When you buy a boiler, most will have a warranty of about 5-10 years, but that doesn’t mean they will break down immediately after this time. In fact, some boilers can last up to around 15 years before they need replacing. However, some are certainly more hard-wearing than others, and there are a few telltale signs to look out for that suggest you need a new boiler.
In this blog, we’ll be covering 5 key signs you need a new boiler, as well as the best time to get a replacement and how to go about it. If you think your boiler might be on its last legs, check over these tips and get a new boiler quote sooner rather than later!
5 Key Signs You Need a New Boiler
Boilers should run smoothly and efficiently throughout their lifetime, but there are a number of factors that can have an impact on their performance, and therefore an impact on how much you’re spending on your gas and energy bills. Here are the top signs you need a new boiler as listed by our experts:
1. It needs frequent repairs
If you’re finding yourself calling engineers more than a couple of times a year to come out and fix your boiler, there’s no question that it’s on its way out. Your boiler should be able to run without interference, and you’ll likely be spending more on repairs and new parts than you would on a completely new boiler. You may even find that with particularly old boilers that some parts have been discontinued – which is a sign in itself!
2. Strange smells or sounds
Unusual sounds or smells coming from your boiler can definitely be a sign you need a new one. Boilers tend to make slight noises when running or first turned on, but excessive whistling or rattling may mean that something isn’t right. Similarly, strange smells could mean there is debris trapped in the pipes or some kind of leak or breakage within the main unit. If you notice either of these things, it’s best to get a professional to take a look at your boiler as soon as possible, as it may lead to more serious issues down the line.
3. Sudden rise in energy bills
When heating systems are old, they tend to dip in efficiency, and this can lead to a sudden and excessive rise in your energy bills. Make sure you are keeping track of how much you are paying for your gas and electricity each month, and be wary that your old boiler in need of a replacement may be causing you to pay more. There are hundreds of energy-efficient boilers on the market, and investing in one sooner rather than later could save you hundreds of pounds in bills.
4. Issues with radiators
If you’re having problems with your radiators – e.g. they are taking too long to heat up, or some are not heating up at all – this can also be a sign of an old and inefficient boiler. Before you come to this assumption, be sure that you have checked that all your radiators are switched on and are at a high enough temperature to determine whether they are heating quickly enough. If your radiators are still being slow or are not working, this could be a sign that there is a blockage or fault somewhere in the main heating system. For this, you will definitely need a professional to assist in repair or replacement.
5. Reduced pressure
A loss of pressure in your boiler can mean a number of things: there may be a leakage in the system, air escaping through a valve or a more serious issue with the unit. One thing it definitely means however, is that you need a new boiler. Sometimes pressure issues can be remedied by using a leak sealer fitted to the heating system, but you will need professional guidance for this, and the chances are high the pressure will drop again over time.
When to Get Your New Boiler
Deciding when you get a new boiler can be difficult – there never seems to be a good time. We would certainly suggest sorting out the issue sooner rather than later to ensure your home has efficient heating for as long as possible, and also to keep your bills down. It’s also worth keeping in mind that you will use your boiler far less during the summer months, and so getting it replaced during these times will be easier and cause less disturbance.
While new boilers can seem like a large investment, it is an investment into the future, and there’s no doubt it will provide savings for you month on month due to far greater efficiency. Plus, without having to fork out for repairs, you can keep extra money in the bank for more exciting purchases!
Are you noticing some of these key signs you need a new boiler? Browse our range of efficient regular, combi and system boilers today and get a quote for next-day installation. Your boiler concerns will finally be a thing of the past.
