We tend to take our boiler for granted until it’s too late. That’s why it’s important to keep an eye on your boiler every now and then so that you’re able to notice any changes that might be a sign it’s time for an upgrade. Below are some of the common telltale signs it’s time to replace your boiler:
1. Yellow flame
The colour of your boiler’s flame indicates the fuel efficiency of your heating system, with a blue flame being an indication of a healthy boiler. A yellow flame, on the other hand, is a sign to take action. Not only does a yellow flame mean you could be wasting gas and money, but it could also point to a carbon monoxide leak.
Exposure to carbon monoxide can be fatal if the amount is high enough. That’s why it’s important to act immediately by leaving the premises and calling the Gas Emergency Services.
2. Smell
If there’s an eggy, sulphur smell coming from your boiler then you need to immediately open your windows and vacate your home! Like the yellow flame mentioned above, this is also likely a sign of carbon monoxide.
You might be thinking – “but isn’t carbon monoxide odourless?” And yes, naturally it is. However, gas companies thankfully add a scent to help you identify this problem so you can keep you and your family safe.
Strange smells aren’t just a sign of carbon monoxide though. If you smell metal, electrical burning, or burning fabric, then these are also signs that your boiler is malfunctioning. Contact a heating engineer to advise you on how to best fix it.
3. Noise
Sometimes it’s difficult to tell whether the noise coming from your boiler or radiators is ‘normal’ or not. However, if you’re hearing banging, kettling, or gurgling sounds then this is definitely not a sign of a healthy boiler. This is a signal that your boiler needs replaced soon, otherwise the problem may only worsen.
4. Water leak
If you notice water leaking from your boiler then this is an immediate sign to call a heating engineer and enquire about a boiler replacement! If you don’t address this quickly, both your boiler and home could be subject to further damage.
5. Regular breakdowns
If something seems to be wrong with your boiler every other week, things are unfortunately only going to get worse. Furthermore, it is probably more cost-effective to buy a new reliable boiler than to continuously spend money on getting your boiler repaired.
6. Replacement parts are hard to find
Expanding on the last point, if your heating engineer tells you that components for your boiler are becoming increasingly difficult to come by, it’s time to upgrade to a newer model!
7. Your boiler isn’t A-rated
An A-rated boiler is a boiler with an efficiency rating of 90% or more. All modern condensing boilers in the UK are now required to be at least 92% efficient.
But what does it mean if your boiler’s efficiency is lower than this?
Well, having an older less efficient boiler is actually costing you money. For every £1 you spend on a boiler with 92% efficiency, you only waste 8p. But if your boiler is 60% efficient…well you can say goodbye to x5 that amount! Therefore, this is a good reason to upgrade your boiler and increase your savings.
8. It’s been 10 years…
The years can catch up on us quickly – making it hard to keep track of how long you’ve owned your boiler for. But if you feel you’re coming up to the 10-year mark, then it’s time to start thinking about a replacement.
Most boiler manufacturers only offer warranties of up to 10 years, so if you have your boiler for longer than this you could run into trouble. Furthermore, the quality of boilers is continuously improving, especially when it comes to efficiency levels and safety features. Therefore, replacing your boiler with a modern one will end up being more cost-effective.
If you feel like your boiler fits one of the above descriptions, then it’s time to get in contact with a local heating engineer. They’ll be able to advise you on finding a suitable boiler for your home that’ll save you money and last you many years to come!
