Do I Need a New Boiler?
It's more than likely that once you have asked the question, do I need a new boiler, then its time to take a serious look at your current heating device.
You might also discover that it's time to renew, or upgrade your whole heating system. Boilers are commonly the problem if you discover that your house is not being heated properly. Many of the older models of boilers suffer from low efficiency levels which can be anywhere from 50%, but more usually at around 70%.
But when you bear in mind that a modern, high efficiency condensing boiler operates at around 96%, you will quickly appreciate that the difference will be felt every month via your wallet. With say an older, 70% efficient boiler, compared to a modern, condensing boiler at 96%, you could wasting some 25p in every pound you spend on your energy.
And not only that, an older boiler sends up more waste gases going up the flue than a modern boiler, which means you are contributing more carbon emissions to the environment.
But don't lay the blame entirely at the feet of your boiler. It may mean that your whole central heating system is in need of an upgrade, refit, or clean. The boiler might be the heart of the system, but the network of radiators, pipes and controls are vital for the most efficient operating levels.
You need therefore to take a close look at your heating system, including the:
- radiators;
- water tanks;
- piping;
- controls.
And by close look, always err on the side of caution and get an expert to run their eye over your kit. Remember that your boiler can never be examined, serviced, moved, or repaired, by anyone other than an engineer on the Safe Gas Register. This is a legal requirement, not just good advice.
But the boiler aside, have a think about how your central heating system is functioning. Are the radiators working properly. Do they need bleeding (removing air which creates cold spots); flushing out (getting rid of sediment which also creates cold spots); or, checking for corrosion (which can lead quickly to dramatic leaks). Water tanks - whether they be hot water tanks, or header tanks - need regularly checking for efficiency and possible corrosion. Piping does not last forever and, like radiators, the miles of pipework in your home can suffer from blockages, sludge build up and corrosion.
Controls (such as individual room thermostats) should be the most modern type you can afford, as the latest models allow the user to spread more efficiently the heat throughout the house. And the latest boilers usually have built-in controls which allow the user a large degree of control over their heating system's work rate, which will allow you in turn to control your consumption and therefore cost.
So when it comes to the crucial question, do I need a new boiler, once you've answered that, have a think about your whole system, as a healthy system equals better bills.
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