8 signs you need to replace your boiler.

12 Apr

Waking up to a broken boiler is one of the worst morning experiences. It can prevent you from taking a hot shower before work or working comfortably from home without central heating. Faulty boilers can cause a range of problems that can be inconvenient.

When to replace a boiler

Like any other household appliance, your boiler has a limited lifespan. Generally, modern domestic boilers can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years, provided they receive regular maintenance and servicing. However, this is only an approximation, and the exact time when you'll need to replace your boiler will depend on the manufacturer and how well the central heating system has been looked after over the years.

Boilers serviced annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer tend to last longer and perform better. Regular servicing ensures that any potential issues that could cause your boiler to stop working are resolved quickly and before they develop into more serious faults.

Should I replace or repair my boiler?

Boilers naturally degrade over time due to constant usage. After serving your home with heating and hot water for over a decade, they may become less efficient and more prone to breakdowns. While repairing a boiler may seem like a cost-effective solution, it may not outweigh the long-term benefits of replacing it with a modern model. Constantly repairing an old boiler can be expensive in the long run. Thus, investing in a new one can save you money in the future, as modern boiler technology is more energy-efficient. Although it may seem like a significant investment, it will pay off in the long run.

Signs that you need to replace your boiler

Sometimes, repairing a boiler is not enough to solve an underlying problem. In such cases, replacing the boiler may be the best option. Below are some key warning signs to watch out for if you are unsure whether to replace your boiler.

1. Leaks or dripping pipes

Boilers can leak in various places, which may require identifying the exact problem and determining whether it's an emergency. The most common cause of a boiler leak is usually a broken component within the boiler, which includes multiple water-carrying parts that can potentially leak. Sometimes, the problem may lie in a faulty component, while at other times, it could be something as simple as a damaged seal or O-ring. You may also find leaks in your system's pipes, which could be due to corrosion. In such cases, it's best to contact a qualified engineer who can identify the problem accurately.

Ignoring a leaky boiler can lead to severe problems. Water seeping into the system's wiring can cause electrical short circuits, and if the leak is large enough, it could even cause structural damage to your home. Therefore, it's crucial to address boiler leaks immediately to prevent further damage.

2. Repeated low water pressure

Low boiler pressure can have several causes, such as water leaks, bleeding radiators, faulty or deflated expansion vessels, or even a leaking pressure relief valve. You can check your boiler's pressure by looking at the built-in pressure gauge: if the needle is below 1, you may have a problem that requires attention.

Low water pressure can sometimes be fixed by repairing your boiler or replacing the faulty part. The cost of repair or replacement can range from inexpensive if only the pressure release valve (PRV) needs to be replaced to expensive if the entire heat exchanger is broken.

If you notice your system is losing pressure quickly, even after repressurizing it, contact a Gas Safe registered engineer. They can determine if there is a more serious underlying problem and advise you on the best course of action to avoid excessive costs.

3. Banging or gurgling noises

Your boiler can make loud or unusual sounds due to a blockage or sludge build-up. However, this can be fixed by performing a power flush. It's important to listen for any new, excessively loud or persistent sounds, such as kettling, banging, gurgling or clunking, especially if they come with vibrations. These may indicate a more severe problem. If you suspect a broken component like the system's pump, it's best to contact a Gas Safe registered engineer to diagnose and fix the issue properly.

4. Odd smells

If you notice a funky smell coming from your boiler, don't ignore it by simply opening windows or lighting scented candles. This could be a sign of a gas leak. A sulphurous or 'eggy' odour from your boiler is quite dangerous, so it's essential to turn the boiler off immediately and contact the National Gas Emergency line at 0800 111 999 for assistance.

However, sometimes there won't be any smell to warn you. Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas that can be fatal if inhaled. If you suspect your boiler is leaking carbon monoxide, you must have it replaced. Some indicators that your boiler may leak carbon monoxide include a yellow flame instead of a blue one, soot deposits forming on and around the boiler, the pilot light frequently blowing out, and people living in your home experiencing regular headaches, nausea, or dizziness.

If you suspect a carbon monoxide leak, turn your boiler off immediately and contact the Gas Emergency line. We highly recommend installing a carbon monoxide detector in all homes with gas-burning appliances.

Boilers can also produce a burning smell if an internal component is melting or burning. While it may be possible to repair this by replacing the faulty part, it is not always the case. Ignoring the issue could result in the complete failure of your home's central heating system. Therefore, it's essential to have a registered gas-safe engineer investigate the matter.

5. You can’t find the parts needed

We have already discussed this, but older boilers can sometimes be impossible to repair due to the unavailability of required parts. If the necessary components are not obtainable, replacing your old boiler with a newer model is the only viable option. Additionally, even if you find the needed parts, they might be too expensive to justify the repair cost. The answer is straightforward: spending £1000 on new components or investing slightly more in a new boiler. A new boiler will be more dependable and energy-efficient than your current system and less likely to require repairs soon.

6. Higher energy bills

Modern condensing boilers are designed to be energy-efficient. They are all rated A for efficiency, meaning they use at least 90% of the energy they consume when generating heat and hot water for your home. On the other hand, older boilers tend to waste a considerable amount of energy, which can lead to higher utility bills and is not good for your pocket or the planet. If you have noticed an increase in your utility bills despite no major changes to your household's energy usage, it's likely time to consider replacing your old boiler with a new, more efficient one.

7. Not enough hot water

It's important to note that your household's heating and hot water needs may change as time goes on. For instance, you may have added an extra bathroom, or your family may have grown, leading to more people requiring hot showers in the mornings. If your boiler or hot water cylinder is too small to meet your needs, upgrading to a larger model is the best action.

Before selecting a new boiler or system, it's essential to do your research to ensure you choose the right type and model to meet your needs. A system or standard boiler with a separate hot water cylinder is usually more suitable if you have a larger home with more radiators and bathrooms. However, if you have a smaller property, a combi boiler, which is more compact, may be ideal.

8. Frequent breakdowns

If your engineer confirms that the cause of your boiler breakdown is not hazardous, then one-time issues are usually worth fixing. However, if your boiler is experiencing frequent breakdowns (which is more likely as it gets older), it may not be cost-effective to repair it every time it breaks down.

Our boiler experts suggest that if you need to call an engineer more than once a year (in addition to regular servicing) to fix new or recurring problems, it is probably best to consider investing in a new boiler, as it will make more financial sense in the long run.

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