A fault in your boiler typically might go unnoticed unless the heating stops working entirely. While regular boiler servicing usually keeps your boiler running efficiently, it can be hard to spot problems if you aren’t sure what to look for.
With that in mind, here are five signs that could tell you that the boiler in your Wirral home is on its way out.
1. Your Radiators Heat Up Slowly
One of the first signs of a faulty or old boiler is an increase in the time it takes for your radiator to warm up. Modern boilers are designed to heat your radiators swiftly and will produce heat within a minute or two. If you find yourself sitting in a cold or tepid room after switching on the heating half an hour ago, the boiler could be starting to show its age.
When boilers get old, they fail to produce enough heat even while working full blast. This issue is not only frustrating to deal with, but it hikes up your energy bill. Sometimes this heating delay is caused by sludge blockages in your central heating system. When dirty water starts circulating in the system, it can cause long-term damage to your boiler.
If your water isn’t getting as hot as it used to, your home takes forever to warm up, or you’re experiencing any other form of heating problem, it may be time for a boiler replacement.
2. Your Energy Bills Have Been Increasing
If you’ve noticed a steady increase in your energy bill, a faulty or ageing boiler might be to blame. Most heating systems lose efficiency as they get older, costing you more and more each month. In other cases, your boiler might not have ever been as efficient as the latest models.
A simple way to find the efficiency rating of your boiler is to check the rating on its ErP energy label. These have a seven-point colour scale, ranging from dark green (A-rated; highest efficiency at 90%) to red (G-rated; lowest efficiency at 70%). Old boilers often have poor ratings since boiler technology has moved on leaps and bounds in the last decade.
The Energy Saving Trust estimates savings of a whopping £320 a year on your gas bill if you switch from a G-rated boiler to an A-rated boiler!
3. Your Boiler Leaks or Weeps
Leaks are a sign of damaged or faulty internal parts in your boiler. If your boiler starts to create puddles, you need to take immediate action. Not only are leaks and weeps extremely energy and water-inefficient, but they often lead to further issues such as rust or corrosion, which can end up damaging the other areas of your home.
People are often surprised to hear how expensive leaks can wind up being, but when you factor in the wasted water, wasted energy, as well as the cost of repairs to your home, it soon makes sense. To avoid these unnecessary costs, get any leaks or weeps emanating from your boiler seen to by a professional as soon as you notice them.
4. Your Boiler Gives Off a Bad Smell
Healthy boilers don’t emit odours of any sort. If yours does, it’s an excellent idea to have it assessed by a heating engineer.
Sometimes faint smells can indicate a carbon monoxide leak. Carbon monoxide itself is odourless, but a smell can come from the leak causing the boiler to not burn correctly. Other warning signs include a yellow flame instead of a blue flame, soot staining the appliance, a pilot light that often blows out, and increased condensation on your windows.
Carbon monoxide is hazardous and can be potentially fatal. To keep you and your family safe, if you suspect a carbon monoxide leak, immediately call the emergency National Gas Emergency number on 0800 111 999 and vacate the premises to get some fresh air. Once safe and secure, you can then call professional heating engineers from Wirral Plumbers to take a look at your boiler for you.
5. Your Boiler Makes Strange Noises
When dealing with most machines, a good rule of thumb is that strange noises are not a good thing. If your boiler makes any sort of sound besides a gentle and constant hum after starting up, whether it’s rattling, clunking, or gurgling, there’s a high chance that it will at least need a boiler repair.
Strange sounds often indicate issues like a broken valve, damaged heat pump, or another general wear-and-tear-related issue.
If your boiler makes any weird noises, switch it off to prevent causing further damage and call in one of our expert heating engineers to see if the issue can be fixed or if you require a boiler replacement.
Wirral Boiler Replacement and Repair Services with Wirral Plumbers
Whether the boiler in your Wirral home is leaking, making odd noises, or causing you to fork out extortionate sums on your energy bills, it could be time for a replacement.
Wirral Plumbers is the company to call. With over 20 years of the highest service standards, you can trust us to take care of all your gas and plumbing needs. We are manufacturer-approved installers for all leading brands, and all of our engineers are Gas Safe Registered, giving you total peace of mind.
Contact us on 0758 0395 493 today for a free estimate or to discuss your boiler issues.
