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Your boiler is one of the most important appliances in your home. It provides you with hot water and central heating, so it’s important to keep it in good condition. However, there may come a time when you need to replace your boiler. Here are five reasons why you might need a new boiler. So why should you invest in a new boiler?
To slash your energy bills
If you’ve high energy bills, then installing a new boiler should be a priority. With major British energy companies admitting they expect fuel bills to continue rising. Things aren’t going to get any easier.
An A-rated combi boiler will cut your annual bills by as much as £300. Which can help many households escape the clutches of fuel poverty. In fact, with such great savings, you can payback the cost of installation in as little as five years, whilst enjoying a range of other benefits.
With the prices of gas and electricity continuously on the rise, replacing your old, inefficient boiler is the main way to reduce your outgoings. Here are a few other possibilities to help you save money and keep it in your pocket and out of the energy companies pocket.
- Set your thermostat to a comfortable temperature. Every degree you lower your thermostat can save you up to 3% on your energy bills.
- Insulate your home. Proper insulation can help to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, which can save you money on your energy bills.
- Seal up any air leaks. Air leaks can let in cold air in the winter and hot air in the summer, which can make your boiler work harder and use more energy.
- Use a timer or programmer on your boiler. This will allow you to heat your home or water when you need it and turn it off when you don’t, which can save you money.
- Take advantage of government grants. There are a number of government grants available to help you improve the energy efficiency of your home, including grants for boiler upgrades.
Your boiler is not working properly
There are many reasons why your boiler might not be working properly. Boilers typically have a lifespan of around 15 years. If your boiler is older than this, it may be time to consider replacing it. Older boilers are less efficient and more likely to break down. Common problems with boilers include:
- The boiler is not heating your home or water to the desired temperature. This could be due to a number of things, such as a problem with the heating system, the thermostat, or the boiler itself.
- The boiler is making strange noises. This could be a sign of a problem with the boiler, such as a blockage in the pipes or a problem with the pump.
- The boiler is leaking water. This could be a sign of a serious problem with the boiler, such as a crack in the heat exchanger.
- The boiler is not turning on or off properly. This could be due to a problem with the thermostat, the timer, or the boiler itself.
If you are experiencing any of these problems, it is important to contact a qualified engineer to diagnose the problem and recommend a solution.
To keep you and your family safe
Boilers are an essential part of many homes, but they can also be dangerous if not used properly. Here are some tips to help you keep you and your family safe with a boiler:
- Have your boiler serviced regularly by a qualified engineer. This will help to identify and fix any potential problems before they cause a breakdown.
- Keep your boiler clean. Dust and debris can build up inside the boiler and cause problems.
- Flush the system regularly. This will help to remove any sediment or build-up that can cause problems.
- Use the correct type of fuel. Make sure you are using the correct type of fuel for your boiler. Using the wrong type of fuel can damage the boiler.
- Don’t overload the boiler. Don’t try to heat your home and water at the same time. This can put too much strain on the boiler and cause it to break down.
- Be aware of the signs of a problem. If you notice any of the problems listed above, contact a qualified engineer immediately. Ignoring a problem can lead to a more serious breakdown.
- Never leave a running boiler unattended. If you have to leave the house, turn off the boiler or set the thermostat to a low setting.
- Keep children and pets away from the boiler. Boilers can be hot and dangerous, so it’s important to keep children and pets away from them.
- Install a carbon monoxide detector. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly. A carbon monoxide detector can help to alert you to the presence of carbon monoxide so that you can take action to protect yourself and your family.
- Have your boiler inspected by a qualified engineer if you are concerned about safety. A qualified engineer can inspect your boiler and make sure that it is safe to use.
By following these tips, you can help to keep you and your family safe with a boiler.
To heat your home more efficiently
With a new boiler you can expect to heat your home more efficiently, ensuring you’re kept warmer in the winter.
When a new boiler is installed, often the full works are carried out, with new pipes and a powerflush. This ensures that all build-up sludge is removed and the heating system is able to work at the highest efficiency.
By investing in a new boiler you’ll guarantee to have a home that’s kept warmer and a system that’s working efficiently. Therefore you won’t need to turn up the heating and will lower your fuel bills.
“Modern boilers are more efficient for several reasons, but their main advantage is that they are all condensing boilers. All well-maintained boilers burn their fuel very efficiently, but they inevitably lose some heat in the hot gases that escape up the flue. A condensing boiler has a bigger heat exchanger, so it recovers more heat, sends cooler gases up the flue and is more efficient.”
To reduce your home’s carbon footprint
As well as benefitting your finances, a new boiler is environmentally friendly too. With a new heating system carbon dioxide emissions will be reduced as you won’t have to burn more fuel to keep warm.
Carbon is heavily responsible for the rising fears of global warming. And the European Union has set the UK Government stringent targets to slash carbon in the country.
Installing a new heating system will reduce your home’s carbon output. The Energy Saving Trust say emissions can be slashed as much as 1,120kg a year. If you’re replacing a G-rated boiler and 420kg if you’re waving goodbye to a D-rated boiler.