A new boiler might seem like another costly expense to add to an ever-growing list, but it could actually save you cash in the long run (Picture: British Gas)
Winter is fast approaching and many people will be wondering how they can keep their homes warm and manage the rising costs.
Heating and hot water make up over half of what each household spends on energy bills so an efficient boiler can really make all the difference.
As temperatures start to dip, you will be hoping that your boiler doesn’t let you down when you need it the most. Boiler breakdowns are miserable, especially when it’s cold outside.
But there are precautions you can take now to ensure your home keeps cozy and warm during the winter months ahead.
Taking care of your boiler with regular maintenance is a good idea that can also help keep your bills down. But there comes a point when it’s time for a replacement.
Today’s boilers are far more energy-efficient than older models, so upgrading now can help save money on bills rather than burning mindlessly through fuel.
In 2007, a UK law made it compulsory that all new boilers had to be ‘condensing’ boilers. This type of model uses the warmth from the hot gases that are expelled in the flue instead of letting that heat go to waste.
A new boiler might seem like another costly expense to add to an ever-growing list, but it could actually save you cash in the long run – especially if you have an older model.
Here are a few signs that it could be time to replace your boiler:
Smell something?
If you ever smell something unusual coming from your boiler you need to get in touch with a registered Gas Safe engineer.
If you can detect an eggy odour when you put your boiler on, there’s probably a gas leak. If this happens, immediately switch your boiler off and call the emergency gas line on 0800 111 999. In this situation, you will most likely need to replace your boiler.
As temperatures start to dip, you will hoping that your boiler doesn’t let you down when you need it the most (Picture: British Gas)
Lots of breakdowns
No, new boilers aren’t cheap but if your boiler keeps breaking down then it could be time to weigh up how much the inconvenience and expense for the callouts are.
While your home is freezing, you will be forced to pay for breakdown callouts so it would be wise to work out if a new boiler might be more economical. You can get an idea of boiler replacement costs here.
British Gas is offering interest-free credit on a new boiler with £0 deposit and 0% interest, meaning it’s now more affordable than ever.
Recent figures show that upgrading your boiler could save you up to £840 a year on your fuel bill (Credits: Getty Images)
Soaring bills
Everyone is being affected by the rising costs of energy but do keep a close eye on your bills. If you notice that your bills are creeping up higher than expected, you should investigate.
It could be down to the age of your boiler because older boilers can run as low as 60% efficiency – which could mean almost half the energy is being wasted, rather than heating your home.
Recent figures show that upgrading your boiler could save you up to £840 a year on your fuel bill. It would also reduce carbon emissions, which means you’d be doing your bit for the planet too.
Lots of noise
Houses make lots of different sounds. Many of the noises you hear are your home’s quirks so you will know if something doesn’t quite sound right.
Boilers and radiators make lots of noise that normally you shouldn’t have to worry about, but if there’s an increase or different type of noise then you might want to investigate further.
A build-up of sludge in the central heating system could be the reason for tapping sounds in the pipes or radiators. It’s quite easy to remedy with a British Gas Powerflush.
But if you notice banging, vibrating and humming, it could be something more serious and an indicator that you need to change your boiler and get a heating engineer out.
Water leaks
You should never see water leaking out of your boiler. If you do, it could be a sign that a valve or seal is broken. If this isn’t fixed as soon as possible it could lead to an electric short-circuit and in some cases, even structural damage to your home.
In the event of a leak, switch off the boiler and get a professional to inspect.
If you have inherited a boiler in a house move, get it checked out to see if replacing it would save you money in the long run (Credits: Getty Images)
Yellow flame
Your boiler should have a bright blue flame. If you notice that it has changed to yellow or orange then you will need to get it looked at immediately by a Gas Safe engineer. They will be able to evaluate the problem and get it fixed.
No parts
As your boiler gets older, it becomes more difficult to get hold of the right parts and, in some cases, even more expensive when you want to carry out repairs.
You will need to do your research as to what is the most cost-effective solution when looking at the price and availability as you don’t want to be left without heating for too long, especially in the winter.
It’s advised to only replace parts if your boiler rarely has an issue. If you’re running into problems regularly, replacing your boiler could be more economical.
Old age
Even if you’ve had a regular annual boiler service, there will come a time when your boiler isn’t as efficient as it once was. It could be that the system is taking longer to heat up or that you often find yourself topping up the boiler’s pressure. Getting it inspected before winter is a good idea.
If you have inherited a boiler in a house move, it would be worth getting it checked out to see if a new one might save you money in the long run. This might help avoid any nasty surprises in the winter months and reduce your energy bills.
If you are interested in replacing your boiler, then speak to a British Gas Heating Adviser to discuss the types of boilers available and find the best boiler for your home.
Tips to improve your boiler efficiency and save money:
Book an Annual Boiler Service
A Gas Safe engineer will clean and look at all parts and check that everything is in working order, like when you have your car serviced.
Keep your boiler clean
Add it to your list of chores, but it’ll be worth it in the long run by giving it a dust to prevent its tubes and pipes from getting clogged up.
Bleed your radiators
You should do this regularly. If you don’t, you might notice that your radiators take longer to get warm, or that they’re not as warm as they should be. This could mean that you’re using more energy than you need to heat up your home. Check out this guide on how to bleed a radiator.
Reduce your boiler pressure
You can easily do this yourself. The gauge on your boiler should read around 1.5 bar if the pressure is healthy. If it doesn’t, it means you’ll have to tweak it. Learn how to reduce your boiler pressure yourself.
Consider a Powerflush
If you’ve tried everything and your radiators are still lukewarm, sludge might be the issue. This is a build-up in the system. A Gas Safe engineer can do this for you.
Insulate your pipes
Lagging is available to wrap around your pipes so your water stays hotter for longer. They’re easy-to-fit foam tubes, you just need to know the size, and means your boiler won’t have to work as hard.
Heating and hot water make up over half of what each household spends on energy bills so an efficient boiler can really make all the difference in your home and on your wallet.
