Back boilers are old, inefficient, and costly heating systems which are also bad for climate. After the 2005 building legislation, it became illegal in the UK to install them. But if you are looking for a valid reason to replace your boiler, it will show signs indicating you need to replace it.
This article explores all the signs a back boiler shows that indicate it needs to be replaced and can’t be used further with repairs. Stick to this guide to know if the signs your boiler is showing are of replacement or not.
What is a Back Boiler?
The back boiler is an old heating system installed behind the fireplace. It uses heat produced by the fire to heat the water. This water is circulated through the underfloor heating system to provide heating. The same water is provided in the taps for household requirements. These types of boilers were popular in the 1960s and 1970s but they lacked the energy efficiency requirements.
After building regulations in 2005, it became illegal to install back boilers on your property. Plus, modern condensing boilers are far more energy-efficient than old back boilers. That’s why, replacing old back boilers with modern condensing counterparts is a wise choice to make.
Signs You Need Back Boiler Replacement
After fuel prices had gone up after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, UK citizens were the most affected by the fuel crisis. Now it has become really expensive to use back boilers for heating and hot water. While there are various alternatives available, it is worth considering back boilers replacement.
The main challenge households face in replacing their back boilers is higher upfront costs. We have a solution for that as well, but first, let’s have a look at the indications you need to replace your old heating system.
-
Inconsistent Heating
You might have experienced some cold spots in your home or might have noticed that one room in your house is less warm than the others. This can be an indication you need to replace your back boilers as inconsistencies in heating are a sign your boiler is losing efficiency.
This might seem a small issue at first, but inconsistent heating can cause discomfort and lead to mould or damp formation in colder areas, which might cause health risks. If you are also experiencing these issues with your back boiler, you should consider replacing it with a modern combi or system boiler.
-
Weird Noises
The back boiler making unusual and weird noises can be due to sediment buildup or failing components. Sounds like gurgling and clanking during the operation are red flags that you need to repair or replace your back boiler immediately.
These noises should never be ignored as they indicate major underlying issues that need immediate attention. These sounds can reduce the efficiency, performance, and lifespan of your boiler. If these noises are being regular after various repairs, consider replacing your back boilers.
-
Increased Energy Bills
As we mentioned above, fuel prices have gone up significantly, resulting in higher energy bills. However, if your back boiler is causing increased energy costs than usual, this can be a sign of inefficiency of your back boiler.
Issues like weird noises and heating inconsistencies can lead to making your back boiler energy-inefficient. Older back boilers normally cause 30% of energy wastage, but a damaged back boiler causes increased energy wastage. If you are experiencing a sudden increase in energy bills, you should replace your boiler as repairs might not help.
-
Visible Leaks
If you see any leakage or water pooling around the boiler, you should take immediate action as this can lead to serious damage to the property. Leakage often indicates malfunctions and increased safety risks. You should immediately contact professionals to asses the damages that already has been caused due to this leakage.
You should not risk your property’s safety and replace the back boiler with energy-efficient counterparts like combi boilers and system boilers.
-
Age of the Boiler
The typical lifespan of back boilers is 20-30 years, depending on the level of maintenance. If your back boiler is reaching that age, you should replace it with modern alternatives. Once the boiler reaches its lifespan, it becomes energy-inefficient and needs frequent repairs, which can lead to higher maintenance and energy costs.
The cost of maintaining a back boiler can exceed the cost of installing a combi boiler with government incentives.
Safety Concerns Associated with Back Boilers
Old and inefficient back boiler systems are often at higher risk of explosion. This makes them a dangerous option to use for your heating and hot water requirements. Plus, the latest building regulations prohibit the installation of back boilers, continuing to use them can expose you to certain risks.
Furthermore, if you are experiencing any water leakage, this involves the risk of property damage. This damage can highly exceed the costs of installing new heating systems. So, you should take immediate action.
How to Off-Set Higher Upfront Costs
There are several government schemes available that provide grants to replace your old inefficient boiler. One of those schemes is Energy Company Obligation. ECO4 provides fully funded grants to eligible households with low-income and low-energy efficiency properties. You can set off the upfront costs by applying for free boiler grants. For application, visit the Berks Insulation website.
Final Thoughts
To wrap up the discussion, the biggest sign to replace your back boiler is the higher energy costs and inability to keep your property warm. The biggest challenge in replacing these boilers is the higher upfront costs. However, you can avail government grants through schemes like ECO4 which provides complete funding to replace your back boiler with new condensing boilers.
This article explores the indication a boiler gives which shows it needs to be replaced. Because these boilers are inefficient and give you high energy costs, and there are grants available as well, so why not replace them?
Comments
0 comment