Most people rely heavily on boilers for almost half of the seasonal year. You might think that we would know everything about boilers, but understanding them isn’t very easy. On average, boiler replacement costs can range from £475 – £2000. Also critical is what type of central heating system you prefer and what you currently own.
There are obvious signs such as suddenly getting chilled water while taking a shower. However, we have made a list of symptoms that might be helpful to know when you need to replace your old boiler before a complete breakdown.
Let us see some vital warning signs that your boiler might give when it is time for a replacement.
The boiler is more than a decade and a half old.
The age-old saying of “Respect Your Elders” is out of the question when it comes to boilers. An average lifespan of a boiler is 15 years, depending on various factors such as weather conditions, frequency of use, water quality, etc. However, despite these conditions, if your boiler has survived for so long, then it might not be of much use after this point.
There is a chance that a 15-year-old boiler might not perform with the same efficiency as before despite regular servicing. Hence, regardless of the pinch on your wallet, you should think of replacing your boiler before the winter sets in.
Energy bills are on the rise.
As per British Gas, an A-rated boiler works at more than 90% efficiency, and a G-rated boiler operates at 70% or less. If you have a lower rated boiler, your energy consumption will be naturally high. However, if you still see a gradual rise in your energy bills each month, there is a chance that the reason is your boiler. As a boiler becomes old, its decline in efficiency leads to higher energy consumption leading to increased energy bills.
So, rather than getting in panic mode and straight away getting rid of your boiler, check the efficiency rating. If the rating is low, then invest in a higher rated boiler to save money in the long run.
The flame in your boiler has turned from blue to yellow.
The flame of a fully functioning boiler always burns blue in colour. If your boiler flame is yellow coloured, please call a technician immediately to assess the seriousness of the situation.
The reason for a yellow flame could suggest a malfunction with the carbon monoxide in your boiler. Carbon monoxide is odourless, and it can be difficult to distinguish. However, it is crucial to identify the issue as it can be hazardous to the people staying in the house. So, keep an eye out for the flame colour.
Leak in the boiler
A leak in the boiler does not always mean that you need to replace the whole thing. It can also be due to an issue with an internal component such as a valve or a seal. In this situation, call an engineer and get the issue sorted at the earliest. Neglecting a leak in the early stages may lead to big problems like rust, corrosion, structural damage to the house, etc. These issues can be easily tackled if addressed early. Also, leakage in your boiler leads to inefficient heating.
However, if your boiler is old and leakage issues have become quite common, you should consider replacing it.
Radiators take too long to heat up.
Often, if the radiators in your home take longer to heat up, it might mean there is an internal issue such as a leak. Usually, this delay is a sign that your boiler is worn out and is nearing its end. However, if you have a relatively new boiler and still this issue persists, it can be fixed easily with the help of a technician.
Foul smell coming out of your boiler.
A foul smell from the boiler can be dangerous. A sour smell emitting out of the boiler means there is a gas leak. In this case, switch the boiler immediately and call the Emergency Services.
After the gas leak is dealt with, you might want to consider replacing your boiler.
Hard to find replacement parts
When a machine becomes old and obsolete, companies stop making spare parts because of low or no demand. If you are struggling to get details for your boiler, it means that it is ancient and needs replacement rather than repairs.
Do not try using parts from other manufacturers or models as it might lead to more significant problems like those mentioned above.
Suppose you see any of the signs mentioned above about your boiler. In that case, it is time to consider replacing it with a better, newer variant that will help save you time, money and will increase the heating efficiency.