10 Signs that you could need a new boiler

Old boilers often develop problems, but rather than wait until your boiler packs up, it makes sense to keep a look out for tell-tale signs that indicate the boiler isn’t running smoothly. Here are 10 of the most common signs.

1.) Radiators that take a long time to heat up

A boiler should reach the maximum temperature very quickly. Slow radiators could mean there’s a blockage or cold spot, and a boiler service should fix that. If However, even after the annual service, if the radiators take a long time to heat the house, you might need a full replacement.

2.) The flame is yellow

When a boiler is burning, the blue flame is a healthy sign, but a yellow flame could be a sign that the boiler is leaking carbon monoxide, a colourless and odourless gas that can be fatal if breathed. (Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include fatigue, nausea, headache, and dizziness.)

Get a certified gas engineer to check for carbon monoxide. If the leakage can’t be repaired, you may need a new boiler.

3.) It gives off an unusual smell

A healthy boiler shouldn’t have an odour. If yours does, it needs to be investigated because it could be leaking carbon monoxide. While carbon monoxide is odourless, when it’s leaking the boiler doesn’t burn properly, and there will be a faint odour.

An odour could also indicate that some boiler components have burnt out. An inspection by a certified gas engineer will let you know if the boiler needs replacement or you simply have to replace parts.

4.) Rising energy bills

This could be a sign of an inefficient boiler. When the heating system is old, it loses its efficiency, and tends to stop more in the middle of the operation.

Check your boiler’s ERP energy rating. The most efficient boilers are rated A. G rated boiler are less efficient. If your is a G rated boiler more than 15 years old, and frequent starts and stops during an operation, it’s using too much energy, and you’ll be paying higher bills. Think about replacing it with an A rated boiler.

5.) Your boiler keeps shutting off

This could be happening because of low pressure, a faulty thermostat, or a pump not working properly. Get a certified gas engineer to inspect the boiler. It could be time for new parts, or to upgrade your boiler.

6.) Reduced boiler pressure

A boiler losing pressure might be caused by a leak in the system, or because air is escaping through a valve. Adding a leak sealer to the heating system might fix the problem. On the other hand, a proper boiler assessment might reveal other problems.

7.) Kettling

Kettling is a boiling or popping noise in the boiler. Possible causes are a leak in the boiler system, a limescale or sludge build-up, or overheating as a result of a faulty thermostat.

Limescale and sludge build-up in the heat exchanger are common in areas where hard water is available. As for a faulty thermostat, old boiler thermostats often develop problems and need replacing.

8.) Your boiler is making other noises

A boiler should normally be a constant hum. If yours clunks, bangs or whirrs, it could mean a broken valve, pump problem or general wear and tear.

The safest course of action is to turn the boiler off and call an engineer.

9.) Frequent boiler breakdowns

Nobody wants a boiler that keeps going wrong, leaves you without hot water and heating every other day and needs frequent fixing. It’s better to get a new boiler and have peace of mind.

10.) Replacement parts are discontinued

Even if your old boiler is well-maintained and working efficiently, the parts for old boilers can be hard to find, and may even have been discontinued. The next time a part breaks down, you could be stuck with a useless boiler.