When Should You Replace Your Boiler?

The boiler is one of the most vital appliances in the home, yet most of us probably go about our daily business barely giving it a second thought. That is, of course, until a problem occurs, and then your boiler takes centre stage, and you’re suddenly reminded of how uncomfortable life can be without heating or hot water! It’s a common belief that a boiler should be replaced after a certain number of years, whether it’s in good working order or not. However, boiler replacement doesn’t come cheap, and may not always be necessary if a repair is possible.

There are several signs to look out for which can help you to decide whether it’s time to replace your boiler or not…

• Your boiler is leaking: A leaky boiler typically means that an internal component, such as a seal or valve, has broken. Left unattended, a leak could cause an electrical short-circuit, so it’s important to switch it off and call a gas safe engineer to have it checked out as soon as possible, they can then advise you whether it can be repaired or not.

• Your boiler breaks down frequently: The cost of getting your boiler repaired can soon mount up, so if you find that you’re having to call out an engineer a couple of times a year, it might be more cost-effective in the long run to have a new boiler fitted. As your boiler ages, it can also become increasingly difficult to source the relevant spare parts to repair it.

• Your central heating is noisy: It’s normal for boilers and radiators to make noises, and most of the time it’s completely harmless. However, if your central heating starts to make different noises or the tapping noises in the pipes get louder or last for longer, it could be a sign of a build-up of sludge in the system. Vibrating or humming noises can often indicate a bigger fault within your boiler, so it’s always worth seeking advice from a gas safe engineer.

• Your boiler smells eggy: A sulphurous, eggy odour typically indicates a gas leak. Leaking gas can be a fire hazard, and it can also cause the boiler to burn inefficiently, which releases harmful carbon monoxide into your home. If you notice any unusual smells from your boiler it is important that you contact a gas safe engineer as soon as possible.

• Your radiators take longer to warm up: Sometimes your radiators are on a go-slow, and all it takes is a good bleeding to flush out excess air, or a professional power flush to rid the pipes of sludge. However, sometimes it can be a sign that your boiler is on its way out and will need to be replaced soon.

• Your energy bills are creeping up: Your boiler may have been state-of-the-art when you first purchased it, but over time it’s energy efficiency will have degraded. If you are noticing your energy bills are getting increasingly expensive, despite your usage remaining the same, this can be a sign that it’s time to opt for a new boiler in order to save yourself money on your energy bills in the long run.

As you can see, there are a variety of problems that your boiler could present, but they don’t always necessarily mean it’s time for a boiler replacement.

Quite often, the issue will be something that can be repaired. It is also recommended that you have your boiler serviced annually to keep it in good working order and pick up any potential faults early.

If you need any further advice about boiler installation and repairs please don’t hesitate to contact us here at Add Heat.