Boilers are important appliances. Keeping your central heating boiler in top condition is vital to keeping your water and heating in good working order. To keep your boiler maintained, it is recommended that you have a professional plumber inspect your boiler at least once a year. However, during a routine inspection, you may notice that your boiler is acting up, and it is time to replace it with a new boiler.

The main signs that it is time to replace your boiler are

1) When You Notice Unusual Noises

Boilers and radiators make various noises even when they are working correctly. However, sometimes a boiler or radiator may start making noises all over the place that it never made before. It is definitely a good idea to note what kind of noise you hear, which boiler the noise is coming from, and how often it is happening. Some noises can be easily fixed, such as ticking noises or running water from radiators, while others are signs that the boiler needs attention.

Some sounds that indicate a boiler or central heating system malfunction are “booms,” “dings,” and violent vibrations. If you hear any of these sounds, it is best to contact a plumber.

2) Frequent Breakdowns

As mentioned above, everyone should have their boiler checked at least once a year. However, if it needs to be repaired more than once a year, it is a sign that it is becoming more expensive and difficult to repair. In such cases, it is often more practical and less costly to simply replace the boiler. Once switched, an annual inspection will keep the boiler in good condition all year round.

3) Bills Have Gone Up

If your bill increases each month and you notice little difference in boiler usage, it may be a sign that your boiler is no longer running efficiently enough. Boiler efficiency is a measure of the amount of energy a boiler actually needs to keep running. In other words, a boiler that is efficient costs less to operate, while an inefficient boiler requires more energy to keep running. If you don’t know the efficiency of your boiler, a  plumber can help you determine it.

4) If You Have Noticed a Leak

If your boiler is leaking, it is a clear sign that it needs to be inspected. Water leaks can not only cause damage to the boiler but can also cause damage elsewhere in the house, depending on where the boiler is located in the place. In some cases, boiler leaks can lead to water damage, circuit shorts, and even damage to the house’s structural integrity. In some circumstances, the leak can be repaired and the boiler can be used normally again, but in many cases, it is a sign that the boiler is deteriorating and may need to be replaced shortly.

5) Finding Repair Parts Becomes Difficult

If a boiler repair requires parts that a boiler technician has difficulty finding, it may be a sign that the boiler is getting a little old. Boilers can last for years, sometimes decades, but there comes a time when the parts needed to repair a boiler become increasingly expensive and hard to find. If you find yourself in this situation, it may be time to upgrade your boiler to a newer model. The initial investment in a new boiler can be pretty expensive, but future repairs will be easier, less expensive, and much less frequent.

If you’ve noticed any of the signs above, make sure to contact your local plumber or simply replace your boiler with a new one!