Avoiding These Warning Signs Could Cost You Hundreds- Experts Reveal The Signs That Could Single That It’s Time To Upgrade Your Boiler
Putting off your boiler service? It could be costing you hundreds of pounds. Andy Kerr, Founder at BOXT boilers, reveals the warning signs that could signal that it’s time to upgrade your boiler.
6 boiler warning signs that need your attention:
1.Your energy bills are through the roof
Some homeowners are surprised to discover that an indication of a much-needed boiler repair may be in their monthly bills. While energy prices continue to rise, boiler inefficiency can also play a major role in mounting costs. A more efficient boiler system can significantly reduce energy wastage, which will help to reduce heating bills. In fact, you can save up to £95 a month with a new A-rated boiler and a Google Nest Learning Thermostat.
2. It’s making a noise
If you notice any unusual sounds coming from your boiler, it may suggest a series of issues. For instance, rattling or humming sounds coming from your boiler may indicate issues with water pressure or air build-up in the system, while a hissing sound may indicate something completely different. If left unattended, these could turn into bigger problems leading to a costly breakdown. If your boiler has not been serviced in the last 12 months, hearing noises coming out of it should prompt you to call an engineer for a service appointment.
3. Reduced performance
A boiler not heating up properly, having inconsistent hot water temperature or fluctuations when running a tap or when radiators are turned on, are all sure signs of your boiler needing a service, and maybe even some parts needing replacement. Regular boiler servicing will prolong the life of your boiler and save you money in the long run, as well as keep your boiler warranty valid.
4. Your boiler is deliberately switching off
A faulty boiler may intermittently lose power or turn off without warning or may even fail to start running after you turn it on. This usually indicates a serious issue with your boiler, and putting it off won’t make it go away. There are many reasons this may happen, but can indicate a problem with various electrical components such as thermostats or other additional external controls such as the pump or valves. However, it is also possible that your boiler size is simply wrong for the size of your property and potentially not powerful enough to cope with the demands. Be sure to look at the digital display on your boiler as it might show an error code, which will give you an indication of what the root cause could be.
5. Your radiators are not heating evenly
If the bottom of your radiators remains cold even with the heating on it could be due to a build-up of debris or sludge inside. This is an issue for the boiler itself, as the build-up may damage parts of the heating system such as pumps, heat exchangers, and even the radiator itself after a very long time. It may be part of the service for your engineer to check water quality to make sure further work isn’t needed such as a flush to get your system water quality back up to scratch.
Cold radiators could also be a sign of trapped air. This is an issue that you could fix yourself by bleeding your radiators.
6. Black marks near or on your boiler
Scorch or spillage marks near your boiler are a major cause for concern. These will look like dark marks on or near your boiler and could be due to lack of maintenance, overuse, consistently high temperatures, or electrical issues. It could even be a fire hazard, so if you spot any dark marks, follow emergency procedures and ring gas emergency services immediately on 0800 111 999. The number can also be found on your gas meter.
Andy says: “Looking after your boiler can help you manage your energy bills in a more substantial way than you may have thought. By purchasing a new boiler, in the long run, you’ll not only save energy, but you’ll also save money, with research from the Energy Saving Trust showing that you could save up to £840 a year on energy bills with a new and more efficient A-rated boiler.”
The average cost to replace a boiler varies from £600 up to £2,500 (1), but don’t worry, there are lots of options for support when it comes to looking after or replacing a boiler, such as a boiler subscription package. BOXT’s revolutionary concept allows homeowners to subscribe to an all-in-one package that offers peace of mind for customers when it comes to upgrading and maintaining their boiler. Starting from just £35 per month with no deposit it provides homeowners with everything they’d need from the installation and ongoing care of their boiler for the full ten-year plan. So on top of monthly savings, you won’t have to deal with an unexpected bill if your boiler ever breaks down or needs replacing.