When Should You Replace Your Boiler? 10 Tell-Tale Signs to Look Out For!
If you have had your boiler for years and years, or you have recently moved into a new property and fear your old boiler isn’t running as efficiently as it should be, it may be time to replace it. The purpose of a boiler is to keep your home warm and cozy throughout the cold winter months. So, here are ten tell-tale signs that could indicate that it’s time for a boiler repair or replacement.
Unusual Noises
If you are being kept awake by your boiler at night, this is the first tell-tale sign that your boiler may need replacing. There shouldn’t be any strange noises coming from your boiler, and while the cause could be down to something innocent like contraction and expansion, it may turn out to be something far more sinister. It’s better to be safe than sorry, which is why you should contact a professional who can examine your boiler and decide what action to take next.
Increase in Bills
No one wants to pay more in gas and energy than they need to. If you have noticed a stark increase in your monthly bills and you can’t work out why, your boiler could be to blame. Although you may be hesitant to pay out for a new boiler, the long term benefits you can gain are a no brainer. Boiler Central have a guide on when you should replace your boiler and they can help you find the best type of boiler that’s right for your home. Boiler Central are known as the ‘uber for boilers’ and have an endless stream of happy customers giving the company a five-star rating. You can visit their website to replace your boiler online in a matter of minutes.
Over 10 Years Old
All good things must come to an end and when your boiler is over 10 years old, it’s the right time to begin looking for a replacement. Even if your boiler doesn’t appear to have any faults, advances in technology mean that older models cannot compare to the safety features, efficiency levels and smart control options available today. If you leave your boiler intact, it’s likely that you will encounter problems later down the line as it ages, which is why you should replace your boiler sooner rather than later.
Regular Breakdowns
If you find that you’re having to constantly reset your boiler as you wake up in the morning, or having to keep topping up its pressure, this is a huge problem that you shouldn’t ignore. The money that you splash out on callouts, replacement parts and quick fixes could be better spent on a new and efficient boiler that you can trust.
Yellow Flame
A good working boiler should emit a blue flame, rather than a yellow one. If you have noticed a difference in colour, this could be a sign that you have a carbon monoxide problem. Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, and dangerous gas that can prove fatal if you are exposed to high levels of it. If you begin feeling nauseous, dizzy and are experiencing fatigue and headaches, these are common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. The first thing you should do is vacate your property and call the gas emergency services who will immediately come out and inspect your boiler.
Your Home Doesn’t Feel Warm
As you walk through the front door, your home should be a pleasant temperature. In the winter months especially, your property needs to keep warm to keep you and your loved ones comfortable. If you have noticed that your radiators are not feeling hot enough, or your boiler keeps switching off, you’re likely wasting energy while not receiving the maximum benefits that heating brings to your property. Once you replace your boiler, you will soon feel and notice the difference.
Strange Smells
Gas companies add a scent to boilers which helps you identify any leaks. If you start smelling a sulphur, eggy smell of gas, it’s important that you open your windows immediately and vacate your home. There are other unusual smells that can be a sign of a faulty boiler, such as electric burning, metallic smells or burning fabric. Should you notice any strange smells, don’t hesitate to call a gas engineer who will check out the problem.
Leaks
If water is beginning to leak from your boiler, this is a major red flag that something is wrong. Water can not only cause extensive damage to your property, but to other parts of your boiler which can cause it to pack in for good. It’s crucial that you get in touch with an engineer as quickly as possible before the problem escalates and turns dangerous. Common reasons of a boiler leaking water include loose joints, high pressure, and corroded pipes. If this happens, you know it’s time to replace your boiler.
Your Boiler Isn’t ‘A’ Grade
When it comes to energy efficiency, some boilers just don’t make the cut. ‘A’ rated boilers boast an energy efficiency of 90% of more, whereas a ‘G’ rated boiler has a 70% or less efficiency rate. This means that for every £1 you use on your heating bill, you’re wasting 30p on lost energy. The more energy efficient your model is, the more money you will save on your heating bills.
Difficulty Finding Replacement Parts
When you experience a problem with your boiler, your first port of call will be to seek out replacement parts. If your boiler engineer notifies you that your boiler parts are difficult to find, this is a clear red flag that you need to replace your boiler. No matter how much trust you put into your boiler, they have a shelf life and will need replacing. The last thing you want is to browse the internet looking for parts without any luck, which is why it may be time to invest in a new boiler.
If you have noticed any of the signs above with your boiler, it’s time to act fast and get your replace your boiler. Not only will leaving the problem cost you more money, a faulty boiler can be damaging for your health and even prove fatal in the case of carbon monoxide poisoning.