An 8-step Boiler Health Check that anyone can do
Apart from your fridge and freezer, your boiler is one of the few things in your house that’s constantly working away in the background. Sometimes you notice it, sometimes you don’t. Maybe you get it serviced regularly and don’t really have any hassle with it. Maybe you just cross your fingers and hope it won’t let you down when you need it most. No matter what your approach to your boiler is, with energy prices heading in the wrong direction and winter a good few months away, now is a great time to take 10 minutes to give your boiler some thought.
Here are 8 questions you should be asking yourself:
- Is it smelly? The bottom line is that your boiler shouldn’t give off a smell. If it’s become a bit stinky, it’s time to act – quickly. If you detect a sulphur or eggy smell when your boiler’s on, switch it off and get help immediately.
- Are your bills on the rise – over and above the price rises we’re aware of? A cranky old boiler can be well over 20% less efficient than their more modern counterparts – that can add a big sum to your annual bill – so set aside some time to look at your energy consumption year-on-year.
- Is it often on the blink? An old boiler that needs constant attention isn’t just a drain on your wallet, it’s a drain on your time and your patience too. Increased energy bills, repair bills, frustration, time off work to let engineers in all take their toll. Add to that, the cold showers and the freezing house and you get where we’re coming from on this one.
- Does it go bump in the night? It’s normal for your boiler and your radiators to make some noise, but if there are new noises like tapping, humming, vibrating or banging, it’s probably time to call in the experts.
- Is your flame burning blue or yellow? Boilers flames should burn bright blue. If it isn’t it more than likely needs a service.
- Is it leaking? Boilers shouldn’t leak. If your boiler is leaking, there’s something going on on the inside that shouldn’t be. Maybe it’s a simple broken seal or valve. Maybe it’s something else. Either way, a water leak could lead to bigger problems if left untreated, so save yourself a heap of hassle and get it checked out.
- Is getting parts becoming problematic? If your service engineer is having to search and scour to get parts for your boiler, it means your boiler might stay out of action for longer, just when you need it most. It probably also means that the end is in sight. No machine goes on forever, and when parts become hard to source, that’s a sign that a replacement is on the cards in the not-too-distant future.
- Is it slow and sluggish? As things get older, they often work less efficiently than before. When it comes to boilers, this could mean that they need more energy to function OR they could just be taking longer to heat up or sending out less heat to your radiators. If you’re never done pumping up the pressure, this is a sign that you should get an expert in to have a look.
If you’re concerned about your boiler or if it’s one of those things you have on your niggling domestic “To Do” list, we’re here to help. At Precise we supply, fit AND maintain boilers, so we’re able to be impartial and help you choose the very best solution to fit your unique situation.
Yes, that might be a new boiler, in which case we can supply and fit everything from the simplest to the most sophisticated, and we have a finance arrangement that will help you spread the payments*, but we also provide regular service and maintenance to keep your boiler firing on all cylinders for longer.
If you’re worried about your boiler, stop right now, reach out and let us help
*Precise Installs (Strathclyde) Ltd is a broker FRN:10149500 and are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. We are a credit broker, not a lender – credit is subject to status and affordability and is provided by Novuna Personal Finance. Minimum spend applies. Finance is not available on all products listed, please contact us for more information. Terms and Conditions apply.
