Parts have gone up by around 10% in the past year
As the colder months draw in and households across London start to switch their heating back on, it’s natural for many homeowners to feel a little uneasy about what lies ahead. Energy prices remain high, and there’s been no shortage of headlines about supply chain disruptions and rising costs. But as someone who’s worked in this industry for more than three decades, I can tell you the picture is more complex, and more interesting, than it might first appear.
At Maintracts Services, we’ve been keeping London homes warm and safe for over 50 years. In that time, we’ve seen the heating industry evolve dramatically, from the first combi boilers to today’s smart systems and growing demand for greener technology. What hasn’t changed is our commitment to helping homeowners understand what’s really going on behind the scenes, so they can make informed decisions about their heating and their budgets.
Right now, there are a few key factors driving the changes we’re seeing in boiler pricing and availability. Some of them are global (like inflation and supply chain challenges) while others are homegrown, including government policies designed to encourage greener heating.
In this article, I’ll explain what’s really influencing boiler prices this winter, what that means for you, and how you can prepare to stay warm and comfortable without overspending.
Are Boiler Parts
in Short Supply?
When it comes to keeping London’s homes warm, the good news is that in our experience, availability isn’t the issue. Most boiler parts can still be sourced quickly (usually within 24 hours) for the most common models. The real challenge this year isn’t scarcity; it’s cost.
Parts have gone up by around 10% in the past year. It’s not usually because there’s a shortage, we can still get what we need. The problem is inflation, shipping costs, and manufacturers adjusting their pricing. Everything just keeps creeping up, and it’s been that way ever since Covid.
The industry has faced continuous price hikes since the pandemic, with global events amplifying those pressures. There are so many things that affect pricing now, from political instability to tariffs and raw material shortages. We’ve noticed it particularly with European manufacturers, who produce most of the boilers, taps, and sanitary ware we install. Even the big German brands are now sourcing components from Asia - Thailand, Korea, and China, which means every disruption to shipping or supply has a knock-on effect.
These factors combine to create a perfect storm of rising costs. The heating industry is heavily dependent on steel and other materials from regions like Russia and Ukraine, so any disruption in those markets can ripple through the supply chain. Add to that higher energy and transport costs, and it's clear why prices continue to climb.
Still, there’s reassurance for homeowners. Despite rising costs, parts remain accessible, and engineers can continue to repair most common boilers without long delays. The takeaway? Homeowners may not face waiting lists for repairs this winter, but they will likely see a modest rise in servicing and replacement costs compared to last year.
The Hidden Factor – the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
As I mentioned above, we’ve noticed that boiler and part prices have risen around 10% over the past year, mainly due to inflation, shipping costs, and supply chain disruptions. While parts remain widely available, global factors like political instability and raw material shortages, particularly from Europe and Asia, continue to push costs up.
Another factor influencing boiler prices this winter is the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS). The scheme is designed to encourage households to switch to low-carbon heating, like air source or ground source heat pumps. Manufacturers must sell a certain proportion of these greener systems, or they risk financial penalties.
Manufacturers know they’re unlikely to meet these ambitious targets, so they build that potential cost into the price of gas boilers. Essentially, the price increase for traditional boilers includes the buffer for penalties, so they’re covered.
In my opinion, the targets are well-intentioned but unrealistic, especially for homeowners in urban areas like London.
Heat pumps are large units, more like air conditioning systems on the side of a house. They’re not practical for flats or many terraced properties. Retrofitting them into older homes is complicated: you may need bigger radiators or much better insulation to get the same heating performance as a gas boiler.
Hybrid systems exist that combine a gas boiler with a heat pump, using the heat pump when heating demand is low and the boiler for higher loads. However, uptake is limited. Listed or period properties face even more restrictions, as planning rules can complicate installations.
It’s not that heat pumps don’t work, but for many London homeowners, they’re not practical or affordable right now. Gas boilers remain the preferred choice until these challenges are addressed.
In a nutshell, a combination of global economic pressures and government policy means higher costs for traditional heating systems, even for households not considering a switch to renewables.
Which Boilers are
Most Affected?
Homeowners often ask which boiler brands and models are seeing the biggest price increases. We explain that while price rises are noticeable across the board, European manufacturers have been impacted most.
The increases tend to affect all models from a manufacturer, since many components are shared across their range. That said, the most popular family combi boilers are where homeowners are noticing the changes first, simply because these are the boilers most commonly installed in London homes. Premium models have seen price rises too, but they’re less visible to the majority of households.
The takeaway for homeowners is that while no single model is suddenly unavailable, the combination of increased parts and boiler costs means that budgeting for servicing or replacement is more important than ever.
Don’t wait until your boiler fails in the middle of winter. If your boiler is over 12–15 years old, it’s worth considering replacement options now, before prices climb further. Routine servicing can also help avoid bigger, more expensive problems later.
What This Means for Homeowners
Rising boiler and parts prices mean London homeowners need to be a bit more proactive this winter, but don’t worry, there are simple steps you can take to stay ahead.
First, book your boiler service early. Think of it like a health check for your heating system: spotting small issues now can save you from a bigger headache later. And try not to wait until the coldest months, engineers are busier then, and prices can creep up.
If your boiler is on the older side, say 12–15 years or more, it’s worth thinking about replacement sooner rather than later. Yes, a new boiler is an investment, but catching a potential breakdown early can save you a lot of stress and bigger bills down the line.
You might have heard about grants and subsidies if you’re considering greener options. While there’s some support for heat pumps, in London it can get tricky because of space and installation challenges. Gas boilers are still the most practical choice for most homes right now, and the good news is that parts are generally easy to get, so any repairs can be done quickly.
The main point? Acting early, whether it’s a service, a minor repair, or a full replacement, is the best way to keep your home warm and your budget under control this winter.
At Maintracts Services, we’ve been helping London homes stay warm and efficient for over half a century. Our advice is clear: don’t wait until the last minute. A little foresight goes a long way in keeping your home comfortable and your heating costs under control this winter.
Oliver Osmore has been part of Maintracts Services since 2001, following in his father’s footsteps. As Managing Director, he ensures the company runs smoothly, supports customers and engineers, and thrives on solving complex problems others can’t. Highly organised and approachable, Oliver works closely with customers to deliver tailored solutions, drawing on his extensive experience in plumbing, heating, and electrical services to resolve enquiries efficiently.
Since 1974, Maintracts Services has built a reputation for high-quality installation, maintenance, and repairs. Under Oliver’s leadership, the company remains committed to professionalism, safety, and customer satisfaction.