Is It Time for a New Boiler? 10 Things You Need to Watch Out For

It’s often called the engine room of the house, delivering your heating and hot water without so much as a grumble. For most of us, the humble boiler sits in the background but is one of the most important pieces of kit you have in your home. Like most of us, however, boilers don’t last forever and there comes a time when you need to seriously consider a replacement.

Here are the top ten signs that a new boiler could be on the cards.

1. Age: If your boiler is 10 years or older, then it might be the right moment to consider a replacement. This is about the time that the efficiency of new boilers and how much they’ll cost to install outweigh staying with your old machine. Spending money on old boiler repairs can be very costly, components are worn and you might well replace one part, for another to go in quick succession. Being left wishing you had replaced the boiler in the first place.
2. Efficiency: The latest A rated boilers have an efficiency of over 90%. Older boilers are lucky to get about 70% which means you’re losing more energy over time. Switching to a more efficient boiler, in certain circumstances, can save you as much as £350 a year.
3. Maintenance: If your boiler is starting to break down at regular intervals then it’s certainly time to think about a replacement. Repairs can mount up and end up costing a lot more than a new boiler. A service on a 10 year old boiler cannot make it run like new, if you’re experiencing problems it may be worth considering getting your boiler replaced.
4. Replacement parts: The older your boiler, the more difficult it is going to be to find spare parts which can add to the cost of repairs. If required boiler parts cannot be sourced at the merchants, then the decision has been made for you – get a new boiler.
5. Flame: Look at your boiler when it fires up (if it is possible to see the flame). If the flame is yellow and not blue that is a sign there is a significant issue with your appliance. This results in carbon monoxide being produced and this is dangerous. If you spot a yellow flame, switch off the appliance and call out your maintenance team right away.
6. Smell: Gas providers add an easily recognisable scent so you can smell the gas and it’s obvious when you have some sort of leak. Open your windows, switch off the gas supply at the emergency control valve, vacate the property and call 0800 111 999.
7. Noisy radiators: Usually associated with an outdated system, if your radiators are gurgling and banging, you certainly need to review and get the repair man in. Replacing your boiler can improve things as the system is thoroughly flushed.
8. Leaking: When water leaks occur with your boiler, they can not only damage the surrounding area but impact on things like the electrics which can certainly be dangerous.
9. Energy prices: We’re all constantly reminded that energy prices are rising. If you have an inefficient system then obviously it’s going to cost you much more than a new, state-of-the-art boiler, particularly in the long run.
10. Cost: Replacing your old boiler doesn’t have to be expensive and a more efficient system should give you a good return on investment nowadays. There are also different ways to pay including monthly installments which can be easier to manage if you are operating on a limited budget.

Do You Need a New Boiler?

Living with a substandard or inefficient boiler can not only cost you money, it can also be dangerous. While regular maintenance can keep your system working, there comes a time when you need to seriously consider a replacement. If your boiler ticks any of the boxes above, it might be the right moment to check what an energy efficient replacement will deliver.