When it comes to all things boilers, It takes years of specialist training to qualify as a gas engineer. Hence, it’s not always easy to know if your boiler is performing as it should be, or even what to look for when purchasing a new boiler.
Boilers are an investment purchase costing between £500 and £2,000 on average. So when comparing models, you need to make sure you are getting the right one for your needs.
There are also the obvious safety aspects to consider with boilers, which is why a Gas Safe engineer should be your first port of call if you have any concerns with your boiler.
In the meantime, we’ve covered the most Googled questions about boilers so you can get clued up.
Which Boiler Is Best?
The best boiler on the market is going to depend on your specific requirements. Technology is also constantly being updated, meaning boilers are becoming ever more efficient and longer lasting.
We’d be more than happy to advise you, and we’d also suggest checking out the Which best boiler guide as part of your research. It’s worth noting that you may need to change your boiler system to get the best boiler for your needs, aside from also considering the reputation of the manufacturer.
What Boiler Do I Need?
When you call us up for your free quotation for a new boiler, we are going to be considering the following:
- Fuel type (we install gas boilers)
- Type of boiler (Combi, system or heat only)
- Property size
- Number of radiators
- Number of occupants
- Your budget
No two households are the same, which is why it’s important we match you up with the above factors so that you get the best boiler for your needs.
How Often Should I Get My Boiler Serviced?
While you should always check with your boiler manufacturer, the general rule of thumb is to schedule a boiler service every 12 months.
During a boiler service, your gas engineer is going to do a thorough check of the pipework and inner components of your boiler. The focus is on making your boiler is most importantly safe but also working efficiently.
Skipping your boiler service could affect its warranty, and worse still fail to pick up on any safety issues or faults. Around 250 hospitalisations a year occur in the UK as a result of non-fire-related carbon monoxide poisoning originating from faulty boilers.
How Long Do Boilers Last?
The longevity of your boiler depends on the model you have, the quality of the installation and whether you’ve maintained your boiler through yearly services. However, the average lifespan of a boiler installed in the UK is 15 years.
What you also need to weigh up is whether the boiler is in good working order, but its efficiency is poor, which can be the case with older boilers that haven’t been upgraded in some time. It’s always worth getting the opinion of a gas engineer if you are unsure.
Why Is My Boiler Leaking Water?
Some of the most common reasons why a boiler leaks include:
- Pressure issues
- Loose joints
- Damaged seals
- Corroded pipes
- Leaky or faulty heat exchanger
- The boiler is old and in need of replacement
As soon as you notice a water leak from your boiler you must call a Gas Safe engineer to have the issue checked out and rectified. While the problem isn’t always serious (nor does it definitely mean you need a new boiler), it’s better to be safe than sorry where boilers are concerned.
In the meantime, to control the leak, place a bowl or bucket underneath the leaking section of your boiler. The pH of the water will be slightly acidic but isn’t harmful.
What Can Cause BoilerS To Stop Working?
Similar to why a car won’t start, finding the answer to why your boiler isn’t working doesn’t have one specific answer.
Sometimes as obvious as this may seem, the reason can be that the boiler is not switched on or due to issues with your supplier. Or a lack of credit if you prepay for your utilities.
Technical reasons for a boiler breakdown can be very broad. The most common reasons include low pressure, the pilot light has gone out, problems with your condensate pipe, a faulty thermostat (or a lack of access to it), a boiler leak and many more.
If you have hot water but cold radiators, it could be the radiators themselves that are at fault rather than the boiler. If this is the case, a power flush can be needed to clear blockages in your radiator.
A gas engineer can quickly diagnose the problem to get your boiler up and running again as quickly as possible.
Is Boiler Cover Worth It?
Insuring your boiler is optional, but you have to consider if you can afford the cost of repairs or replacement if you are not covered. If you own the property, and your home insurance doesn’t include your boiler, then boiler cover is strongly recommended.
That way, your gas engineer can fix the issue swiftly for you, without being left with no heating or hot water for days or even weeks on end, as may be the case if you suddenly have to stump up for a costly repair.
How Long Does It Take To Replace A Boiler?
The average time to replace a boiler is between 1-3 days. On the shorter end of the timescale, if you are having a simple like-for-like boiler replacement in the exact same location, the installation could take as little as half a day.
If you are upgrading the system to a different type or moving it to a new location, then this will take far longer to complete.
As always, your gas engineer will keep you informed throughout so you know what to expect.
Boiler Repair Cardiff
Need any further help or advice on anything we’ve mentioned above? Perhaps you have a different question relating to boilers that you’d like to ask us?
Dragon Gas & Electrics offer domestic gas and electric installation and repair. We’re based in Penarth and cover a 30 mile radius including Barry, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Cwmbran, Newport and Pontypridd.
For your peace of mind, we are Gas Safe and NICEIC registered, and offer a 6 year warranty on all our work.
Give us a call on 07306507879 or request an estimate and we’d be more than happy to assist you.
