7 Signs You Require a Boiler Replacement
A broken and irreparable boiler is something you do not want to arrive home to on a cold, winter’s night. Whether you are wanting to hop into a hot shower or curl up next to a warm radiator, a faulty boiler system can cause many problems.
Many households continue to use outdated boilers that are inefficient, unsafe and bad for the environment. When your boiler is on its way out, there will be telltale signs that, if you catch early, can save you a large sum of money.
To help you understand and know what to look for, here are 7 signs that you require a boiler replacement.
Should I Repair or Replace My Boiler?
The first question you should be asking yourself is: “Should I repair or replace my boiler?” Much like most household appliances, a boiler has an average lifespan of 10-15 years, provided they are serviced regularly. If your boiler is creeping into this age bracket, it may be time to replace it before something more drastic happens.
Ideally, you should have your boiler serviced at least once a year, and during this service your engineer will assess any damage or potential repairs that may be needed. Although a repair may be suggested, sometimes the long-term costs can outweigh the short-term costs of a replacement.
Here at GK Plumbing, our GAS Safe Registered engineers offer a comprehensive boiler service and will be the first to point out any potential problems. However, in the meantime, there are warning signs you can spot that may save you down the line.
1. Strange Noises
2. Boiler Regularly Breaks Down
3. Radiators Take a Long Time to Heat Up
4. Current Boiler is Over 25 Years Old
5. Your Boiler Has a Yellow Flame
6. Regular Water Leaks
7. Current Boiler Has a Low-Efficiency Rating
Your Boiler is Making Strange Noises
It’s not uncommon for boilers and heating systems to make noises. After all, they do send water around the property through long copper pipes. But if your boiler is starting to make humming, vibrating or banging sounds, it needs to be looked at sooner rather than later!
Whilst strange noises can be related to boiler faults, they can also be caused by sludge build-up in the pipes which can be easily fixed by power flushing the system. If you are concerned by any sounds coming from your heating system, give us a call and we’ll help to diagnose the issue.
Boiler Regularly Breaks Down and Often Requires Repairs
If your boiler regularly breaks down and requires repairs, then it is a pretty clear sign that you may need a boiler replacement. Ideally, a boiler should only require one service call out a year, so if you are contacting your plumber to inspect your boiler more than once a year, it’s time to consider an upgrade.
Whilst the price of a new boiler may seem like a lot at first, over the years you will feel the benefits in comfort and will also avoid costly callout fees for any repairs that your old boiler required. Plus modern boilers are designed to be more efficient, meaning you get more out of your money.
Your Radiators Take a Long Time to Heat Up
If your radiators are taking a long time to heat up, it could be a sign that your boiler is running inefficiently. Whilst there are numerous reasons your radiators could be struggling to heat up, it is not uncommon for the issue to be the boiler itself. Before installing a replacement boiler, ask for a plumbers opinion. It could simply be a case of bleeding the radiators or performing a power flush. But if it is your boiler, our plumbers will be able to recognise the signs.
Your Current Boiler is Over 25 Years Old
One easy tell-tale sign that you need a boiler replacement is its age. If your boiler is over 25-years-old, the chances are it doesn’t have too long left. Most boilers of that generation cannot compete with the efficiency of modern day alternatives, meaning a replacement is a positive change.
Older boilers are more likely to be affected by common breakdown issues and will most likely have greater difficulty getting water to a high enough temperature to heat your home effectively. If your old boiler still works efficiently and you do not suffer from breakdowns, it should be fine, so long as you service it annually.
Your Boiler Has A Yellow Flame
One of the more alarming reasons to replace your boiler is because the flame is appearing yellow. Your boilers flame should be burning blue, and if it is yellow it could be a sign of a carbon monoxide problem. This is a serious issue that can cause carbon monoxide poisoning if the issue is not dealt with immediately.
If you do see a yellow flame coming from your boiler, call us immediately.
It is essential that any homeowner that uses a fuel boiler has a carbon monoxide alarm fitted in their home. This will detect if there is a risk of carbon monoxide in the building. As carbon monoxide is an odourless, colourless gas, it cannot be detected by human senses alone. If you currently heat your home using fuel-powered central heating and do not have a carbon monoxide alarm fitted, please arrange to install one straight the way. Advice on how to fit a carbon monoxide alarm can be read here.
Your Boiler is Beginning to Leak
If your boiler starts to leak, it is a clear sign there is an overall issue with the system. At this stage, you want to initially contact a plumber to assess if the boiler leak can be repaired. Leaving a boiler leaking is dangerous and can cause significant damage to your home.
If you leave a boiler leaking for too long, you risk affecting other areas of the boiler which could render the system unable to work. If you have had your boiler assessed and repaired by a plumber and the leak reappears, it could be time to replace your boiler.
Your Boiler Has A Low-Efficiency Rating
If your boiler has a low-efficiency rating, you could be spending more on your heating and hot water than you need to. Most modern boilers carry an ERP label to showcase their efficiency level. An efficient boiler will provide you with the potential to save annually on your heating. It will also be more effective at producing heat for your home.
Highly efficient boilers not only save you money, but are also less damaging to the environment. Whilst gas, LPG and oil boilers still use fossil fuels, it is better to use fossil fuels more efficiently to reduce wastage.
At GK Plumbing, we are an accredited installer of Worcester Bosch boilers that have a high ERP rating to ensure all of our customers benefit from an efficient heating system, therefore you will benefit from an extended guarantee when opting to replace your old boiler with us.
More information about ERP ratings for boilers can be read on Worcester Bosch’s website.
Ready to Upgrade your Boiler With GK Plumbing?
If you feel your boiler needs replacing and would like to speak to an expert before rushing ahead with the installation of a new boiler, contact us today. Our accredited engineers will first examine your boiler to assess whether it is in need of an instant replacement, or whether it just needs to be repaired.
Our team of plumbers are available all throughout Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Oxfordshire and Hertfordshire. We provide new boilers to homeowners, businesses and landlords. We welcome all enquiries. Give us a call today or fill out the contact form below.
