10 signs you may need a new boiler

5th July 2024

One of the last things anyone wants to be dealing with is a broken boiler. Whether it breaks in the middle of winter and you have no central heating or you can’t have a shower on a hot summer’s day, a faulty boiler can cause all sorts of issues.

To prevent being without heating or hot water, there are signs you can look out for to know that your boiler is nearing the end of its life and may need replacing.

How often do boilers need replacing

As with all appliances, boilers have a lifespan. If they have been maintained and serviced, modern domestic boilers should last anywhere between 10 and 15 years.

It is however important to note that this is only an estimate. There are number of factors on when your boiler will need replacing, including the manufacturer, make and model. Your central heating system also plays a huge part depending how well it has been maintained over the course of its lifetime.

The importance of a boiler service

Having your boiler serviced annually by a qualified gas engineer should make a difference to how long it lasts. During a service, issues can be picked up and resolved quickly before they are allowed to develop into more serious problems, and therefore may help to extend the lifespan of your boiler.

To book a boiler service with Heatsave Services, please call our team on 07551 640221 and we can book in a visit.

Is my boiler repairable?

A broken boiler does not always mean you need a new one. Sometimes it may be a minor fault which can be fixed or a part can be replaced without it being too expensive. Typically, older boilers can be harder to repair as the components may have been discontinued. However, some times a simple boiler service can do the trick so it is always best to get a qualified gas engineer to have a look.

Our engineer will advise you on what the most effective solution is depending on your individual circumstances. Sometimes, the short term cost savings of repairing a boiler don’t outweigh the longer-term benefits of replacing it with an upgraded boiler, especially if your boiler is causing problems such as high energy bills.

The 10 signs you may need a new boiler

Yellow flame – your boiler flame should burn bright blue. If this changes to a yellow or orange colour, if may be a sign the boiler is leaking carbon monoxide which can be fatal. You need to immediately call a Gas Safe engineer so they can advise you on the best course of action.
Making loud noises – all boilers can make noise, which most of the time are nothing to worry about. Important noises to listen out for are new, excessively loud sounds like banging or gurgling. To have the issue diagnosed properly, call one of our qualified gas engineers who can tell you what is causing the problem.
Odd smells – a healthy boiler will never give off an odour. An unusual smell emitted from your boiler, in particular a sulphurous, eggy odour, can be a sign there’s a gas leak. Immediately turn off your boiler and call the emergency gas line on 0800111999. This usually indicates you will need a new boiler.Other bad smells can be an indication that components within the boiler have burnt out. In this instance, one of our Gas Safe engineers can perform an inspection and advice you if a new boiler is required or if parts can be replaced.
Frequent breakdowns – If your boiler is breaking down frequently and you are regularly left with no heating or hot water, the boiler most likely needs replacing. Repairs can be costly and spending money regularly on fixing a boiler, particularly an old boiler, can be far more costly in the long run than replacing it.
Higher energy bills – rising energy bills can be a sign of an inefficient boiler. Boilers which are more than 10 years old may be G-rated for their efficiency meaning they can be overworked and a considerable amount of energy is consumed. Nowadays, boiler technologies are much more energy efficient and can save you money on your heating bills.
Repeatedly losing pressure – there can be a number of reasons for your boiler losing pressure. Sometimes, it can be as simple as a leakage in the system or air is escaping through a valve, which can be fixed by adding leak sealant into the system. However, sometimes the cause of pressure loss can be something more serious and a new one may be required.
Not enough hot water – the make, model and size of the boiler required in your house depends on how many people live there, how much water you use and how many rooms there are. If any of these things change, for example your family gets bigger or you have an extension on your home, your existing boiler may not be large enough to provide you with the hot water you need. Upgrading to a larger model is usually the best plan.
Replacement parts are discontinued – as manufacturer’s make newer boilers, replacement parts for older boilers become harder to find and can be extremely costly.Sometimes the price of the parts may not be worth paying compared to the benefits and longer term savings you get from having a new boiler installed.
Leaks or dripping pipes – Boilers can leak in many places and it can be hard to pin point exactly where the problem is coming from. Whether a leaking boiler is an emergency or not is also hard to determine, but usually it means there is a broken component inside the boiler. A leak inside the boiler can result in far more serious problems like damaged circuits if it’s left unfixed, so it is important to have the issue identified by an engineer as soon as possible.
Radiators not performing – If your radiators are taking a lot longer to heat up, it could be a sign your boiler is broken or coming to the end of its life. Our engineer can see if it’s a minor issue like a build-up or blockage that can be resolved, or if it’s beyond repair and replacing your boiler is the only solution.

If you’ve decided you would like to replace your boiler or you’re still unsure and have some questions, we can help you. Book an appointment with one of our qualified Gas Safe engineers and we can talk you through your options and find the best boiler for your home.