How to dispose of your old boiler

Alternatively, you may wish to upgrade your boiler to a model with higher efficiency or to suit your home’s needs better. Newer boilers are typically designed to be more energy efficient, meaning they are better for the environment, have a low financial impact and help to lower your energy bills.

At Glow-worm, we offer a variety of reliable boilers to suit your needs, all of which are A-rated for efficiency, helping to lower your energy usage.

How do you dispose of your old boiler?

Old boilers should only be removed by a Gas Safe Registered heating engineer.

The best way to dispose of your old boiler safely and efficiently is by discussing the removal with your installation engineer prior to their visit. They can then handle the disposal as soon as they have completed the new installation.

If your installer is unable to handle the disposal of your old boiler, contact your local authority to request a secure waste collection service. This will guarantee the boiler is disposed of in a responsible and safe manner. At no point should you attempt to move or dispose of the boiler yourself.

It is also important that old boiler’s are not left outside of the home, as they are unlikely to be accepted by scrap merchants and may instead be at risk of being handled unsafely.

Can I sell my old boiler?

Old boilers should not be sold second-hand, nor should they be purchased. Installation, removal, and disposal of an old boiler should only be carried out by a Gas Safe Engineer. Older boilers can carry chemicals that, when handled incorrectly, may be harmful both to your household and to the environment.

Can I recycle my old boiler?

Unfortunately whilst the government has previously operated a boiler scrappage scheme, this ended in 2011. Whilst the Government continues to introduce grants and schemes to help homeowners reduce their home's carbon footprint, there is currently no replacement schemes for boiler disposal.

Can I take my old boiler to the tip?

No, you will not be able to dispose of your boiler at a recycling centre. This is because boilers can include a variety of materials which should only be handled by a Gas Safe Engineer. Boilers are typically regarded as business waste, rather than domestic waste, and are unlikely to be accepted by your local tip. However, your local recycling centre may help you find a professional that is able to safely remove, and dispose of your old boiler.

When is it time to replace my boiler?

Whilst replacing your existing boiler can be a good option for improving your home's overall energy efficiency, buying a new boiler is often a long term investment. Some signs that it may be time to replace your boiler include:

#1 Your boiler is over 15 years old

The timeline of boilers depends on various factors, including how well the boiler is maintained. The best way to ensure your boiler lasts as long as possible is to ensure it is serviced annually and fulfil any reasonable repair requirements that are recommended by your Gas Safe registered engineer.

This being said, you may wish to replace your boiler sooner if your existing model is no longer suitable for your household requirements, or if you wish to take advantage of some of the technological advantages that come with newer boiler models. Most new boilers have an increased energy efficiency, emit less emissions, and offer a greater opportunity to personalise your heating to suit your lifestyle, such as increased controls compatibility.

#2 Your boiler is breaking regularly

If your existing boiler system is regularly in need of repairs, it may be worth considering a replacement. These are signs that your boiler may also be decreasing in its overall performance, therefore losing efficiency and likely requiring more energy to maintain your home’s heating and hot water.

A new Glow-worm boiler offers a minimum of 5 years guarantee as standard (with up to 7 years for models such as the Energy combi boiler), giving you greater peace of mind and improving your home’s energy efficiency.

#3 Radiators are taking longer to heat

If your radiators are taking longer to heat, even after bleeding them this might be a sign your boiler is losing efficiency and having to work harder to heat your home (using more energy). This loss of performance could signify that your boiler is close to the end of its lifespan, or that it is unsuitable for your home’s heating requirements. Consult with your local Gas Safe registered engineer to check your boiler and discuss if your existing heating system is fulfilling your needs.

#4 Your boiler is making a lot more noise than usual

There are many, harmless noises that may come from your boiler and radiators, especially if they have been out of use for a prolonged period, or are having to work harder than usual. However, if you notice any noises which are outside of the norm, such as humming, vibrating, or a banging sound, it may be a sign to a larger fault within your system.

This could be an issue relating to your boiler, radiators, pipework, or heating system as a whole, so it is important that you consult your local Gas Safe registered engineer to diagnose the issue and recommend any further action.

Summary

The simplest way to dispose of your old boiler is by asking your installer to take it away with them once they have replaced the unit, sometimes at an additional cost.

If this service is not available, you should consult your local authority to see if they can offer you a safe waste collection service.

If you are renting, please make sure to consult your landlord before taking any action.