With winter right around the corner, many of us are relying on our boilers more and more to keep warm as we transition from autumn to winter.
So, how do you know when to replace a boiler? Generally speaking, you should replace your boiler every 10 to 15 years. This will help you to remain as energy efficient as possible and reduce the risk of your bills sky-rocketing or your boiler breaking down altogether.
There are multiple signs that you can look out for that can indicate it’s time to replace a boiler. Signs that you need to replace your boiler include, but are not limited to:
- Your boiler is getting old
- The boiler needs repairing often
- Your boiler is leaking
- It’s less energy efficient than it once was
1. Your Boiler Is Getting Old
The easiest way to know whether you need to replace your boiler is that it’s getting old.
As we’ve discussed above, you will need to think about replacing your boiler once it reaches 10 to 15 years old to prevent various issues from occurring. While a good quality boiler should last you this long, beyond this point, it’s likely that problems with your boiler will only increase until you replace it.
This can cost you more money in the long run. Old boilers are not only more temperamental in that they’re susceptible to needing more repairs, but they can also drive your bills up in more ways than one, particularly because they’re less energy efficient than modern boilers.
As such, if you’re having problems with your boiler, it’s wise to check the year you had it installed to see if it’s nearing the age that it should be replaced.
2. The Boiler Needs Repairing Often
Another indication that you need to replace your boiler is that it needs repairing more often than it normally would.
It’s normal for boilers to deteriorate and become less energy efficient over the years, they should run effectively for up to 15 years without consistent repairs. So, if you begin to notice that problems keep occurring with your boiler, then it’s likely that it needs to be replaced.
While it’s a big investment in the first instance, a new boiler could save you up to ‘20-30% on your energy bills‘. Additionally, you’ll save money by quitting whilst you’re ahead, instead of continuously replacing parts on your old boiler when it will need fully replacing further down the line.
If you’re in need of a boiler replacement, Towy Valley Heating can help with the installation of a range of different types of boilers to suit your needs.
Whether you opt for a combi boiler, system boiler, or a heat only boiler, our friendly and professional team will make your boiler installation as seamless as possible.
To learn more, don’t hesitate to get in touch with a member of the team today.
3. Your Boiler Is Leaking
A clear sign that your boiler could need replacing is that it is visibly leaking. Being vigilant about servicing your boiler is essential, as leaks can occur as ‘boiler parts can loosen with age and cause the system to lose pressure’.
Other reasons for your boiler leaking include corrosion in the system, loose pipe fittings, and issues with the temperature valve to name a few, which are all problems that can occur over time with an old boiler.
Even with regular maintenance, leaks can still occur as boilers are susceptible to wear and tear over the years and problems will likely increase if the problem isn’t dealt with.
That said, if your boiler is leaking, it’s worth considering exploring the options available to install a newer model.
4. It’s Less Energy Efficient Than It Once Was
Lastly, an indication that you need to replace your boiler is that it’s less energy efficient than it once was.
In fact, ‘boilers over 25 years old can be as little as 60% efficient’. This largely comes down to the fact that an inefficient boiler ‘will burn through more fuel’, driving up your heating bills and costing you more money.
As 61% of the domestic energy in the UK is used to heat homes, it’s essential to remain as energy efficient as possible by updating your old boiler.
If you notice that your bills are increasing incrementally over the months, then it’s a good opportunity to start looking into installing a new boiler.
Suppliers across the UK are required to deliver ECO from 2020, but we at Towy Valley Heating are proud to have been involved with the ECO scheme since it began. Contact us to find out more about the free heating measures we offer, and if you are eligible.
Written by Jemima Thomas for Towy Valley Heating.