Nobody likes to spend a fortune on things we take for granted. But we have to be aware that our boilers, no matter how much we’d like them to, don’t last forever. Having a boiler breaking down unexpectedly can really blindside you, and not to mention put you out of pocket. With that in mind, we’ve put together some common signs you need a new boiler.
13 Signs You Might Need to Install a New Boiler
1. You Can’t Get Hot Water
This is an easy one. No hot water or heat typically means that something is wrong with your boiler. Now, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll have to order a new one straight away, but repairs can be costly, and if the engineer says that it’s going to be anything more than just a simple fix, then opting for an entirely new boiler is a good option.
2. Boiler Keeps Switching Off
If your boiler switches itself off frequently, then it may well have some bad news for you. Often, faulty pumps or thermostats are common and expensive explanations for this issue. It will be up to you whether it’s worth replacing the parts or investing in a new replacement, altogether.
3. Frequent Repairs
If your boiler lets you down at an increasing rate, and demands regular attention and money, it might be time to say your farewell. A professional boiler installer can advise you what the best decision would be. If you live in the West Midlands, you can get in touch with us to have this chat.
4. Weird or Unusual Noises
The constant hum you can hear when a boiler is turned on shouldn’t alarm you as this is normal. If you hear knocking, banging and whistling sounds, however, these are usually symptomatic of a problem with the heating pump, thermostat or a broken valve.
Another usual problem is known as kettling which will create rumbling or gurgling noises. In this case, limescale and sludge has accumulated around the heat exchanger, and is killing your boiler slowly.
5. Leaks
A water leak prevents a boiler from working properly and it could lead to loss of pressure, corrosion and important damage around the unit and pipes. A gas leak is a serious hazard that has to be addressed immediately by a Gas Safe Registered engineer.
6. Suspicious Smell
A boiler that works properly doesn’t give off any odour, so if you notice a bad smell coming from it you need to act fast. The reason for it might “just” be a burnt out component. But it could also be a very dangerous carbon monoxide leak if the smell is subtle and odd. Again, this will need quick attention from a professional boiler engineer.
7. Yellow Flame
A healthy blue flame is what you want to see from your boiler’s pilot light. A yellow flame is usually another sign of a boiler leaking poisonous carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide can be fatal, so it’s important to get this checked out immediately if you notice a change in flame colour.
8. The Pilot Light Goes Off
Although a pilot light might be off for several minor reasons, it sometimes indicates that your boiler needs a more expensive repair. Maybe it’s time to think about getting a brand new heating system.
9. Unstable Water Temperature
If hot water keeps being interrupted by short periods of cold water when you’re running the tap for a while, then something isn’t right. Your boiler can be repairable but in some circumstances it might be not worth it.
10. Loss of Pressure
When a boiler is frequently losing its pressure it isn’t able to function properly, so it needs to be assessed by an expert. It can be explained by a water leak, air escaping through a valve or just regular wear and tear.
11. Cold Radiators
If your radiators take a long time to heat up, and you have already tried to bleed or flush them, then your boiler is no longer capable of doing the job. This problem doesn’t have an easy solution so installing a new unit is a real possibility here.
12. High Energy Bills
Poor design, bad maintenance and age all have a negative effect on a boiler’s efficiency. This translates into spending more money on gas and electricity than necessary. Getting a brand new, A-rated ErP boiler will bring your energy bills down.
13. Age
If your boiler is more than 10 years old, then you’ll likely need to install a new one sooner rather than later. Even if it has been serviced annually, an old boiler suffers from the usual wear and tear, and typically causes the need for more attention and money.
Modern boilers will always be more efficient than older ones making them cheaper to run, too. Also, replacement parts normally discontinue after a decade making your boiler no longer repairable.
Time for a New Boiler!
When you start experiencing issues like those listed above, you should seriously consider a boiler upgrade. It will be an important investment, but it will end up saving you money in the long run. To help you choose a new boiler, take our quick questionnaire, here, to see the perfect one for you.
Eddie Scoffin
Boiler Choice Director & Founder
This blog was written in collaboration with Eddie Scoffin, the founder of Boiler Choice. Eddie has been installing boilers for over a decade. With a passion for excellence and customer satisfaction, Eddie’s leadership and expertise have been instrumental in the success of Boiler Choice. His commitment to making the boiler installation process hassle-free for customers has earned him a respected reputation in the industry.
Updated on May 19, 2023
