8 Signs You Need to Replace Your Old Boiler

Your old boilers might have kept you warm for years, but at what cost? They are far from efficient compared to modern models which burn less fuel to heat your home, and so if you want to cut your heating bills down consider upgrading your boiler.

And let’s face it, boilers don’t last forever. Why wait for your old one to give up on a freezing morning when you can upgrade now and avoid the hassle?

Not convinced? Here are eight signs you need to replace your boiler.

Frequent Breakdowns 

If your boiler is high maintenance and is constantly in need of repairs, it is signalling that it is reaching the end of its life and will need replacing.

New boilers aren’t cheap, depending on the type of boiler, the cost to replace your boiler will vary. According to Boilerguide.co.uk, the average cost of installing a combi boiler is £3,000.

However, frequent breakdowns can be costly as well. CheckaTrade reports that the average cost of repairing a broken boiler is £435. Beyond the financial cost, regular breakdowns are also inconvenient as they can leave you without heat or hot water as you wait for your Gas Safe engineer to make the necessary repairs. To avoid such issues, make sure to have your boiler serviced annually to keep it running smoothly.

Strange Odours

Unusual, eggy smells can be a sign of a gas leak. If you notice this odour when using your boiler, it’s important to turn off the boiler immediately and call the emergency gas line at 0800 111 999. They will connect you with a gas-safe engineer who can assess the situation and, if necessary, replace your boiler.

Strange Sounds

If you’re hearing strange noises coming from your boiler, it could be a sign that it’s time for a replacement. Unusual sounds like banging, hissing, tapping or whistling are often indicators of internal issues. These could point to limescale buildup or a failing component. For example, kettling, a common cause of these sounds occurs when the boiler overheats, has limescale buildup, or even a leak. Be sure to google search for ‘boiler installation near me’ if you have reasons to believe that your boiler is kettling.

Other strange sounds include gurgling and aeroplane noises. Gurgling noises could mean that air is trapped in the system which affects the efficiency of your boiler.

And if your boiler starts sounding like an aeroplane taking off, then it’s time to call in a professional. This loud and alarming noise usually signals a serious issue that needs immediate attention.

So, if you hear any of these sounds coming from your boiler it might just be time to call a Gas Safe engineer to assess whether your boiler needs replacing.

Constantly Dealing With Lack of Hot Water or Heat

If your water is always cold or your heating switches off on its own, it’s likely due to an issue with your boiler. You could be dealing with a broken thermostat or maybe there’s a blockage in the hot water pipes that has restricted water flow.

Before calling for professional help, try to resolve the issues yourself by troubleshooting, such as checking the thermostat.

However, if the issue remains unresolved, call for a qualified Gas Safe engineer.

In cases where the boiler consistently fails to deliver hot water or heating despite repairs, they may recommend a boiler replacement as the most efficient and reliable solution. 

Old Age

Boilers will typically last a maximum of 15 years but can last longer with regular maintenance and servicing. If your boiler is more than 15 years old then it is more prone to breakdowns and will run less efficiently than a modern boiler.

Upgrading to a new boiler can help save on energy bills as modern boilers will need less energy to run.

Yellow or Orange Flame

If your boiler is healthy it should produce a blue flame. A yellow or orange flame could indicate incomplete combustion which is a serious safety hazard as it can lead to the production of carbon monoxide, which is an extremely dangerous gas.

Be sure to turn off your boiler immediately if you notice a yellow or orange flame and call a qualified Gas Safe engineer to assess and resolve the issue.

Leaks

A leaky boiler should never be ignored, as it can lead to serious problems. If you’ve determined that the leak is coming from your boiler, contact a Gas Safe engineer immediately to have it inspected, repaired, or replaced.

Final Thoughts

Replacing your old boiler is essential for saving on energy bills, as older models are high-maintenance and prone to frequent breakdowns. If your boiler is showing any of the signs that it needs replacing, contact a Gas Safe engineer. They will assess the situation and install a modern, more efficient boiler that will reduce energy consumption and improve reliability.