Do I Need a New Heating System?
When it comes to asking yourself, do I need a new heating system, it comes down to whether your current system is the most efficient you can have.
If you don't think your current heating system is operating at maximum efficiency - which basically means heating your house without stressing your household expenditure - then it's time to think seriously about upgrading your heating system.
And there are a number of key reasons for taking such a step, the most important being efficiency. And some of the main indicators of an inefficient heating system include:
- noisy boiler;
- cold spots around the house;
- half-warm radiators;
- break-downs;
- high energy bills
Lets take a look at the boiler. It's a well known fact that older boilers tend to be around only 70% efficient. Now a modern condensing boiler can return an efficiency rating of over 95%, so what that means is that if you are running an older boiler, some 25% of the energy you are paying for is literally going up the flue. And that translates to about 25p in the pound being wasted.
Modern boilers are highly efficient and safe. They will maximise your household spend and get the most out of your central heating system. If your current boiler is starting to make noises, or appears to be labouring under the task asked and required of it, then not only should you have it checked out for safety reasons, but you should also consider upgrading it.
High efficiency boilers are also better for the environment, as they also emit far fewer carbon emissions and will help the Government reach their demanding environmental targets. Cold spots around the house are not just a sign that the boiler is getting to its 'sell-by' date.
Cold areas might not only suggest that the system is becoming inefficient (blockages caused by sludge can be removed, but blockages caused by pipes corroding, or joints corroding will need greater attention), but also that the heat distribution controls are not adequate enough. Modern thermostat controls are very good at distributing the available heat around a property at a given time. Poor heat control costs the user money.
Half-warm radiators are again a sign that the heating system is not working properly. It might be a simple case of the radiator needing bleeding; but it might also mean that a 'sludge' build-up throughout the system will necessitate a major flush out of the dirt and debris common in all systems; or it might mean that the system's network of pipes, valves and controls is becoming obsolete and will need replacing.
Break-downs are a major sign that all is not right and one of the biggest problems here, is that older boilers cannot often be repaired, as parts are commonly not available for older models.
Finally, keep an eye on your energy bills. Talk to your energy provider, maybe politely ask your neighbours what they pay, or do some internet research and find out what typically your property should cost to keep warm.
If you discover you're paying too much, then it may well be time to answer the question, do I need a new heating system?
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