, you’ll need to repair or replace it straight away. Failing to do so not only puts tenants in danger but could also leave you with invalid insurance and some very costly fines.
Upgrading to a new boiler may feel like a big investment, but it can save landlords money and hassle in the long run. Modern systems are far more efficient, which means lower energy bills and happier tenants. You’ll also cut down on repair callouts and enjoy the reassurance that comes with a manufacturer’s warranty.
And with GMC Gas, that reassurance lasts up to 10 years – provided you keep up with the annual boiler servicing. That gives landlords an easy way to budget, knowing they won’t face unexpected boiler replacement costs for a whole decade.
Repair or replace your Boiler?
So, where’s the line? If the boiler is 10 years or older, breaking down more regularly, or driving up bills, boiler replacement is usually the smarter move. Our experienced engineers can always give you an honest assessment so you know whether a repair will do the job, or if it’s time to consider a full boiler installation. Choosing a professional boiler replacement not only improves efficiency but also helps future-proof your property with a reliable, modern system.
At GMC Gas, we provide a wide range of gas services to keep rental properties safe, efficient, and compliant. From routine gas safety checks and boiler repairs to complete installations, our fully qualified engineers are here to make the process straightforward.
We also offer Landlord Service Packages to give you peace of mind all year round – covering everything from annual CP12 certificates to emergency support when tenants report issues. Our packages are tailored to your specific requirements, ensuring you get exactly the support you need.
If you’re not sure whether your rental property’s boiler is due for replacement, it’s better to check now than to wait until the cold sets in this winter. Contact GMC Gas today or call 0141 374 0323 to arrange a boiler inspection or quote for a new boiler installation.
With annual servicing and the option of up to 10 years’ warranty when installed by GMC Gas, landlords can relax knowing their properties are in safe hands.
Key takeaways for landlords:
- Boilers typically last around 10 years – plan ahead before failure
- Frequent boiler breakdowns or rising energy bills are signs to consider replacement
- New boiler installations improve energy efficiency and reduce repair costs
- GMC Gas offers up to 10-year warranties with annual boiler servicing
- Stay compliant with annual gas safety checks to protect tenants and avoid fines
Contact GMC Gas to arrange a boiler inspection or installation quote.