Replacing Your Boiler: How To Know When It’s Time To Switch
Your household boiler tends to get on with its job without making much of a fuss. Rarely will you need to worry about it or even interact with it in any way, and some boilers can last for decades. However, once you need to replace a boiler it can be a hugely complicated and frustrating task. While they can last a long time, boilers can give up no matter what age they are, depending on how well they’re constructed and their usage.
Here are the signs that you should consider replacing yours, as well as how best to go about doing it.
Regular Repairs
If your boiler is constantly requiring a professional to take a look at it, it’s probably time to start considering a new unit altogether. Of course, you should get your boiler serviced regularly, but this is different to it being repaired. While it might seem more cost effective to get repairs done, these will eventually add up and you’re going to risk paying for those on top of the costs of a new boiler eventually. You should never be calling an engineer out more than once or twice a year, and these visits can be costly. Weigh up if these callouts are worth it or not and strongly consider a new model.
Efficiency Loss
If you’ve noticed a change in the way your boiler does its job, and your house and hot water isn’t heating up as quick as it used to, this could be a good sign that your boiler is on its way out. A good quality boiler should be working as quickly as possible, providing you with a constant supply of hot water whenever needed. If your hot taps regularly run cold or take ages to heat up, this is likely due to a malfunction in your boiler. Getting a qualified engineer to look into the issue is a great idea, and they’ll recommend replacing it if they can’t fix it.
Energy Usage Increasing
Boilers all have an efficiency rating, giving you some idea of how much energy they’re going to be using and how expensive you can expect them to be when running. If you’re noticing a marked increase on your monthly bills though without actually increasing your hot water consumption, your boiler could be getting too old. Finding a replacement may be a good idea, and it’s worth choosing one that can withstand the test of time, as well as one that’s more energy efficient and good for the environment. Check out the wide range of boilers on offer at Boiler Central to find a better model to replace your older one. There are lots of different options to choose from, all with their own pros and cons, so be sure to do your research and consider speaking to a professional for some in-depth advice.
Leaking Unit
Boilers are a risky combination of electricity and water, and this could cause a problem if things begin to go wrong. Whilst they are designed not to, sometimes a boiler can spring a leak due to faulty or degrading seals and valves. A leak from a boiler, as with any part of your water system, can cause short-circuits to your home’s power supply, as well as causing water damage to your walls and floors. Switch everything off as soon as you notice a leak and check with an engineer to see if it’s possible to fix.
Unusual Sounds
Your water pipes, especially those transporting hot water around your home, can make many different sounds and are often the source of spooky noises in the middle of the night. As well as your home’s pipes, your boiler itself can make many different noises, a lot of which aren’t anything to worry about. Heat makes things expand and, once they cool, they retract again causing parts to twang and creak. However, if you begin to hear unusual sounds, especially ones that persist, such as knocking or vibrating, or even clunks, it might be worth getting someone to investigate. Broken parts could be a cause of this after years of usage, and an engineer may suggest that you turn the boiler off until they arrive to prevent further issues.
Dangers Of A Broken Boiler
Physical injuries and even illness can be caused by a faulty or broken boiler. Leaking hot water can obviously cause burns, but gas leaks can be fatal. One of the biggest risks to your health when it comes to your boilers is a gas leak. Carbon monoxide, which is a by-product of gas that hasn’t completely burned in your boiler, is usually carried out of the unit via a flume, and harmlessly released outside. However, carbon monoxide leaks in the home can be very dangerous for your health, causing nausea, dizziness, and even death. Keeping your boiler in the best condition possible reduces the risk of harm to you and your loved ones, as well as reducing the chance of damage to your home.
