Homes in the UK are usually heated using one of two methods: furnaces or boilers. Older boilers are less efficient than furnaces because the water must be heated to a higher temperature than standard water heaters, but newer, high-efficiency options are now available. If you know you need to replace the boiler or are unsure of its condition, then this guide will teach you everything you need to know about replacing your boiler.
Do you know when it is time to replace your boiler? You’ve waited far too long if your boiler already has failed and is no longer supplying heat or steam to your facility. Rather than waiting for total disaster look for a boiler replacement option. Here at All Heating One we have outlined a few warning signs you should look for if you’re thinking about replacing your boiler.
WHY SHOULD YOU REPLACE YOUR BOILER?
Replacing your aged boiler with a condensing boiler can help you save money on your heating bills. You will also be more relaxed. Old boilers struggle to meet the needs of a modern household, especially during the winter when the heating system is constricted. Modern condensing boilers can save you up to 90% on your heating bill.
WARNING SIGNS OF BOILER TROUBLE
If you need emergency boiler repair, there will usually be warning signs to alert you to the problem. They can be a quick fix at times, but they can also be a warning sign of serious failure.
- Radiators start taking longer to heat up than usual
Radiators can take several hours to heat up. This could indicate that your boiler is on its last legs. Usually, a boiler can quickly reach its maximum temperature. When turned on, it immediately begins generating heat to elevate the temperature of the house.
Slow radiators could also indicate a blockage or a cold spot. That should be fixed by boiler service. However, if the radiators take a long time to heat the house after the annual service, a full replacement may be required.
- Dripping or leaking
If you start noticing water leaking from your home boiler, do not try and fix it yourself. To resolve an issue, always seek the advice of a professional.
A missing or broken internal pieces, such as a seal or valve, is usually the source of the problem. You could have a minor issue, such as high pressure. However, there may be worn-out elements that will need to be replaced.
- Disturbing noises
Perhaps you’ve started to notice some unexpected sounds coming from your home boiler. This is commonly caused by trapped air in the system, but it could also be caused by other issues such as limited pressure or kittling (Kettling is a type of noise as well. When the water flow is strictly limited due to scale deposits in the heating element, it becomes hot and begins to steam. This produces a kittling sound. It occurs when sludge accumulates around the heating element).
- Pressure drop
If your central heating isn’t working properly, or if the boiler keeps shutting down, you may have a low-pressure problem. Check the level on your pressure gauge. If it is less than one, there is a concern, and you should consult a professional.
- Discoloration
Some discoloration on the burner, such as thick smoke or yellow flames, can indicate that your fuel isn’t burning properly and must be fixed immediately. This can lead to the accumulation of carbon monoxide. Inspect your CO sensors and contact a professional if this is the scenario with your boiler.
All of these issues will be pretty apparent on a daily basis, but there are a few warning signs that may not be as obvious without further investigation.
SYMPTOMS OF A FAILING BOILER
You don’t want to put off or replace your boiler until it breaks down. Here are four aspects you should look at before your system fails:
1. What is the age of your boiler?
There are several distinct types of boilers available, each with a varied lifetime. Condensing boilers, which are newer to the market, are more difficult to predict, although they are predicted to last 15 years or more. Cast iron boilers are a little more durable, with a lifespan of 20-30 years and the potential to endure even longer with good care and maintenance. However, they are significantly less efficient than condensing boilers, so while you may spend more upfront for a new unit, the savings in efficiency can pay for it in just a few years.
2. How much energy do you use?
When the boiler gets old, its efficiency declines, and your utility costs increase gradually. When they reach an exceptionally high level, it’s a good bet that your boiler is close to ending its useful life.
3. How frequently does it require service calls?
Almost every piece of machinery will require maintenance and small repairs now or then. However, if you have to call your supplier for difficulties on a regular basis, you’ve gone above the average. You must begin to think about replacing your boiler.
4. How cozy is your house?
If you’ve experienced temperature variations in your home the entire day – particularly in various regions of the house – there’s a good chance your equipment no longer has adequate controls.
SELECTING A NEW BOILER
You’ve concluded that it’s time for a new system after a thorough investigation and review of your present system. How do you know what’s best for you?
What kind of boiler do you require?
There are various categories of boilers on the market, so you’ll need to pick which one would work best in your house.
Steam boilers: Although they are less frequent in modern homes, they still exist. A heat exchanger boils the water and delivers it under pressure via a network of pipes, and gravity returns cooled water to the boiler.
Hot water boiler: This kind, like the steam boiler, employs a heat exchanger. They are distinguished by the fact that they employ pumps to circulate heat around your home.
Natural gas boiler: To obtain electricity, gas boilers must be connected to a natural gas connection. Residents may utilize propane in more remote or secluded places where no gas supplies are available from the main road. The gas or propane powers the pilot light, which warms the coils of the boiler.
Oil boiler: Although water-based, they require oil to be powered, therefore they are more frequent in rural regions for the same cause natural gas boilers are.
Condensing boiler: Condensing boilers employ two separate heat exchangers to heat both the incoming and departing water. This improves the boiler’s energy-friendly and decreases your utility expenses.
Electric boilers: Electric boilers are the most desired of the domestic boilers due to their lack of dependency on gas and oil, making them the most wished choice. They produce no gas emissions, are often less expensive to install, and are generally quieter than other solutions. However, the expense of running them is generally higher, and if there is a power outage, you will be left without heat.
HOW LONG WOULD IT TAKE TO REPLACE A BOILER AND INSTALL A NEW ONE?
The time it takes to replace and install a new boiler is determined by several factors. It can take up to four days in most cases. If you replace your old boiler with the same type and install it in the same location, the procedure will take somewhere around 1 and 2 days.
CLOSING WORDS
Finally, keep an eye on your boiler for signs that it needs to be replaced. Once you’ve determined that your old boiler is on its last legs, use the advice provided above to find the best replacement. You never realize how much you rely on a properly functioning boiler until it fails. The more time you devote to this purchase, the more likely it is that you will find an ideal boiler. There’s a lot to think about when wanting to replace your boiler, so if you’re still stumped, call All Heating One professionals. We will assist you in analyzing your current heating system and boiler to determine which replacement is best for your home.