As the year starts to take a colder turn, we all become much more reliant on our heating systems. And at the heart of any heating system is the boiler. Whether you’ve been considering a new model for a while or think your boiler might be on its last legs, read on to find out everything you need to know about upgrading your boiler.
How do you know when you should change your boiler?
There are plenty of reasons you may need a new boiler. Maybe your current system has broken down or you are simply looking to upgrade to something more eco-friendly. However, what are the sure signs that your boiler needs to be inspected and potentially replaced?
The team at Boiler Guide offered their advice on this: “If your central heating system is starting to break down regularly, losing pressure, needs more maintenance, and/or making a lot of banging, kettling, or gurgling noises, things are only going to get worse. The money and time you are spending on replacement parts, call outs and quick fixes could be much better spent on a replacement boiler that you can rely on.
“However, even if the boiler appears to be working well, it may be time to start looking for a replacement when it reaches 8 years old. Over time, boilers become less efficient, which means you will be spending more on heating bills. Technology has moved on significantly in recent years and the old models just can’t compare to the efficiency levels, safety features, and energy-savings smart controls on the market today. All new boilers installed today are at least 92% efficient while many older boilers only deliver efficiencies of 70% or less.”
Signs you may need a new boiler:
• Your current system breaks down regularly
• Your current system is making loud noises
• Your current heating system takes a long time to heat up
• Your energy bills are increasing with no increase in use
• Your current system is emitting any kind of smell
• Your current system is leaking
Please note though that these are just some of the reasons why a boiler may need replacing, and if you have any concerns about your boiler or heating system, then we suggest calling in an expert to take a look.
When is the best time of year to change your boiler?
The school of thought when it comes to the best time of year to change a boiler is that summer is best. This is because, whilst the boiler is being replaced, you won’t be without as the chances are you won’t be using your heating anyway during the summer months.
As well as that, the chances are the technicians will be quieter during the summer months as the risk of boiler emergencies are slimmer. This isn’t to say you won’t be able to get a speedy appointment at other times of the year though.
However, we know that life doesn’t always go as smoothly and that you may find yourself needing to replace your boiler during the winter months due to a breakdown. If this is the case, don’t fear as replacements often only take a few days, and technicians will be more than used to that scenario.
How should you pick a new boiler?
Once you know you need a new boiler, choosing one can be a hard task. Oftentimes, it can be tempting to stick to the brand you already know but with so much on the market and so many features it can be hard to know where to look. Especially as a boiler isn’t a cheap purchase, knowing you’ve made the right choice for you is essential.
The team at Boiler Guide told us: “When looking for a new boiler, price will always be a big consideration, there are a few key factors to consider. In many ways, choosing a boiler is like choosing a car. There are lots of different brands or manufacturers offering a range of boiler types, models, and sizes, so it is important to get advice from a Gas Safe registered engineer on the best boiler for your home and lifestyle. In fact, the best way to ensure you find the right boiler at the right price is to compare advice and quotes from at least three different engineers or heating companies.”
To add to this, we think that you should decide what it is you are looking for most in a boiler – low price tag, great energy efficiency, eco-friendliness or even looking for something with the latest mod-cons. Whatever it is that is most important to you, we suggest you head into your search looking for that feature.
Can you install a new boiler yourself?
When it comes to DIY projects, installing a new boiler can be one of the most challenging on the list and unless you are a trained tradesperson, we’d recommend calling in an expert for some assistance.
When working with any gas system within the home, regulations say that the workperson should be on the Gas Safe Register. Although the law says that anyone with ‘competent’ knowledge can do gas work within their own home, if done incorrectly the ramifications can be large and it can also mean that the warranty on your boiler is not valid.
Although it can be tempting to try and tackle every job in the home, there are some that are best left to the professionals and this is one of those jobs.
From central heating radiators to ventilation products, when it comes to plumbing and heating we’ve got you covered for supplies. Whether you need everything to start a new project, or you’re just missing one thing, find what you need on our site.
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