Question! When was the last time your boiler received maintenance or was replaced? Have you just recently relocated? What are your current knowledge about the state of your boiler? Although it may seem like a tedious process, if your boiler were to suddenly break down, you would not only have to deal with the discomfort of being without heat and hot water, but you would also incur additional costs if you needed to replace or repair it.
In light of this, we have listed the many boiler types that are common in homes and offered a schedule for servicing or replacing your boiler.
Which type of boiler do you use?
Electric boilers
A common replacement to certain outdated boilers is an electric boiler. These operate by drawing electricity from the main house supply and using it to heat boiler elements. Water is heated when it flows over the elements, allowing it to then circulate through the central heating system. Since it doesn’t burn fuel or emit fumes or gases like carbon monoxide, this sort of boiler is safer. Electric boilers have the advantages of being efficient, simple to install, easy to service and maintain, and not requiring a flume or fuel storage.
Boilers that produce condensation
A condensing boiler heats water by passing hot gas through a central chamber; the heated water is then transferred to a second chamber, with the remaining heat being returned to the heating system. A combi-boiler is one of the more well-liked types of condensing boilers, which come in a variety of designs. A combi-boiler is simpler to install since it has both a hot water unit and a cold water tank in one unit. Additionally, a combi-boiler guarantees that the house always has a supply of hot water, so you don’t have to wait for the tank to heat up. Combi-boilers’ only drawback is that they can only create a small volume of water at a time, thus you can only receive maximum pressure from one tap at a time. The size of the combi-boiler units is the cause of this.
Oil boilers
Four million households in Dublin, are not connected to the mains gas supply, thus an oil boiler is used as a substitute. These boilers function similarly to gas boilers but produce hot water using oil instead. The home’s radiators are then pumped with the water. Due to the need for oil delivery, these boilers may be a little more expensive than gas boilers.
Biofuel boilers
A biomass boiler heats water using wood chips, logs, or pellets. They are suitable for those whose homes are cut off from the primary gas line, just like oil boilers. A biomass heating system includes a wood stove. Since biomass heaters are often larger than gas or oil boilers, you would need a flume or chimney to install one of them, and planning permission is necessary.
When should your boiler be replaced?
The lifespan of the typical boiler is about 15 years, and while a regular service might lengthen it, an older boiler needs to work harder to heat your home. Your boiler may be costing you more money if it has to be replaced since it is less energy efficient and maybe unsafe. To determine if your boiler need replacement, follow the instructions listed below.
1. Increasing costs
Your boiler may not be operating as efficiently as it should if you notice that your bills to the energy provider have increased. Alternately, if you want to reduce your monthly payment, you might want to consider switching energy providers.
2. Cold feeling
When the heating is on, you will be familiar with what seems like a usual temperature if you’ve lived in your home for a time. If you experience cold temperatures, you might want to call a plumber or gas specialist to check your boiler.
3. Standing by
Observing how long it takes for your boiler to heat up is a simple technique to determine whether it needs to be replaced. If you’re having to wait for your hot water or heating to turn on, it could be time to seek for a new boiler as the majority of current boilers should provide heat instantaneously.
4. Rating
Many of the more recent boilers have an energy efficiency rating. The efficiency of each model is shown on a scale from A to G. While a boiler with a rating of G has less than 70% efficiency, one with an A rating is among the most efficient groupings, with more than 90% efficiency. Check to check if your boiler has an efficiency rating. If your rating is poor, it can be worthwhile to spend money on a new boiler to increase efficiency and lower your monthly costs.
5. What noise is that?
You’re certainly familiar with the sounds your house makes at this point, but if your boiler suddenly starts making strange clunking or whirring noises, it could be time to call a specialist.
6. What’s that stench, anyway?
A malfunctioning boiler may emit carbon monoxide. Therefore, it’s crucial to keep an eye out for indications of gas emissions. If your boiler gives off a mild odor, it may not be burning properly, which will result in the production of carbon monoxide. If this happens, the boiler itself can develop dark stains. Make careful to act right away if you see any of these symptoms.
Servicing your boiler
Okay, so your boiler is generally in good shape if it is under 15 years old and you haven’t noticed any issues. But you should constantly think about getting a regular servicing. The following situations are crucial ones to think about:
Yearly
It’s crucial to have your boiler serviced every year. This can be done frequently enough to maintain your boiler safe, to ensure it is in good working order, and to prevent excessive wear and tear. A yearly service could also be included in the guarantee in addition to making sure the boiler is operational. The warranty could be void if you don’t have your boiler serviced on a yearly basis. Additionally, you might discover that if your boiler breaks down and you file an insurance claim, the claim will be rejected since the servicing wasn’t kept up with.
While moving
You probably won’t know when the boiler was last serviced if you’re moving into a new home, as we have explained in the post. Maybe you had a question on your list that you never got around to asking the prior owner or the real estate agent. It is worthwhile to arrange for a service when you move in because you won’t have to worry about a problem cropping up later.
A summertime
Why would I need a boiler servicing in the summer, you might be asking. Though it’s always a good idea to plan ahead, you might discover that engineers are much busier in the summer and that you have a better chance of getting an appointment that you would in the winter.
Especially if you want more peace of mind, boiler protection packages are something to think about. There are numerous insurance options available that provide coverage for breakdowns, callouts, and parts and labor. You may guarantee that your boiler and central heating are protected against those unforeseen catastrophes by paying a monthly charge.
