There are still several weeks to go before we can hope to see some spring sunshine and feel warmer air, which means we still rely heavily on a functional, efficient boiler system to keep up feeling toasty and safe at home.
However, homeowners might have a faulty boiler without even realising it, as it is not always as obvious as the heat not turning on.
It is important to know what signs to look out for, as a broken boiler can potentially be very dangerous. Risks include carbon monoxide poisoning, gas leaks leading to explosions, and the boiler blowing up from the build-up of pressure in the system.
It could also result in water damage to the house, which is why our tips on what to keep an eye out for could prove very helpful:
1) No central heating
The first obvious sign your boiler is not working properly is having no central heating or hot water. This suggests there could be an issue with the pump or the thermostat, which warm air heating engineers will be able to look at and repair.
Alternatively, you might experience frequent cycling when the heating keeps turning on and off, which may indicate a thermostat issue or a problem with the air pressure.
If the problem is the radiators that are furthest from the boiler stop getting warm, this is a sign there is a lack of pressure in the system.
2) Yellow or no pilot light
The pilot light should be a blue flame when the boiler is functioning adequately. Therefore, if the fire changes colour or the flame goes out, this could be a serious problem.
A yellow or orange flame suggests poor combustion is taking place. This could be because not enough air is getting through to the burner as some of the components are clogged up, dirty or faulty. Alternatively, it could be the result of cold air blowing into the boiler.
No light on the boiler is also a big issue, as this suggests the gas is not being burned at all. Therefore, the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning is extremely high.
People in the property should keep an eye out for signs of carbon monoxide poisoning.
These include:
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headaches
- Feeling weak
- Chest and muscle pain
- Tiredness
- Confusion
- Vision loss
- Flushing of the face
Carbon monoxide is a clear gas that has no smell, so it is very difficult to detect. That is why it is essential people are aware of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, in case it affects someone in the building.
If anyone is suspected to have carbon monoxide poisoning, the appliances that are thought to be the cause, such as the boiler, should be turned off immediately. They should go outside for some fresh air and call NHS 111 for medical advice.
For more serious symptoms, such as a loss of consciousness, chest pain, weakness, and difficulty breathing, a trip to A&E might be required for urgent medical care.
3) Weird noises
People who have faulty boilers often say they first suspected a fault because their unit started to make strange noises.
This could be banging, whistling or gurgling, and is likely due to a build up of air or limescale in the central heating.
It could also be caused by a failing pump or low pressure in the system. Therefore, it is important to get this checked out by a professional to determine the cause.
Other signs of low pressure include the boiler switching off and the pressure gauge falling below one bar.
4) Leaks
A water leak from the boiler can be the sign of a serious problem. So if you notice any puddles below the appliance, pipes dripping, or damp patches on the wall around the water, it is sensible to get this looked at as soon as possible.
The leak could be due to corroded pipes, a problem with the pressure valve, or the boiler seals failing.
While this is unlikely to be a dangerous issue itself, it could lead to more serious problems later on. For instance, it could affect the boiler’s wiring or cause damp damage to the property.
5) Strange smells
A more pressing issue that needs addressing immediately is if you smell a strange odour coming from the boiler. This could be musty or eggy, and is the sign of a gas leak.
In this case, it is essential that you turn the boiler off immediately, as it could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning if left in this condition.
A gas engineer will be able to look at the system and determine how to repair it or whether it needs replacing entirely.
Until then, it is better to be safe than sorry and keep those inside the building safe by switching it off.