Do I Need to Upgrade My Central Heating System?

How often does central heating need replacing?

Over time, products and systems wear out, break down, or simply become obsolete in favour of new technology – central heating is a perfect example of this. Your central heating system will consist of a boiler and radiators, both of which will need replacing eventually.

There’s no hard and fast date after which you need to upgrade your central heating system, but as a general rule of thumb, you should do it every 15 to 20 years. Boilers that were manufactured 20 years ago will be vastly different to the ones we have today, with the most common difference being that they are less energy efficient. This means you’re probably overpaying for them!

Similarly, radiators that were manufactured two decades ago are far bulkier and inefficient than new ones. They require more water, often take longer to heat up, and look less appealing when compared to newer models.Whether you’ve just moved into an older property that’s in need of a refresh, or if you haven’t replaced your boiler since the turn of the millennium, it’s probably time you started thinking about it.

Signs your current central heating system needs upgrading

You might be reluctant to upgrade your boiler and radiators because there are no tell-tale signs they need it, but generally speaking, even if you think everything is running smoothly, there are likely signs that indicate you need to invest in a new system. Below, we explore some of the most common signs that you need to upgrade your central heating system.

High energy bills

Energy bills are one of the biggest expenses in any household, and even more so now with rising energy costs. Due to the price cap increase introduced in April 2022, every household will probably see their energy bills increase – but those with old, inefficient central heating systems will be among the hardest hit.

Older boilers and radiators were not built with the energy efficient technology that’s available today, but what’s more, as they begin to age, they become sluggish at heating your house, therefore using more energy and generating higher bills as they work harder and slower. This will result in energy bills consistently increasing over time, and with the new price cap seeing bills soaring already, this isn’t an expense most households can accommodate.

If you’re unsure whether you’re paying too much, research how much it should cost to heat your house. You could also ask your energy provider for a breakdown of your bill, or ask your neighbours what they pay. If your bills are higher and your heating system is older, you’ve solved the case!

Noticeable wear and tear

Creeping energy bills aren’t always the most obvious sign you need to upgrade your central heating system. General wear and tear is also worth keeping an eye out for.

The first sign of wear and tear is a noisy boiler. You shouldn’t be hearing any rattling sounds or signs of strain, but if you are, this is a strong indication that your boiler has a loose part or is on the blink. Similarly, if you notice any smells emitting from your boiler, this is a sign something is wrong and needs replacing.

For radiators, wear and tear may include sludge in the pipes (which can be cleaned) or slow heating (which may be a sign they need bleeding). If, after draining the sludge and bleeding your radiators, you notice they’re still taking a long time to heat up, this is a sign they’re old and on the way out.

Ongoing repairs

Whilst some central heating system issues can be repaired, it starts to get trickier the older your system becomes. This is because manufacturers stop producing parts after a certain time, making it difficult to get hold of necessary items for ongoing boiler repairs.

If you notice you’re having to foot the bill for repairs or the repairs are taking longer due to parts supply issues, overhauling your central heating system is the best course of action.

Cold spots

There are many reasons why you might have cold spots in certain areas of your house, but if you’ve got the heating on and you’re finding some rooms or areas are still cool, this is a symptom of an unfit central heating system.

As mentioned, sludge builds up over time in pipework and can cause blockages, resulting in cold spots. Although it can be cleared, frequent sludge build-ups are an indicator that the overall central heating network isn’t working quite as well as it once was and parts of it, or all of it, need replacing.

Radiators that need bleeding are another common cause of cold spots, but if doing that doesn’t fix the problem, there’s a good chance sludge is the issue.

Benefits of upgrading your central heating system

There’s no doubt that upgrading a central heating system is a big expense, especially if you’re replacing both the boiler and the radiators. Despite this, there are of course several benefits to getting a replacement:

• Lower energy bills: New models of boilers and radiators are far more energy-efficient, meaning your energy bills will be lower than before.
• Eco-friendly: Because new central heating systems are more efficient and use less energy, they also use less fuel which means your household carbon footprint is reduced.
• Faster heating: A new boiler and/or radiators will work at peak performance, so you don’t need to wait hours for your house to warm up on a cold day.
• Easier to repair: It’s inevitable that you may need a boiler repair at some point, but with a new one, it’ll be easier, cheaper, and quicker to get the parts necessary, meaning you won’t be without heating for long.

Upgrade central heating system with BBright

We recognise that upgrading your central heating system is a big decision, and that’s why we’re committed to helping you ensure it’s the right thing to do. Our team of engineers are on hand to advise you on what system is best for your home, ensuring you’re able to keep costs down whilst effectively keeping your house warm. 

To learn more about upgrading your heating system and keeping costs low as energy bills rise, get a quote today.