Across the centuries, mankind has worked hard to develop home heating solutions that can keep us cosy regardless of the weather conditions outside. Where we once relied on large fireplaces in every room, we now have the option of installing effortless central heating systems that turn on at the touch of a button.
Home heating today depends on a working boiler, where these are usually powered by gas, oil or electricity. Boilers heat up water which is then pumped throughout your pipes and radiators to provide home heating and a reliable hot water supply. This technology is essential for guaranteeing everyday comfort, meaning it can be very disruptive if your boiler starts to malfunction.
Fortunately, gas engineers and boiler repair specialists are committed to keeping your boiler in good working order. It is recommended that you book an annual service with one of these professionals, where regular inspections can allow for any issues to be fixed before they cause a major problem.
Beyond this, you should also be aware of any signs your boiler is playing up so you know when to call in the experts for additional support. Read on for a look at the key signs that your boiler needs to be repaired or replaced.
Key Signs Repairs Are Needed
If there is a problem with your boiler, then it is likely you’ll be able to tell. Some common symptoms to look out for include:
Leaks & Drips
One of the most obvious signs that something is amiss with your boiler is if you notice a leak. A leak could be a large accumulation of fluids or just a few drops - either way this is a clear indication that something is amiss. Leaks can be a sign that the internal components of your boiler are corroding, that your seals are faulty or that there’s excessive pressure levels on your valves, all of which can be dealt with by a professional.
Inconsistent Heating
Another sign that your boiler needs repairing is if it is struggling to provide consistent heat throughout your home. This might mean that certain rooms in your property are too hot whilst others are too cold, or you may have areas where the heating has stopped working entirely. A boiler expert will be able to work out what is causing this issue, where the fault may be a build up of debris within the boiler system or it may be that your thermostat is malfunctioning.
High Energy Bills
If you’re experiencing an unexplained increase in your energy bills then the answer may lie with your boiler. If your boiler parts are in need of servicing or if your boiler is poorly insulated, then this could mean the system has to work overtime to heat your home. A boiler professional may also be able to let you know if your boiler is too big for your property, where you could save money by investing in a more energy efficient model.
Odd Smells
Fully functioning boilers shouldn’t be emitting unpleasant odours, where if you detect any unusual smells then this may indicate that its time to call in the professionals. In particular, if you detect a pungent rotten egg or gas smell then you should contact your boiler team immediately, as this could pose a serious hazard. If your boiler hasn’t been used for a long period then you may also be able to smell burning dust particles when it is switched on, something that should also be handled by the experts.
Slow To Heat
A further indication that your boiler needs to be repaired is if you notice that it is particularly slow to heat up your home. This may mean that you’re waiting hours for the radiators to turn on, or that some areas of your property aren’t being heated at all. Your boiler repair team will be able to investigate this, where common causes tend to include a broken thermostat or a build up of mineral deposits on the boiler’s heat exchanger. A deep clean or a replacement part could easily solve this problem, allowing your boiler to return to its normal levels of functioning.
Strange Noises
Usually a healthy boiler will be fairly quiet, especially if it is stowed away inside a utility closet or out building. As such, if you begin to notice an excess of rattling, hissing or whining then this could indicate that something is wrong. A noisy boiler may be caused by trapped air bubbles inside the heating system, a build up of limescale or component malfunctions, where a boiler professional will be able to address these issues directly.
Time For A Replacement?
Sometimes however, your boiler will be broken beyond repair. It might be the case that the cost of installing a new model is more manageable than sourcing spare parts, where your boiler professional will be able to advise you if this is the case.
Safety Issues
When it comes to caring for your boiler, safety should always be a top priority. This may mean that the best course of action will be to replace the model in question in order to prevent potential hazards. Boiler problems such as gas leaks and fire hazards can be incredibly dangerous, where your gas engineer may advise you to install a brand new system in these cases.
Other risks such as corroding parts and leaks can get worse over time, potentially causing ceilings to collapse or your boiler to fall from a height. If these issues can’t be repaired safely then you may need to invest in a replacement.
Frequent Breakdowns
You may find that over time your boiler requires more and more repairs. This is an indication that your system is starting to wear out, where it might then be time to source a replacement. Investing in numerous repairs can also be costly, where your boiler specialist may suggest that you choose a new model in order to save money in the long run.
Ageing Boiler
One of the clearest indications that you need a new boiler is if yours is particularly old. Most boilers have a lifespan of around 10-15 years, where they tend to deteriorate after this length of time has passed. This means that any repairs after this point will only be a temporary fix, and it would save you money in the long run to invest in a new model.
In addition to this, modern boilers tend to be more energy efficient than older models, meaning you could cut your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint with the help of a new installation. Your boiler team will be able to advise you on how best to proceed depending on the age and condition of your current system.
All Gas Services Lincoln: Dependable Boiler Installations & Repairs
We can provide you with a high quality boiler replacement or boiler repairs, where our plumbing and heating experts have over 30 years of experience in the industry. In addition to this, we also offer annual boiler checks to ensure that everything is working as it should be.
So whether you’re looking for emergency boiler repairs or a new installation, we’re here to help. Get in touch with us directly today to find out more.
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