Is your boiler showing signs of failure? While the idea of replacing it may seem daunting, with winter approaching, the last thing you want is to be left without central heating or hot water. While some boiler problems can be fixed with a quick and easy repair job, others call for a complete boiler replacement.
In this article, we’ll explore the key warning signs that indicate your boiler may be beyond repair and discover whether a new gas boiler funded by the ECO4 boiler replacement scheme might be the best solution for your household.
Leaking or Dripping Pipes
There are many parts carrying water within your boiler systems, including pipes and radiators, that could potentially leak. These leaks usually occur when an internal component of the boiler or pipe system is broken or damaged. To understand the root cause of the leak, you must try to locate where the leak is coming from.
A leaking pipe might not be the end of the world. Leaks can simply be the result of a damaged seal or O ring, which potentially could be repaired without requiring a new gas boiler. However, when a leak is coming from inside the boiler, it can cause some issues. If leaks are left unchecked, water can wreak havoc on the system’s wiring, leading to electrical short circuits.
Low Water Pressure
Consistently low water pressure can be the result of several issues, including leaking pipes, a bleeding radiator or a leaking pressure relief valve. You can check whether your water pressure is low by consulting the built-in pressure gauge. If the needle points below 1, you may have a pressure issue that needs attention.
Whether repair or replacement is recommended depends on which element is causing the low pressure. If all that’s needed is a new pressure release valve, this is quick, easy and cheap to fix. However, if the leak is caused by a more complex part of the system, such as the heat exchanger, this is expensive and may cost more than a gas boiler replacement.
Banging or Gurgling Noises
Boilers and radiators rarely operate silently, often making all sorts of sounds, most of which are nothing to worry about. Hearing a gentle hum or whirring is normal when the heating is on as the pump circulates water around the boiler and through the pipes. When the boiler is turned on, the pilot flame can generate a slight roaring sound. You may also hear some light clicking and popping when the boiler cools down and the metal components cool and retract.
However, banging, gurgling or whistling noises could suggest something more serious. Banging and whistling sounds can suggest boiler kettling, where the water is boiling inside the boiler, while gurgling can happen when trapped air passes through the system. These sounds should be investigated by a qualified professional to examine the source of the noises and identify the severity of the issue.
Odd Smells
Boilers shouldn’t produce any odours. Unusual smells, slightly eggy or sulphurous, could indicate a gas leak, something which should never be ignored. If you detect these odours coming from your boiler, you should turn the boiler off immediately and contact the National Gas Emergency Line on 0800 111 9999. In the event of a gas leak, gas boiler replacements are usually the only course of action.
Boilers can also produce a burning smell if an internal component is melting or burning. Sometimes, this can be repaired by just replacing the broken part, but this is not always the case. If not fixed promptly, it can cause irreparable damage to your home’s central heating system.
Frequent Breakdowns
Gas boiler replacements are often considered the last resort. However, recurring breakdowns can result in frequent and expensive repair work. A series of quick fixes can add up to a substantial amount of money over time.
Boilers have a limited lifespan, even with regular maintenance and servicing, often lasting between 10 and 15 years. However, once you begin running into frequent boiler issues, it’s time to consider a replacement to avoid wasting money on fixing issues for new ones to arise soon after.
Higher Energy Bills
Boilers have come a long way over the years in terms of energy efficiency. With a rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient), boilers that are more than 10 years old tend to have the lowest energy rating. Poor energy efficiency means heating your home requires more energy, costing you more and emitting more emissions. If you have noticed your utility bills creeping up, even if your boiler is still running, it might be time for a boiler upgrade.
New gas boilers are all A-rated for energy efficiency, requiring less energy to heat your home. At North East Insulation Services, we offer free gas boiler upgrades under the ECO4 boiler replacement scheme. If your current gas boiler is more than 10 years old and has an EPC rating of D or lower, you receive income-related benefits and own your home, then you may qualify for a free boiler grant.
Parts Problems
As your boiler ages and the model becomes outdated, it can become increasingly difficult to get hold of the right spare parts for repairs. When these parts are no longer in production, you may have to scour the internet looking for them, which can be not only time-consuming but also costly. If you’re struggling to find parts for an old boiler, at some point, you will be left with no choice but to upgrade to a new model.
Yellow Flame
Boiler flames should always burn a bright blue colour. A yellow flame can indicate that harmful carbon monoxide emissions are being released into the home. Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas that can prove fatal when inhaled in large quantities.
In addition to the flame burning yellow, soot buildup on and around the boiler and the pilot light frequently blowing out can also indicate a carbon monoxide leak. Carbon monoxide inhalation can lead to symptoms such as headaches, feeling nauseous or dizziness.
If you suspect a carbon monoxide gas leak, turn your boiler off immediately and call the Gas Emergency line.
Your Water Requirements Change
Even if your boiler is functioning properly and has not run into any issues, water requirements can change over time, meaning that you need a new boiler. If your household has grown since you first installed your boiler—whether through additional family members or simply increased water usage—you may now find that your system struggles to keep up.
Extra showers and baths, more frequent washing machine and dishwasher cycles, or the addition of a new bathroom can all increase demand on your boiler and hot water cylinder. Whatever the reason, upgrading to a larger boiler can help meet these higher demands, ensuring a steady supply of hot water and efficiently heated radiators throughout your home.
When deciding which size kW boiler is best for you, consider the size and energy needs of your home. Think about the number of bedrooms, radiators and bathrooms your home has, as well as the level of home insulation. Homes with adequate insulation tend to preserve heat better than older houses. More heating or water usage sources or poor insulation mean you will require a more powerful boiler.
Our Boiler Replacement Scheme
At North East Insulation Services, we're a family-run business that has been providing energy-efficiency home improvements to our clients across the North East of England for over 10 years. From new boiler upgrades to solar PV systems, our green energy installers help homes boost their energy efficiency and implement sustainable energy strategies.
Apply online and discover whether you could be eligible for a free energy-efficiency home upgrade under the ECO4 scheme with NEIS. Alternatively, if you have any enquiries, get in touch with our friendly team, who are ready to assist you.
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