Given the long, hot summer we’ve had in the UK, and the fact that temperatures are still relatively balmy for this time of year, you could be forgiven for not having considered how well your boiler is functioning in recent months.
Although boilers provide our hot water as well as our heating, it is often the latter that we focus on more. This is why boilers can get neglected during the summer months, only to struggle when we rely on them more heavily as the weather gets colder.
This is why autumn is the ideal time to arrange a boiler service, if you haven’t had your heating system checked out in the last 12 months.
But beyond the time of year, what are some of the other signs that your boiler is in need of a once-over? We’ve picked out five of the most common to watch out for.
1. Drops in water pressure
If you notice that your hot water pressure often drops while you’re using the taps in your home, your boiler might have a leak or a faulty part. The ideal boiler water pressure is 1 to 1.5 bar, so pay attention to whether your water pressure is often dropping below this level.
You don’t need to panic if it is, but a service will be able to highlight where the issue lies and hopefully mean you get it repaired before the winter arrives.
2. Strange noises
Boilers, of course, make noise when they are in use. But pay attention to whether any of the sounds you hear emanating from either your boiler, your radiators or your pipe work sounds odd.
Gurgling, banging, whistling or kettling (which sounds a lot like a boiling kettle) are all indications that there could be a problem with one or more of your boiler’s components.
Instead of second-guessing the problem, get a heating engineer to carry out a boiler service so you can find the source of the issue and fix it.
3. A yellow or orange flame
Gas boilers should burn with a bright blue flame. It’s a very distinctive colour and if, when you look at your pilot light, this is what you see then that’s a good sign.
However, if your flame has turned yellow or orange, it’s essential that you call a heating engineer as a matter of urgency. This is because a yellowish flame indicates that your boiler isn’t combusting properly, which can be indicative of a carbon monoxide leak.
This can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be fatal in the worst case, and it can certainly make you very ill if it’s not addressed swiftly.
4. An increase in your energy bills
As boilers get older, they typically become less efficient, which means you may be paying more than you need to for your heating.
Of course, this can be hard to work out, given that energy bills are on the rise for a multitude of reasons that have nothing to do with how much energy you’re using. However, a sudden jump in usage when you haven’t had your heating on more often can be a sign of a problem.
Smart meters can help you identify this kind of issue more quickly, as you can see your energy usage in real time. So, make sure you check your smart meter regularly once you’re using your heating again to help you spot any spikes.
5. Radiators heating up slowly
Once your heating switches on, it shouldn’t take long for them to heat up. If you notice that there is a significant lag between your heating turning on and your radiators being hot, this is a sign that there is an issue or inefficiency in your system.
Also look out for cold patches on your radiators, which indicate that the hot water isn’t moving evenly through the system.
If you notice any of these issues in your boiler, you should contact a local heating engineer to arrange for them to check your boiler. As a minimum, have your boiler serviced, but if you think you might have a carbon monoxide leak, act swiftly to rectify the issue.
Why get your boiler serviced regularly?
According to research by Uswitch, 23 million homes in the UK have a gas boiler. Meanwhile, 78 per cent of households in the country have gas central heating.
This highlights how many of us rely on our boilers for our comfort at home. The main reason to regularly service your boiler, regardless of whether you spot one of the signs we’ve just shared is safety.
Gas boilers can be dangerous when they aren’t working properly, which is why it’s essential that you use a Gas Safe-registered heating engineer not only for your boiler service, but also for any repairs you may need to carry out.