Essential equipment for hot water and heating, boilers are heavily relied on by homes and businesses alike.
Even with proper maintenance, over time boilers can experience issues and require immediate attention or replacement. Fortunately, boilers often give users warning signs that qualified engineers are required.
If these indicators are ignored, many negative impacts occur including inefficient performance, bigger energy bills, health and safety hazards and total failure. Here, we look at the signs that boiler users must never ignore.
Strange sounds
Clanking, banging, gurgling and whistling sounds are strong indicators of common problems like a faulty pump, failing components or air trapped in the system, among other issues.
Unusual smells
Uncommon smells, like burning or sulphur can suggest overheated components, gas leaks among other problems.
Erratic pilot light behaviour
If the boiler’s pilot light flickers, keeps going out or turning yellow this can be sign of problems with the combustion process or gas supply.
Inconsistent services
When water and home heating become uneven, it’s an indicator of an issue. Cold radiators and insufficient water temperature suggest poor boiler performance or heating system problems. Boilers taking longer than usual to heat up indicate sludge and debris buildup.
Low pressure
Low boiler pressure is a warning sign that the system has a leak or is experiencing trapped air and requires investigation.
High pressure
High pressure is more dangerous as it can suggest a blockage or an issue with a pressure release valve.
Corrosion and leaks
Observing corrosion like rust on the boiler’s surface or visible components or leaking water are both signs of faulty components or that damage has occurred, signalling that repair work is essential.
Larger utility bills
Experiencing a sharp spike in energy bills when boiler usage hasn’t changed is a tell-tale sign that the equipment has become less efficient.
Constant error codes and system shutdowns
Finally, when boilers frequently show error codes on digital displays or keep shutting down, they should be investigated immediately.
Don’t delay service your boiler today
Xgas provides both proactive and emergency boiler repair services. Equipped with a team of in-house gas safe registered engineers, we can ensure your boiler is professionally investigated and any issues remedied effectively. Contact us for assistance today.