If your boiler breaks down in the middle of winter it’s panic stations — no hot water, no heating. You can get a repair to get it up and running again. But if your boiler’s getting on a bit, it could be time to think about getting a new one.
Boiler replacement costs might frighten you, but a new more efficient boiler is a long-term investment that will save you money in the long run — and some of the big names in heating like British Gas can give you great interest-free deals to help ease the financial burden.
5 signs a boiler is about to break down
Your energy bill will end up costing you more if your boiler isn’t working as well as it should. And if your boiler stops working suddenly, it’s a nightmare when you’re left with no heating and hot water at this time of year.
To help make sure that this doesn’t happen you need to spot the tell-tale signs that your boiler could need replacing sooner rather than later.
1. Lack of heat and hot water
This is one of the most obvious signs that your boiler may be on its last legs. If your boiler isn’t working properly, the heat from it won’t reach the right temperature and won’t move heat around – no matter what temperature you turn the thermostat to.
2. Pressure keeps dropping and rising
If the pressure on your boiler keeps dropping, you may have a faulty valve or a leak on your system elsewhere which may lead to your boiler failing.
If the pressure on your boiler keeps rising you will need to know how to reduce boiler pressure before it causes any serious damage. Your boiler might have a release valve or vent that isn’t working properly. Ideally call in a professional as soon as possible to get it sorted.
3. You can hear strange noises
A normal, healthy boiler typically produces a faint humming sound when in use. But if you start hearing banging noises or strange gurgling sounds then there is something amiss. It might be something as simple as trapped air, but it could be a more serious problem so it’s best to get it checked ASAP.
4. Fluctuating water and heating temperatures
Another reason could be that a part in the boiler has become blocked and isn’t letting the water flow consistently. This can be caused by rust from old radiators or sludge in the heating pipes. To help sort the issue you need to call in a professional. When looking for a gas safe engineer to fix your boiler, make sure that they are on the Gas Safe Register.
5. Leaks and unpleasant odours
Leaks and strange smells are not normal for a healthy boiler. If there are pools of water appearing around pipe joints and under the boiler, this probably means there's a leak. It might be condensation on the pipes but most likely not.
If you have a gas boiler and you notice unpleasant smells this could be gas or carbon monoxide escaping and needs to be dealt with swiftly to prevent any safety risks.
Why an efficient boiler is essential (especially in winter)
How do you know if your boiler is working at optimum efficiency? You don't. You might have an energy-efficient boiler, but if it isn't maintained and looked after properly, it may slowly become more inefficient.
But don’t panic, there are ways to keep your boiler in tip top condition. An annual boiler service is an easy and inexpensive way to keep your boiler in prime condition. But what benefits does an efficient boiler bring?
Lower heating bills are the big benefit, and with costs spiralling every chance to save money is welcome. Plus, you get a more reliable heating system – something everyone wants in the winter – and it will be better for the environment. Everyone’s a winner.
Why a new boiler is a good long-term solution for reducing energy bills
As your boiler gets older, it may get less efficient. It might still be chugging away nicely after 10 years, but it’s likely that it won’t be running as well. This isn’t good for your energy bills and it's not good for the environment. The rising cost of fuel and an inefficient boiler is not a good combination. The simple solution is to invest in a new more efficient boiler, but what type of boiler is best for you?
There are basically three main domestic boiler types to choose from: combi, conventional and system. Combi boilers are over 90% efficient, cheap to maintain and good for small-medium sized homes.
Conventional boilers are often more suitable for older homes with large households, while system boilers are similar to conventional but can be better for more modern central heating systems. Talk to a professional who will help you decide what’s best for you.
