This month’s blog, When to Replace A Boiler offers five top tips to help you spot the tell-tale signs that it could be time for a new boiler to be installed.

Over the years, we’ve fitted hundreds of Baxi, Ideal and Worcester boilers.

Our sharp-eyed engineers spot possible issues at 50 paces. So, to make your life easier, we’ve put together this checklist; a numbered, jargon-free guide for homeowners, businesses and landlords.

Is This You?

An electric or combi boiler seamlessly provides hot water and heating. That’s its job. If you’re like most of us, you take it for granted. As you should.

It’s just there when you need it, day in day out.

Until and unless, somehow – it may not be.

And, especially in the colder months, you NEED your boiler to work properly. The problem is:

Loads of other people in your local area may be thinking that they could benefit from a new boiler, too.  Heating engineers get booked up.

So firstly, let’s offer a bit of obvious but mainly overlooked advice:

“Dig Your Well Before You’re Thirsty”

Have you heard of this expression? It’s acknowledged as an ancient Chinese proverb and applies to life in general, more or less.

But the message is a sound one: be prepared for something uncomfortable before you think it may happen. And now is the time to think about your boiler, rather than putting it off to another day.

Consider getting in touch with RWL if any of the following apply:

1. The Age Thing: Your Boiler is Over 15 Years Old

Normally, they perform well for between 10 to 15 years.

Regardless of brand quality, longevity doesn’t apply here. In brief, an older boiler works harder than a newer one. You get the same results, but for more effort. So, it’s going to be more expensive to run.

There’s something else:

At some point, older models become nigh-impossible to service.

How so? Well, think about a 25-year-old family car. The same applies. At some point, it won’t be worth having it serviced as it’s going to break down again predictably soon. The costs will outweigh the benefits.

Also, some brands are, in our view, too old to warrant remedial or repair work. Or, at the other end of the scale, too cheap. Remember, this point expresses our opinion only, but if you have a:

PowerMax

Ravenheat

Vokera, or

Saunier Duval

You may find that they’re non-serviceable due to age.

Equally, on the too affordable front, some models may come with costly replacement parts that are hard to find and/or unhelpful after-sales and customer service.

Buy cheap, buy twice we think.

2. Higher Bills

This point relates to the one above, really, but it’s worth re-framing slightly. If your boiler works well and if an experienced engineer has installed the best one for you to a high standard, your bills should not be a horror show.

It goes without saying that, for various geopolitical reasons energy costs have increased. Yet, if your bills are creeping up for no apparent reason, it could be down to the age of your boiler.

Modern A-rated vs. older G-rated: 90% efficiency vs. 70% efficiency, respectively. Put that way, replacing your old model is a bit of a no-brainer. You could be doing your bit for the planet, too.

3. Low Performance

You may find that your radiators are taking some time to heat up.

Alternatively, you’re tweaking your boiler’s practically daily. (If the gauge keeps dropping below 1 you could have leaks or a faulty part. Let’s be honest: Your boiler isn’t behaving as it should. Perhaps it’s breaking down far too regularly and those repair bills are mounting up.

Your boiler is fast becoming a liability rather than an asset. Meanwhile, your family is freezing and there’s snow on the ground outside.

Obviously, your boiler should be serviced annually to keep it running smoothly. But if you’re calling out an engineer once or twice between services, it might be time for a brand-new one.

4. It’s Noisy…And a Bit Smelly

Does your boiler gurgle and babble a bit, and your radiators murmur gently into life when they come on?

That’s pretty normal, no need to worry. Likewise, it’s quite a cosy, reassuring sound. And, harmless, in case you’re wondering. However, listen out for any of the following changes:

Humming, vibrating and banging noises are not a good sign. Also, whistling and clanking – none of this is standard. These slightly alarming sounds could indicate a larger fault, either with the boiler itself or the central heating system.

Also, that sulphurous, eggy smell could, repeat, could be a gas leak. If so, turn it off at once and call the emergency gas line on 0800 111 999. In this case, you’re definitely going to need a new boiler

5. Water Leaks

Loud klaxon noise here.

Your boiler should NOT leaking. At all. There could be a serious problem with a boiler replacement at the top of your To Do list.

Most likely, a water leak is a sign that an internal component, such as a valve or seal is broken. Spotted some water coming from your boiler on the floor? Turn it off immediately and get in touch with us on 07921 662 682 for us to check it. Perhaps it will be OK (repaired rather than replaced) but be prepared to regard a new one as your best option.

So, what are your takeaways here?

• A new boiler offers potential savings on your energy bills; maybe even significant reductions over the life of the unit.
• Upgrading offers you peace of mind. A replacement boiler delivers greater reliability and, ultimately, one less thing to think about in your busy life.
• When the cost of repairs outweighs the outlay on an energy-efficient model, or the sheer time, stress, and hassle of it all become ultra-annoying, it’s time for a substitution.

Talk to us about your energy usage patterns. Your RWL engineer will be happy to recommend the right boiler model for your size and type of property.

Keep warm, keep safe.