Signs Your Boiler Needs Replacing (Before It Breaks Down in Winter)

One of the worst things that can happen to a homeowner is to have their boiler break down in the middle of winter. Not only will you feel the effects of the cold more, but it can also be much harder to find a plumber with the availability to help. After all, winter is often the busiest time for plumbers dealing with broken boilers, burst pipes and leaks.

Replacing your boiler in the autumn can set you up for a winter full of reliable central heating and hot water. But how do you know if your boiler needs to be replaced or if you can continue to use it? We’re sharing some of the top signs that your boiler is on its last legs, so you can make a timely decision about when to replace it.

Age is a good indicator

First things first, can you remember when your boiler was installed? Most boilers have a life span of around 10-15 years, so if your boiler was installed around about the time the first iPhone was released, it’s probably time to start thinking about a replacement.

Some boilers can outlast expectations, particularly when they are well maintained. In which case, you might be able to continue using your boiler for a little longer. Bear in mind that this won’t be the most efficient use of energy, as older boilers will be missing some of the modern features that make them so effective.

Boilers can also break down earlier than anticipated, and this will usually result in the following telltale signs:

Watch your energy bills

If you find yourself turning the central heating on more often than usual and it isn’t proving to be as effective, this could be a sign that your boiler isn’t as efficient as it once was. This could lead to spiralling energy bills without any sense that your home is any more comfortable.

Listen for unusual sounds

Another common sign that something is amiss will be the sound that your boiler makes. Some noises are to be expected, but if your central heating is whistling, banging, clunking or gurgling, this could be a sign that key components inside have become damaged by corrosion and a build up of sludge.

Look for leaks

Unexplained water marks underneath your boiler could be a sign that gaskets are damaged and the boiler is leaking water. It could also indicate an issue with the water pressure being too high, or it could mean that your boiler pressure will always be too low. If your boiler is battling to maintain pressure, and always running too high or too low, this will put excess pressure on the components and lead to premature breakdown.

Consider breakdown frequency

A lot of homeowners adapt to the quirks of their boiler system, and it becomes part of their daily routine. If you find yourself paying close attention to your boiler to keep it operational, or if you have to call in someone to fix it regularly, this isn’t something you should have to live with.

A properly functioning boiler won’t need lots of attention and consideration. You won’t need to reset it daily or top up the water pressure, it will just function effectively. If you find yourself dealing with regular faults and full breakdowns, this could be a sign it’s time to get a new boiler.

When it is beyond economic repair

One final consideration will be when the cost of repairing your boiler is more expensive than the cost of replacing it. This could be because of the frequency of the repairs (and knowing that you’re about to head into the winter months with an unreliable boiler) or it could be about the cost of a single repair due to the parts that need to be replaced.

There comes a point when keeping your old boiler running will become more expensive than simply replacing it. You can also save money by replacing an old boiler, as it can help to bring down your energy bills by working more efficiently.

If you’re ready to start exploring new boiler options, get in touch with our team today. We can handle the process from start to finish, so you can feel confident in your new purchase.