When it comes to your household appliances, your boiler is the one that’s most intensively used. Unless your heating packs up or your water will not warm up, problems can go unnoticed. In the middle of winter, the last thing you want is for your boiler to break down. Not only is it frustrating, but you could also end up paying a fortune.

To stop any unexpected issues from arising, here are some warning signs that could signal it’s time to replace your home’s boiler.

Bad Smells

If your boiler is in working order, it shouldn’t ever emit an odour. If you notice a bad smell, it must be investigated right away by a professional. This is because a faint smell could be a sign of a carbon monoxide leak. While carbon monoxide is odourless, there may be a smell as the leak is causing your boiler to not burn properly. Carbon monoxide poisoning is serious and can be deadly, so don’t delay in seeking help.

Strange Sounds

As well as bad smells, a faulty boiler may cause strange sounds. While it’s normal for your boiler to make some noise when firing up, should you hear any whirring, clunking, or banging, these are warning sounds. There could be a multitude of reasons why these sounds are occurring, such as problems with the heat pump, or a broken valve. If you spot any sounds, make sure you turn the boiler off first. Doing so will stop any further damage from happening.

Hike in Energy Bills

No one likes to pay an arm and a leg in energy bills, so if you’ve noticed you’re shelling out more than you normally would, your boiler could be to blame. As your boiler ages, it can lose its efficiency, meaning it will be more expensive to run. If you have a meter fitted in your home, make sure you keep a close eye on your energy readings.

Leaks

If you notice puddles where your boiler is, this is a major red flag that shouldn’t be ignored. Leaking can only mean one thing – your boiler isn’t working as it should. Not only is water damage serious for the surroundings of your boiler, but there could also be a gas leakage problem in the future too. If this occurs, you can contact a company like Duffy Heating, who are experts in boiler replacements.

 

Appliances Are Taking Longer to Warm Up

When it gets chilly inside, most of us turn our radiators on. If you notice that your radiator isn’t heating up as quickly as it should, this is a tell-tale sign that your boiler isn’t working correctly. If your hot water tap is taking longer than usual to run warm, it’s time to get your boiler examined. The quicker you act, the better, as you could end up having to splurge on an expensive new boiler.

No one wants to deal with a boiler breakdown, especially in the middle of winter. If you resonate with any of the above, don’t delay in getting your boiler replaced.