Our boilers work hard to keep the house warm, so it’s always a good idea to take care of them. One day though, it will be time to retire your boiler to the great central heating system in the sky. How do you know when that time has come though? There are a few signs that will tell you an upgrade is in order, so let’s explore what those are and how you can identify them.
Efficiency
A boiler at its best will work much more efficiently than one that needs to be repaired, or replaced. One sign that would suggest your boiler has begun operating inefficiently is that it takes longer to warm up than it used to. This might be a process that has happened so gradually you haven’t noticed until now, so be mindful of how well your boiler operates compared to its peak condition.
Another thing to consider is how much your boiler costs you, as if it is becoming more expensive to operate, it’s another sign of inefficiency. Boilers efficiency is graded on a scale of A to G, with A being over 90% efficiency and G being below 70%. The lower the grading, the more expensive your heating bill - so upgrading can be a great way to keep costs down.
Use your senses
The noises and smells given off by your boiler will give you an indication as to whether or not it needs a replacement. It’s entirely normal for your central heating system to make sounds, but if it starts making different, louder, noises, it’s worth taking a closer look. In particular, you’ll want to be mindful of humming, vibrating and banging as these are the strongest indications of s significant issue. It’s not worth immediately jumping to the conclusion you need a replacement, however, and it’s worth getting an expert in first.
If your boiler is emitting unusual odours, however, it needs a much more urgent look. If something smells sulphurous and eggy you likely have a gas leak and need to take care of it immediately. No strange odour should ever be emitted from your boiler, so if it appears one is it’s always a good idea to have it checked out.
Breakdowns
Even if an older boiler is running efficiently, once it breaks down it can be more difficult to procure the right parts for its repair. This is the biggest indicator that a boiler has reached the end of its lifecycle, and they generally have 10-15 years before they’re faced with the issue. There’s not much you can do beyond getting a replacement at this point. At best, you need to make sure you treat your existing boiler with care so it will last longer - but unfortunately none will last forever. When new parts are too difficult to obtain for your old boiler, it’s time to get a new one - and with the right guidance you should be able to choose one that will last you for a long time to come.
If you need your boiler replaced, don’t hesitate to give us a call - we’re always happy to help!