Back boiler
replacement
Still heating your home with an old back boiler behind the fire? Here’s what replacing it involves, and how to get a fixed price for a modern combi or system boiler.
- What happens
- Old boiler and fire unit removed; new combi or system boiler fitted elsewhere, usually the kitchen
- Time to fit
- Longer than a straight swap; confirmed before work starts
- Included
- Boiler, flue, fittings, Gas Safe certificate and commissioning
- Your price
- Fixed online in a couple of minutes
An old boiler
behind the fire
A back boiler sits in the fireplace opening behind a gas fire, and usually heats hot water stored in a cylinder in the airing cupboard, fed by tanks in the loft. Many were fitted in the 1960s to 1980s, and plenty are still running in the terraces and semis of Doncaster, Barnsley and Rotherham.
They’ve lasted well, but they’re far less efficient than a modern condensing boiler, spare parts are getting harder to find, and the fire and boiler are often tied together, so a fault in one can leave you without both.
Back boiler replacement is a bigger job than a straight boiler swap. The old boiler and fire unit come out, and the new boiler is usually fitted somewhere else, often in the kitchen. Every job is priced up front, so you know the full cost before we start.
Get your fixed price online in a couple of minutes →
- Fixed price before any work starts
- Gas Safe registered engineers
- Combi or system boiler, matched to your home
- Pay with Klarna at checkout
Where the new boiler goes
Usually the kitchen or a utility room, close to an outside wall for the flue. We agree the position with you when you book.
Combi or system?
With one bathroom, a combi heats water on demand, so the loft tanks and cylinder can usually go. With two or more bathrooms, a system boiler with a cylinder often suits better.
The fireplace
Once the back boiler and fire unit are removed, the fireplace opening is left ready for whatever you want next. Talk to us about it when you get your quote.
Pipework and radiators
Back boiler systems often have older pipework. Our engineers check the system and tell you up front if anything else needs attention.
Back boiler replacement,
step by step
1. Get your price
Choose “back boiler” in our online quote and you’ll get a fixed price that includes removing the old system, not just fitting the new boiler.
2. Out with the old
Our Gas Safe engineers safely disconnect and remove the back boiler and fire unit, and any tanks and cylinder you no longer need.
3. New boiler fitted
Your new boiler is fitted, the system is flushed and commissioned, and you get your Gas Safe certificate and a walkthrough of the controls.
Replacement boilers we recommend
Leading brands with long manufacturer warranties, matched to your home.
Back boiler replacement
FAQs
How long does a back boiler replacement take?
Longer than a like-for-like boiler swap, because the old boiler, fire unit and often the tanks have to come out and the new boiler goes in a new position. Your engineer will give you a realistic timeframe before work starts.
Can a back boiler be repaired instead?
Sometimes, if the fault is minor and parts are still available. But parts for older back boilers are increasingly hard to find, and the efficiency gap with a modern condensing boiler is large, so replacement is usually the better long-term choice.
Is there a grant for back boiler replacement?
Grant schemes change often and depend on your circumstances. Check GOV.UK for the schemes available where you live before you book.
Do you replace back boilers outside Doncaster?
Yes. We replace back boilers right across South Yorkshire, including Sheffield, Barnsley and Rotherham.
Find a local page: Doncaster · Sheffield · Barnsley · Rotherham. Energy-saving schemes: GOV.UK.
Don’t just take
our word for it
“Had this company fit my new boiler and i cannot recommend them enough. Excellent service from start to finish. Turned up on time , and were very clean and tidy throughout the instalation , Also they are lovely polite lads. I would definatley use this company again.”
“Highly recommend! Very professional and polite after the job was done he left the work area very tidy.”
“Quality service and polite set of lads, would definitely recommend”
Get a fixed price for your
back boiler replacement
Answer a few quick questions, choose “back boiler” and see your price straight away. No call needed and no obligation.