Do I Need A New Boiler?

There’s nothing worse than a boiler breakdown. Without a working boiler, your central heating system won’t function so you’ll have no access to heat and hot water. During the summer months, these kinds of issues can derail your daily routine. But during the winter, they can prove a health risk. 

Most of us will have to deal with a broken boiler at some point in our lives. If you’re fortunate enough to have a boiler that’s still under warranty, most manufacturers should cover the costs of any underlying faults. However, if you’re not protected by an extended warranty, you can end up paying a small fortune in boiler repairs to get your heating system back up and running.  
 
If you’re dealing with boiler breakdowns regularly, there’s a good chance you need to consider replacing it outright. The good news is that you don’t have to wait for your boiler to grind to a halt before deciding on whether it’s time to swap it out for a new model. 

In fact, there are many signs you can look out for to determine whether it’s time to consider a replacement. At Brosnan Property Solutions, we’re the go-to provider for boiler service solutions and installation and replacement services. Below, we’ll explore some hints that you may require a new boiler. 

Sign That A New Boiler Is Needed 

How Old is Your Boiler? 

An energy-efficient boiler can last up to 15 years if properly maintained. However, if you’ve had your boiler for close to 10 years, it might be time to consider replacing it. 

An annual boiler service may keep your system ticking along, but an outdated boiler is never going to compete with a newer model when it comes to energy efficiency and enhanced safety controls. 

If you’re looking to heat your home more efficiently and take charge of rising energy costs, now’s the time to think about biting the bullet and investing in a brand-new boiler.  

How Efficient is Your Boiler? 

In Ireland, the rules surrounding gas-burning appliances are fairly strict. Since 2011, any new boiler installed needs to be A-rated for energy efficiency. In other words, a new boiler needs to boast an efficiency level of at least 90% when first installed.  

 
The older your boiler gets, the less efficient it will be. Furthermore, its efficiency rating will decline over time, no matter how regularly you have it serviced. As well as increased gas consumption, an inefficient boiler brings with it additional maintenance and repair costs. That’s even if you can source the right spare parts to put a problem right. Ultimately, it’s best to consider a replacement. 

Your Radiators Are Taking Ages to Heat Up 

If your boiler and central heating system are working as they should, it shouldn’t take any longer than 15 minutes for all the radiators in your home to heat up. If you’re waiting considerably longer than that for your radiators and heating elements to reach the desired temperature, there’s probably an underlying issue with your boiler.  
 
Sometimes, slow heating times are caused by nothing more than a blocked pipe. Blockages and cold spots are common reasons behind sluggish heating times and, if left untreated, can lead to serious long-term problems. If plumbers can’t remedy your radiator problems and standard service isn’t enough to resolve the issue, you’ll need to think about swapping out your current boiler for a new model. 

You’re Noticing Unusual Sounds and Smells 

If your boiler is working as it should, a low hum is the only sound it should be making. If you notice any banging noises or whirring sounds, it could be an indication of an issue with the internal pump or valves. What’s more, a boiler should never emit any odours. 

Even a faint smell should be cause for concern. It might suggest that components have burnt out and need replacing. In a worst-case scenario, this wear and tear can lead to a life-threatening carbon monoxide leak.  

Your Boiler is Losing Pressure 

Low boiler pressure is usually caused by a leak. However, low-pressure levels can also be caused by defective valves. Sometimes, fixing low-pressure problems is as straightforward as adding sealer. However, this is only a short-term solution, and the likelihood is you need a new boiler.  

Is Your Boiler Leaking? 

Noticing a dripping sound from your boiler? Are there spots of water pooling on the floor beneath your boiler unit? Immediate action is required. There’s a strong chance the internal components of your boiler have begun to break down. If the inside of your system has started to rust, your boiler is in urgent need of maintenance.  
 
If your boiler is located near any electrical outlets, even a minor leak can lead to damage to your wiring. The last thing you want is to have to call out an electrician as well as a plumber. Even if there’s no immediate danger to health and safety, this kind of structural damage is going to severely limit the efficiency of your boiler, leading to costly energy waste.  

Your Energy Bills Are Through the Roof 

Consumers everywhere are being forced to swallow the cost of rising wholesale gas and electricity prices. As of 2022, a typical gas bill for average household usage is around €1,663 per year. More worryingly, this estimate comes from the cheapest provider. Bear in mind that’s an estimate from the cheapest market provider.  
 
There’s nothing you can do about skyrocketing supplier costs, but if you’ve noticed your bills are rising faster than you should, a faulty boiler could be the culprit. Boilers become less efficient as they get older, using more fuel to produce the same levels of energy. What’s more, older and less efficient boiler units tend to waste more energy. The result is that you end up spending more for less.  

Boiler Breakdowns Are Becoming the Norm 

Are you constantly having to play around with the pressure levels of your boiler to get it going? Have you had to call out a plumber more than once this year to deal with a boiler emergency? This is a clear sign that a pre-existing problem is getting worse. You can continue to throw money at the issue, but eventually, the cost of all those callouts and replacement parts will stack up. Purchasing a replacement boiler might seem like a big investment, but it will yield considerable savings in the long run.  

Is it Time to Replace Your Boiler? 

Unsure of whether your boiler needs replacing? The easiest way to determine whether you’re overdue for a replacement is to consider the age of your system. If it’s more than 10 years old, it’s high time you switch it out for an A-rated alternative. Even if you have a newer model installed, it may not be working efficiently. 

Are your radiators taking a long time to heat up? Are your energy bills climbing far higher than expected? These are both major indicators that there’s something effective with your boiler. Strange smells, loud noises and unexplained leaks are also obvious signs that something’s wrong.  

Call in the Experts Today 

If your boiler needs replacing, it’s time to call in the experts. At Brosnan Property Solutions, we’ve been leading the way in property maintenance for more than 20 years. Get in touch today to discuss replacing your current boiler with a more energy-efficient alternative. Our RGII-registered professionals will take care of the entire process. 
 
What’s more, we also offer a full range of facility management services, including handyman services, landscape gardeners, roof repairs, and more.