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Last updated on December 13th, 2023 at 12:18 pm

When Is It Time To Replace My Boiler? | Warmable Skip to main content

Boilers are the types of things that you never really think about. As long as your house is warm and your showers aren’t freezing, your boiler is rarely on your mind.

So when it comes time to replace your boiler, you’re often taken by surprise, both financially and in terms of the logistics of getting it done. But it’s important to remember that all boilers have lifespans, and to be prepared when the time comes to get your boiler replaced.

Here at Warmable, we want to take the stress and discomfort out of the whole process. Fill out our simple, quick form to get a quote today and experience a hassle-free service for your boiler installation.

Replacing an old boiler is not only important for reliability and efficiency, it may end up saving you money in the long run. Our guide below explains when it might be time to get your boiler replaced.

How Do I Know I Need To Replace my Boiler?

While you can help to increase the longevity of your boiler with regular servicing and a few tweaks, there is bound to come a point when it’s time for a replacement. You may start noticing some changes in how it is working, or you may just decide to go for a newer model.

Today’s boilers tend to be far more energy-efficient than older ones, so replacing your boiler with a newer model can help you save on heating bills, as well as help you reduce the carbon footprint of your home.

Below we have produced a list of signs that may indicate that it’s time to get your boiler replaced.

Frequent Breakdowns

 If your boiler is regularly giving up, it’s probably time for a replacement. Although new boilers can be fairly expensive, it may be cheaper in the long run to get a newer model, both in terms of efficiency and in saving on breakdown bills. If you are having to call out an engineer more than once a year on top of your annual boiler service, then you should consider getting a replacement.

Strange Smells

You may notice unusual smells emitting from your boiler. If you do so, it’s vital to immediately get in touch with a registered Gas Safe engineer. This is particularly true if you notice a sulfurous, eggy smell when you use your boiler.

If this happens, it’s likely to be a gas leak. In this situation, you must immediately turn the boiler off and call the emergency gas line on 0800 111 999

Water Leakage

 If your boiler is leaking water, this typically means that an internal component, such as a valve or seal, is broken. If this is not attended to, it could lead to serious problems such as an electrical short circuit or even structural damage to your home.

If you notice a leak, turn off the boiler and get it professionally checked. It may just need a simple repair, but could need replacing altogether.

Noise

Boilers and radiators make sounds all the time, most of which are completely normal. However it is worth noting any change in the type of noise or volume. If you are hearing irregular humming, vibrating or banging, it may be a sign of a fault with the boiler or central heating system. It is worth getting a heating engineer to investigate, as it may be a sign that it’s time for a boiler replacement.

Higher Bills

 If your heating bills are getting higher without explanation, it may be due to the age of your boiler. A less efficient boiler will cost you more money to run. For example, if you have an older G-rated boiler, this will run at about 70% efficiency or less.

Modern A-rated boilers operate at over 90% efficiency. Replacing an old, G-rated boiler with a new A-rated, energy efficient boiler could save you up to £840 per year.

Poor Performance

If you are finding that it is taking longer for your radiators to heat up, or if you are regularly adjusting the pressure of your boiler, it’s time for the boiler to be professionally checked. The problem may just need a quick fix, or it could be indicative of a larger, irreparable issue.

Yellow Flame

Your boiler flame should be burning bright blue. If it has changed to a yellow or orange colour,  your boiler needs to be immediately serviced by a Gas Safe engineer. They can tell you about the severity of your problem, and how it can be resolved.

Problems with Parts

As your boiler ages, it can become ever more difficult, and more expensive, to find spare parts when repairs are needed. It’s important to do your research on the price of parts and their availability. This can be addressed during your boiler service.

If it’s very expensive to replace an obsolete part, it is really only worth doing if the boiler rarely has problems. If your engineer is regularly looking online for expensive, obsolete parts, it may be more cost-efficient to replace the boiler all together.

Contact Warmable For Your Boiler Repairs

When it comes to your boiler repair needs, Warmable is your trusted partner. With a network of over 700 engineers across the UK, we ensure that help is just a call away. We can find you an experienced professional specialising in boiler repairs, offering prompt and reliable service to get your heating system back up and running in no time.

We understand the inconvenience and discomfort that a faulty boiler can cause, which is why we prioritise quick response times and efficient repairs. Choose Warmable for your boiler repair needs and experience our commitment to quality, affordability and customer satisfaction.

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Andrew Speer

Andrew Speer is the co-founder of Warmable drawing on more than 15 years of experience working in property and home repairs industry in the UK