How to know when to replace your gas boiler (and why to do it BEFORE it breaks down!)
Posted on 11th February 2022 at 10:09
Regular servicing can definitely help to extend the lifespan of your boiler, and often nips any issues in the bud before they become more costly repairs (just like servicing and MOTing your car). But how do you know when it might be time for a replacement?
Of course, a total breakdown (and a very cold shower!) are often signs that your boiler is on its last legs; however, there are a few helpful signs that could help you to arrange a replacement before your boiler dies.
Here are 10 key things to keep an eye on to see when it might be time for a new boiler…
1) Your gas bill has been creeping up
If you’ve spotted a steady increase in your monthly gas bill, it might be down to more than just rising energy prices - older boilers tend to lose efficiency, leading them to consume more and more gas to heat your home.
2) Your boiler’s flame is looking more yellow than blue
We’re all used to seeing a healthy bright blue flame in our gas boiler - but what if it turns to a yellow or orange colour? This is a sign to give us a call asap, and we can check that your home is safe.
Yellow flames can be a sign of carbon monoxide, so need to be checked out straight away.
3) There’s a leak from your boiler
Boiler’s shouldn’t ever be leaking water - leaving a leak unrepaired could lead to an electrical short-circuit, or water damage to your home.
Some leaks, like seals and valves, can be repaired, but it’s always important to get them checked quickly to avoid any more serious issues.
While leaks can be part of normal wear and tear, they can affect the ability for your boiler to heat your home and water up as quickly as you’d like… and recurring leaks are usually a sign that your boiler is on the way out.
4) Your boiler or radiators are making noises
While it’s normal to hear sounds from your central heating system, if you notice a change in the type or volume of the noise then it’s worth having your system checked.
Humming, vibrating or banging sounds can suggest a fault with your boiler, so it’s always useful to let us know if you’re hearing anything unusual!
5) Your radiators are taking ages to heat up
If your radiators are frustratingly lukewarm, give us a call and we can check your system out.
Often, cold radiators can be remedied with some general repairs, but if your boiler is steadily losing power over time then it might be time for a new one.
6) There’s a bad smell coming from your boiler
If you can smell gas, or a sulphur or eggy smell around your boiler, turn it off straight away and call the Gas Emergency Services line on 0800 111 999.
Another gas to be aware of is carbon monoxide, but this one is odourless; that’s why fitting a carbon monoxide alarm is essential in any home.
Leaking gas or carbon monoxide is obviously a serious problem, and may mean that you need a safer upgrade.
7) Your boiler is lower than A-grade efficiency
It’s worth checking your boiler’s efficiency rating: A-rated gas boilers operate at over 90% efficiency, whereas G-rated models can be lower than 70%.
If your boiler is G-rated, that means that for every £1 you spend on your gas bill, you’re wasting around 30p of it on inefficient energy use.
To help cut your energy bills (and your carbon footprint), it may be time to look into a new gas boiler - upgrading from a G-rated boiler to an A-rated one could save you over £300 a year!
8) It’s getting harder to get replacement parts for your boiler
If your boiler engineer is finding it tricky to source replacement parts for your model of boiler, it’s often due to the age and scarcity of that model on the market.
This suggests that it’s a good time to look at replacing your boiler, before parts become impossible to find - especially when you might need them in a hurry!
9) Your boiler is breaking down too often
If you’re having to get your boiler repaired more than once a year, it’s worth adding up the annual bills and considering whether a new boiler may be more cost-effective in the long run.
Our team of boiler repair experts in Bristol will do all we can to keep your boiler running smoothly, but if your boiler is older and experiencing problems more frequently than you’d like, we can also advise you on your options for a new one.
10) Your boiler is more than 15 years old
While the average gas boiler can last for around 15 years, like most complex home appliances, this is only a guide!
We do see some boilers lasting for much longer, however, older models tend to be far less efficient, and can lead to inflated gas bills and unreliable heating.
If you’re looking to sell your home in the near future, having a modern and efficient boiler can also be a huge selling point for buyers, and can add value to your home vs an older model.
If you think it may be time to upgrade your gas boiler to a newer, more efficient model, our friendly and experienced team are here to help.
We can give you a quote for a new boiler replacement, as well as advice you on the make and model that would best suit your home and needs.
To get your new boiler quote, call us today on 0117 287 0177, or email us at info@hlplumbingandheatingsolutions.com
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