Even with regular servicing and general maintenance, your boiler will eventually need to be replaced. After all, boilers are made up of intricate components that work hard day and night to keep your hot water and central heating running.
In most cases, problems with your boiler can be fixed within a single visit from your gas engineer. Though, this isn’t always guaranteed especially if the issue is more serious or if your boiler is starting to become a money pit with constant repairs and spare parts needed to keep it going.
If you are wondering whether it’s time to upgrade or install a new boiler, here are 5 signs you need a new boiler to tell you more.
UK Boiler Stats
- 22 million homes in the UK have gas central heating
- New boilers cost between £500 and £2,000 on average
- 2.05% of the population of Wales report a boiler breakdown every year
- Worcester Bosch has been voted the best boiler in the UK (2021)
- The boiler and radiator industry is worth £2bn to the UK economy
Your Boiler Is Over 10 Years Old
The average lifespan of a boiler installed in the UK is 15 years. So it stands to reason that if you’ve had yours for more than 10 years, it’s time to start researching a new one.
Rather than see this as a chore – look at the positives! A new boiler could save you 20%-35% off your energy bills, when changing from a an old generation combi to a high efficiency condensing boiler.
Just for context, the average yearly gas bill in the UK is £610. Therefore the savings the average UK householder would make by upgrading their boiler would work out at between £122 and £213.50. If you live in a large property, your savings will likely be much higher than this.
Plus, if you catch a failing boiler in time it will mean no disruption of heating or hot water when you need it most. Trust us, you thank yourself for not having to endure a stone cold shower before work in the middle of winter!
Your Boiler Is Breaking Down Regularly
No boiler is immune from breaking down, regardless of the make or even how well it’s been installed. Even still, total breakdowns should be a rare occurrence. If you’re on first name terms with your repair engineer, then it’s definitely time to consider upgrading your appliance to a newer model. Aside from addressing any safety concerns, the cost of call outs and spare parts can soon add up.
While you’re at it, you may also want to consider changing the type of boiler you have or even its positioning. You can install a new boiler at any time, but it’s best to think about doing so before you carry out any renovation or decorating work, especially if you plan on moving its location.
Noisy boilers or radiators
As surprising as this may seem, your boiler and radiators were never designed as percussion instruments! So if they happen to be making banging or gurgling noises, the chances are you’re probably on your way to a full boiler breakdown. Plus, if your boiler isn’t working properly then it isn’t going to be very efficient either.
Common causes of a noisy boiler include overheating, a faulty thermostat, low water pressure or insufficient water flow. In some cases, your gas engineer may be able to fix these issues. But if the problem is too severe or recurring, then you need to know when it’s time to pull the plug on your old boiler.
The Pilot Light Is Yellow Or Orange
If you have a older boiler with a pilot light and it doesnt burn blue, it is yellow or orange instead, then you have a serious problem on your hands. That’s because there is a potential for carbon monoxide to be released, which can occur when too much air is getting into your boiler.
Medical symptoms that suggest you may have carbon monoxide poisoning include nausea, dizziness, headaches, fatigue or unconsciousness.
On the boiler itself, look out for soot or staining, an unusual amount of condensation being produced in the room or a smoky smell.
Call the Gas Emergency Services on 0800 111 999 if carbon monoxide is suspected and seek medical attention. Remember, carbon monoxide is both colourless and odourless making it very difficult to spot.
On a lesser important note, any flame which isn’t blue also isn’t efficient. So even if your boiler isn’t yet emitting carbon dioxide, it’s going to be costing you far more to run than it should be.
Your heating and hot water DON’T CUT IT
It’s easy to concentrate solely on the safety aspects of your boiler, but what about the practicalities of heating your home and water sufficiently?
Having a warm home and the ability to have a hot bath or shower is a basic human need, especially during the colder months. Therefore, nobody should have to put up with cold running water and radiators that don’t heat up properly. What’s more, if you are a landlord then the law states you should fix faulty boilers within 24 hours.
Speak to your gas engineer if you are experiencing any issues. If your boiler isn’t faulty, the problem could be the boiler type or even its size. By installing a new unit with your needs in mind (property size, radiator count and the number of occupants), you’re far less likely to have any future problems.
How To help Prevent A Boiler Breakdown
- Arrange a service every 12 months to be performed by a Gas Safe registered engineer
- Insulate your internal pipes with lagging to ward off the effects of the winter freeze
- Carry out regular maintenance to ensure correct pressure and that the pilot light is blue
- Bleed your radiators to remove air pockets
- Turn your heating on once a month during the summer for 15 minutes which will reduce the chance of blockages forming
- Call a Gas Safe engineer if you notice anything unusual
New Boilers Installation Cardiff
The above list of signs you need a new boiler isn’t exhaustive, as there are many reasons that could yours to fail. That’s why you should schedule a service every 12 months, and give a qualified gas engineer a call if you are experiencing any problems in the first instance.
Need any further help or advice on anything we’ve mentioned above? Dragon Gas & Electrics are Gas Safe registered offer domestic gas installation and repairs.
We’re based in Penarth and cover a 30 mile radius including Barry, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Cwmbran, Dinas Powys, Merthyr Tydfil, Newport, Port Talbot, Pontypridd and Sully.
Give us a call on 07306507879 or contact us for a free estimate and we’d be more than happy to assist you.
