How do you know when it’s time to replace your boiler?
Your gas boiler is a very important part of your home, providing constant hot water when you need it and keeping you warm when it’s cold outside.
So how do you know when it’s time to replace it?
Most boilers these days have a lifespan of around 10 to 15 years, that’s not to say they won’t last longer.
If your boiler has been serviced annually, it should last a long time. Maintenance is the key to keeping your boiler in good condition.
As your boiler turns 10 years old, it’s a good idea to start considering replacing it with a new, high-efficiency upgraded model.
Yes, I know that 10 years seems like a short time for the boiler, but it is the world we live in now. Nothing lasts like what was used too.
Have you noticed your gas bills starting to go up?
If so, it is a sign that the boiler has to work harder to produce the necessary hot water and heating. If your boiler is not a condensing version, then you are already wasting around 35% of your gas through the boiler chimney.
All the boilers produced today are high efficiency condensing models, they are rated A grade, their efficiency is around 90%, when compared to a G grade boiler which is around 55%, it is a great 35% savings on your gas bill.
Does your boiler tend to stop working regularly?
If this is the case, it is a sign that things will only get worse in the future.
You have to stop and start thinking about how much more money you are going to throw at the boiler to keep it running. Do not forget that although the boiler is old and no matter what spare parts you replace, it is still an old and uneconomical boiler.
As a boiler ages, the replacement parts needed to repair it also start to increase in cost, this is because the rarer they become, the higher the costs become.
Most older boilers have a sight glass to check the color of the flame when it is running. If your boiler flame has a yellow color, then it is not a good sign. The color of the flame should be a nice crisp blue.
A yellow flame is a sign of carbon monoxide problems, and my advice would be to isolate the boiler and call a Gas Safe registered boiler engineer to have it checked right away.
Don’t forget that you can’t see, smell, or taste carbon monoxide.
Does your boiler regularly lose pressure and you have to recharge it to get it working again?
This is another sign that things are not right, any form of boiler leak needs to be addressed. Otherwise, the boiler will eventually stop completely.
Yesterday’s boilers are almost gone, yes they lasted a long time, some were around 40 years or more, but they were very bad for the environment, wasting up to 40% of your gas down the chimney.
Today’s boilers are better for the environment and much cheaper in terms of running costs, but, and this is a big but, they need to be maintained and cared for, otherwise you’ll find yourself paying big bills. repair when broken. go wrong
