Your boiler might be the most important appliance in your home, providing your household with both hot water and heating. However, boilers don’t last forever. It’s useful to know when your boiler may need replacing.
In this article, we’ll run through some common signs that you may need to have a new boiler installed.
Dripping or leaks
If your boiler is dripping or leaking, this is a problem that needs immediate attention. The problem can range in severity – from being a plumbing emergency to a minor issue that can be rectified in minutes – but this may indicate that you need a new boiler.
A leaking boiler may be down to a fault component, or the damage could be deeper. The key thing is to get the problem investigated by a trained engineer as soon as possible. An experienced professional will be able to get to the bottom of the matter, identifying the cause of the leak and recommending remedial action.
Breakdowns
Is your boiler constantly breaking down? As much as you might not want to invest in a new boiler, it may be time.
If you are not having your boiler serviced periodically, as you should, this could be a reason for the frequent breakdowns. Unfortunately, a boiler that is always breaking down may have reached the point of no return. You should ask your engineer whether he or she thinks that there is a good chance future problems will arise, due to the condition of the boiler.
Repair bills can add up, and so in many cases, it might work out better financially over the long term to have a new boiler installed.
Odd noises
Depending on the type of the boiler you have, noise may be perfectly acceptable. The whirring and whooshing that you may be familiar with are just normal sounds associated with some boilers in operation. Most of the time, this is the sound of water making its way through the system, and is nothing to worry about. However, there are other types of noises that could spell a problem.
If you notice a loud gurgling or banging, this can be an indication of an issue that needs attention. Loud noises could suggest a blockage. This can be fixed easily enough by an engineer, but there are other types of noises that may be caused by a more serious problem.
Loud gurgling or banging, and intense vibrations, may be due to a faulty component or part that is irreparable.
If you do hear loud or unfamiliar noises from your boiler, call an engineer to take a look. In some cases, they may diagnose the problem and conclude that you need a new boiler.
Strange smell
If there is an odd smell emanating from your boiler, this might mean you need to replace your boiler – but more urgently, it could represent a serious danger.
Don’t ignore strange smells. An eggy aroma could suggest a gas leak, which is very dangerous. This makes getting your boiler serviced regularly all the more important. Other telltale signs of a leak include a yellow, rather than a blue flame, a pilot light that blows out frequently, and people in your home getting headaches regularly or feeling dizzy for no apparent reason.
Even if it doesn’t smell or look like a gas leak, get the issue checked out by a professional. The first thing you should do is to turn your boiler off, before getting in contact with your boiler service Chester or North Wales-located.
Boiler age
How old is your boiler? If it is over ten, and especially if it is over 15 years old, it may be time to start planning a replacement.
Even if your boiler isn’t giving you problems, it is likely to be significantly less efficient than the more modern boilers on the market. This means that you may stand to reduce your energy bills, and in turn become more environmentally friendly, by switching to a newer boiler.
When renovating or remodelling
If you are extending or refurbishing your home, your energy requirements may change. This can represent a sensible opportunity to have a new boiler installed.
You’ll need a boiler that is big enough to meet the requirements of your remodelled home, and you could also make modifications that allow your boiler to be accessed and serviced more easily. Don’t miss the chance presented by renovations to enhance your boiler and the area of your home that accommodates it.
Signs that you think could indicate you need a new boiler may turn out to be small issues. Ultimately, it is important to have your boiler serviced periodically and to have any potential problems investigated immediately. For your own safety, and to avoid serious boiler damage – don’t ignore issues, and always leave repairs to a professional.
