Do I Need a New Boiler?

Has the cold been creeping up on you? If so, it could mean that it is time for some boiler maintenance or a full replacement. But how can you be sure? Here are some signs that indicate that it may be time to get a new boiler.

Increasing Energy Costs

If your energy bill has been climbing recently, and there is no other explanation for it, your boiler may be the culprit. When your boiler is malfunctioning, your energy bill often increases. Additionally, if you have a boiler with a low rating, your energy bill often takes a hit. A G-rated boiler operates at 70% energy efficiency, while an A-rated one clocks an efficiency rate of 90%. If your energy bills are climbing beyond your budget, it may be time to upgrade to a more efficient boiler model.

Frequent Breakdowns

Boiler maintenance and repair are important and unavoidable, but you can only repair your boiler so many times before a full replacement becomes necessary. If you have to repair your boiler more than once each year, it is time to think about getting a new one. When repairs become too frequent, you might wind up spending more to fix issues than you would have paid to get a new boiler. Additionally if the boiler continues to struggle even after a repair job, replacement should be foremost in your thoughts.

Changing Flame Colours

A normal boiler flame is blue. If it turns orange or yellow, it could mean that something is seriously wrong. Get a gas engineer on the job immediately to find out what is wrong. It could be one of many things, including; air getting into the system or the introduction of other chemicals. A change in flame colour is a serious matter that requires urgent attention because, in addition to signaling that the boiler is performing below par, it could mean that dangerous fumes like carbon monoxide may be introduced into the air inside the building.

Your Boiler Becomes Very Noisy

Excessive noise is a signal that your boiler is approaching the end of its life. It is natural for a boiler to make certain sounds, but when the noise changes and becomes louder, trouble is brewing. It is time to call in a technician to evaluate the situation and see whether you need to replace that boiler.

If the noise sounds like tapping, it may mean that your boiler system has sludge buildup. But if the sound resembles humming, banging or vibrating, the problem may be more serious.

Leaks and Suspicious Smells

An odd odour is one of the major signs of boiler trouble. If your boiler gives off an old, sulphur-like or egg-like smell when it is on, that could be a sign of trouble. Once you detect a suspicious odour, you should switch off your boiler and contact the emergency gas line immediately as you could be experiencing a gas leak. Another sign of trouble is a leaking boiler, which could lead to circuit issues.

When Older Boilers Start Malfunctioning

An older boiler model might become challenging to repair over time as parts become impossible to find. In these cases, it is usually best to buy and install a new boiler.

Ultimately, it is in the best interest of all occupants of a building that a boiler that consistently functions below standards and poses health hazards be replaced.