Boilers are meant to last for many years, but sadly, they do not continue working their best forever. Once your boiler is over ten years old, you might notice that it is no longer working as efficiently as it used to, runs into more problems, and can even become dangerous to your household. This is true even if your boiler does not appear to have any majorly obvious problems.
In recent years, boiler technology has moved on in leaps and bounds and the older models are simply unable to match up to the variety of efficiency levels, smart control options, safety features and more that are available from the boiler market today. Aside from the simple fact that it’s getting older, what are some of the main signs that you need a new boiler?
Well, before you go forward to know the reasons why you should need a new boiler you might be interested to know the government grant scheme. Yeah, tight if you own a house and qualify for a central heating grant then an “A” rated boiler with digital thermostatic radiator will be installed at your home for free of cost. Check your eligibility today for a central heating grant.
Regular Breakdowns
If it seems that there’s something wrong with your hot water or heating every other week and you’re constantly topping up the boiler pressure or calling out a gas engineer to repair things, it’s not going to get much better without a boiler replacement. And the money that you’re currently spending on call outs, small repairs and replacement parts could be better put towards a new boiler that’s more reliable for your household. Take a look at this guide from Boiler Central to help you decide on the best new boilers for your home, with several options to choose from and a handy tool to help you get matched up with the right choice.
Reduced Efficiency
When it comes to energy efficiency, some boilers are just missing the mark due to age. A boiler that’s rated ‘A’ in terms of efficiency will have an energy efficiency level of at least 90%. On the other hand, a boiler that’s rated ‘G’ will have an efficiency level of around 70%, meaning that for every £1 you spend on your energy bill, you’re losing 30p in wasted energy. If your boiler has a low energy rating, replacing it with a more energy efficient model can save you over £300 per year on your energy bills.
Noise
A sure sign that your boiler is due to be replaced is the kettling, gurgling and banging sounds that you might be hearing from your boiler when you run the hot water tap or turn on the central heating. If you’ve got a noisy boiler or radiators that gets worse when you try to heat your home or run the hot water, you’ve got a problem. It’s a sure sign that something is wrong and if left unattended to, they can certainly get worse leading to further damage or a complete breakdown.
Increasing Energy Bills
While it’s definitely worth switching your energy provider on a regular basis to save money and combat increasing bills, it’s also worth considering that your boiler could be to blame here. A boiler that is getting old and is increasingly less and less efficient can cost more money than most people can afford to spare. And, upgrading to a boiler that includes modern smart controls will not only improve efficiency but also give you a greater control over your energy usage and spending.
Odours
While carbon monoxide does tend to be odourless, some gas companies do add a scent to help it become easier for you to detect if a leak has occurred. An eggy, sulphur-like smell around your boiler is a sure sign that there is a carbon monoxide leak and you should open all the windows and get out of the house as quickly as possible. Contact the Gas Emergency Services as soon as you can. However, unusual smells around your boiler are not always as serious, but could signify a problem that needs to be dealt with. If you have noticed a metallic smell, electrical burning odour or a smell that reminds you of burning fabric, this is a sign that something has gone wrong and you should contact an engineer.
Yellow Flame
A healthy boiler that’s working well should burn with a blue flame. However, if you’ve noticed a yellow flame on your boiler, this could be a sign of a serious issue such as a carbon monoxide problem. This gas is colourless and odourless and often, a yellow flame is the first sign that there’s a problem so it’s important to keep your eye out for it. If exposure levels are high enough, carbon monoxide can lead to serious illness or even be fatal. Some signs of carbon monoxide poisoning include nausea, headaches, dizziness and fatigue. If you suspect that your boiler has a carbon monoxide problem, you should call out an engineer as a matter of urgency.
Hard to Find Replacement Parts
If you’re having increasing problems with your boiler and you have been told by your boiler engineer that new parts are hard to find, it’s a clear sign that your boiler will probably need to be replaced soon. The older a boiler gets, the less likely it is that parts will be readily available. And if you’re struggling to find an engineer who is experienced with the type of boiler that you have, that’s even more reason to consider replacing it.
Did you know if you live in the UK and are looking to replace your boiler, you could qualify for a free boiler grant under the ECO 3 initiative. Read Warma UK’s free boiler grant guide to find out how you could qualify. If ever you are not qualified and you’re strapped for cash at the moment you need a replacement boiler, you can still look for boilers on finance to reduce the financial burden.
System Problems
Last but not least – don’t put up with a central heating system that simply isn’t getting the job done properly. If you’re struggling to stay warm in the winter even when your heating is turned up high or are always running out of hot water, this is a sure sign that your boiler is due to be replaced. First of all, contact a boiler engineer who can inspect your system and make sure that it is the boiler that’s at fault. They will be able to tell you whether it’s another problem with your system that can be repaired or whether your boiler has indeed reached the end of its lifespan.
Modern boilers are designed to last for many years but after a decade has passed, they tend to start displaying more problems. If you’re experiencing any of these issues, it might be time to think about a replacement.