Tell-Tale Signs You May Need a New Boiler
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The reality of replacing your boiler from time to time is part and parcel of long-term maintenance and management of your property.
Sometimes the need for a new boiler is clear cut, for example when it stops working and is beyond economical repair. However, sometimes it is harder for a homeowner to know when a new boiler is needed.
When is a new boiler needed?
Throughout the years, we’ve become experts at spotting the clues that a new boiler is soon needed. Here we take a look at the tell-tale signs to look out for, but if you’re unsure and would like an expert opinion, please call us on 0333 939 0161.
- Bumps, bangs and clangs
A healthy working boiler should be a relatively silent beast. When things start going wrong, your heating system may well let you know by making a song and dance about it.
These noises, ranging from hissing through to whistling to downright bangs, are usually caused by air getting into the pipes. They can be your first clue that all is not well.
- Leaks and puddles where there shouldn’t be
There are a few places where leaks may be a tell-tale sign that you need a new boiler.
Firstly, have a look around the boiler casing itself. You shouldn’t take the casing off, but if you can see evidence of leaks here then this is a warning sign that all is not well.
Secondly, even if the leak is happening elsewhere, for example from a radiator or a floor, this could indicate a problem back at source – the boiler.
- You are always getting up and down to adjust the thermostat
If you’re constantly having to shift the set thermostat temperature then something somewhere isn’t quite working correctly. This is also true if, over time, you’re gradually creeping higher and higher on the thermostat too.
There are various factors which come in to play here which are nothing to do with your boiler (for example a cold north-westerly on a single glazed house!), but your boiler plays its part too.
- Age
Age alone isn’t necessarily a good indicator as to when you need a new boiler but it does impact.
Modern boilers are typically designed to last around 10-12 years. In order to last its full life it needs to be maintained regularly. Therefore, if your boiler is older than this, or hasn’t been regularly maintained, you are more likely to require a replacement rather than a repair.
Technology in boilers has advanced enormously. Whenever we fit new boilers, we know that our customers are getting the latest boiler technology.
- You feel like there are endless repairs
A healthy boiler should be the unsung hero of your home. You shouldn’t really be aware of it at all. If your boiler is gaining a name for itself requiring frequent repairs and the costs are mounting then it’s time to consider if replacement is more sensible.
- Your bills are inexplicably going up
A healthy boiler is also an efficient one. If your bills are going up far beyond that which you would expect due to changes to the price of gas, it may be inefficient.
This also applies if your boiler has a low-efficiency rating as it will be costing you more, comparatively, to run. Another tell-tale sign to do with efficiency is that your heating takes a long time to warm-up.
- Things don’t smell right
Your boiler should smell odourless. If it’s emitting a smell, from a damp water smell to mustiness or, worryingly, gas, then you need to call an engineer immediately.
It can be helpful to have the informed opinion of a Gas Safe Registered engineer who is familiar with carrying our emergency boiler repairs. They will be able to advise on whether your boiler can be fixed or should be replaced.
If you need emergency boiler repairs in Poole area, or think you may need a new boiler in, then call us on 0333 939 0161. Our engineers always offer advice based on what we would do.
Alternatively, you can read more about your options here.
