What Is A Boiler Service?

A First boiler service requires a Gas Safe registered engineer to check your boiler’s efficiency and general maintenance. The purpose of a service is to check for faults or potential long-term issues that could be resolved before they cause a threat.

Landlords, businesses and homeowners will receive records and certificates at the end of the service. This will show the boiler has been checked, in line with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations (1998).

When is a service needed?

Boilers should be serviced annually to stay in line with warranties and to ensure there are no problems. It can be difficult to decide when to complete your new boiler’s first service. It is best Practice to have it  serviced at the end your first year of owning it. At Bradford Boiler Company, we highly recommend completing boiler services during the lead up to winter. Getting this comepleted in the Summer or Autumn is the best option. Your boiler has fewer chances of breaking when you need it the most, in winter.

Why Should I get a service completed? There are many reasons why it is significantly important. For example, you can increase the lifespan of your boiler due to detecting issues and repairing your boiler when needed. This also means that you can save money, due to using less gas and not having to pay for a new boiler.
Another reason you should service your boiler annually is due to your warranty. Most warranties require you to service your boiler annually to avoid the contract being voided. We highly recommend keeping track of when your boiler was last serviced so you can stay within your warranty.

To find out more reasons why you should service your boiler, please click here.

If you are concerned about your boiler or you need to complete your annual service, call us today on 01274 317169 or email us at info@bradfordboilercompany.co.uk. or fill in our contact form by clicking here

Save Money On Your Energy Bills.

Energy saving tips Help. 20 ways to save money on your energy bills

The Energy Saving Trust

read our blog on replacing your old inefficient boiler

      1. Turning down your thermostat by 1 degree can save over £150.00 per year on your energy bills. For every 1 degree below your                         normal temperature setting you will save money on your energy bills.

      2. You can save energy by upgrading your old boiler to a new A-rated condensing boiler with a programmer, room thermostat and                      thermostatic radiator controls.

       3. Adding a chemical inhibitor to your central heating system on your annual boiler service will keep your boiler protected to                               save money on breakdown bills.

       4. The ideal pressure on your boiler’s pressure gauge is between 1 and 1.5 bar. If your pressure gauge is higher or lower, you could be                 losing lots of money.

       5. Familiarise yourself with topping up the pressure on your Combi boiler. Over time, your combi boiler’s pressure will decrease,                       which will impact the efficiency of the boiler.

       6. Getting your boiler serviced annually helps to maintain safety, energy efficiency and keep your boiler warranty/guarantee valid.

       7. Having a magnetic filter helps with boiler reliability, causing fewer breakdowns by catching magnetic debris (often referred to as                   sludge). They can also collect non-magnetic debris as well if they have a screen inside.

Loft Space Energy Saving Help Tips

8. Insulating your loft will shave around £135 off your energy bills each year if you live in a typical semi-detached house.

       Empty Rooms

9. Are you heating rooms that aren’t being used? Make sure all your radiators have thermostats on them and are being used correctly.                The Energy Saving Trust suggests that turning down your thermostat by just one degree could save around £75 per year.

Radiators Save Energy

10. Periodically bleed all of your radiators to make sure there are no cold spots at the top of your radiators.

Hot Water.

11. Taking shorter showers uses less hot water and saves energy and money.

12. Save upto £25 a year by washing up in a bowl rather than using a running tap.

13. Buying an efficient showerhead can save you as much as £18 per person a year on energy bills. An additional savings can be had if                  you have a water meter.

Curtains

       14. Closing your curtains and tucking them behind the radiator when installed under a window is a great way to save money and keep                 the heat in your room to make it warm and cosy. The thicker the material the better insulating they will saving more energy usage.

Draught Proofing.

15. Check around your home for draughts, especially near outside doors. Draughts can cause your home to be cooler, which means                       you’ll have to spend more on heating your home.

Electrical Appliances.

16. Electrical appliances that you are not using should be switched off. Having an appliance or item on standby uses electricity, which                means you are losing money.

17. Turn off lights when you are not in that room, Every little helps.

Solar.

18. Consider having solar panels with a batteries fitted while the initial investment may be high. With electric and gas prices                                   constantly rising, having solar panels coupled with batteries installed may prove to be a good long-term investment.

Windows

19. Are your windows are double or triple glazed. Nearly all homes in the UK will have either double or triple glazed windows,                               but do pay attention to windows that have condensation inside the window panes. This indicates they have lost the argon                                 gas, that helps insulate your home, has dissipated away. There are specialist firms that will repair glazed window units.

20. Internal and external doors closed. Rooms not being used will suck the heat out of other rooms if you don’t close                                                 your doors. Keeping the external doors open will waste even more heat energy than internal doors due to letting the cold                                  from outside into your home.

What is a combi boiler?

A combination boiler, otherwise known as a combi boiler, is the most common type of boiler found in the UK, with over 50% of the new domestic installations in the UK being combi boilers.

How long do combi boilers last?

Combi boilers last between 10-15 years, depending on the model of the boiler and how well it is maintained. One way to improve it’s lifespan is to have your boiler serviced every year. To find out why it is very beneficial to service your boiler every year, please click here.

What are the benefits of a combi boiler?

Combi boilers are very popular due to how useful they are to many types of households. Benefits of combi boilers include:
-Saving space: combi boilers combine the central heating boiler with the water heater, which reduces the amount of space required. This means combi boilers are more space effective, allowing you to use the extra space as you wish.
-Lower costs: Due to the boilers being combined, they are easier to install, which can lead to lower installation costs than system and conventional boilers.
-Instant water: Combi boilers use the water mains grid to retrieve water to use in your heating system, meaning your showers will be more powerful.
-Efficiency: Combi boilers are considered to be highly efficient, with many combi boilers having an efficiency rating of over 90%.

What are the disadvantages of a combi boiler?

Combi boilers, despite being used in most UK households, do have one major drawback: they are not ideal for larger households. If your household has several bathrooms, or lots of rooms, then a combi boiler will not be powerful enough to supply the entire house. A system or conventional boiler will be more efficient for larger houses due to their use of a water cylinder.

The other main drawback to combi boilers is their usage of the mains. This may be beneficial from a space perspective, however, this can significantly impact the pressure of the water if multiple water appliances are being used at the same time.

If you would like a boiler installation or repair, please contact Bradford Boiler Company at info@bradfordboilercompany.co.uk or 01247 317169.

The Law

Under the Landlord and Tenant Act (1985), the landlord is responsible for repairing and supplying water, gas, sanitation and electricity. A landlord is also responsible for arranging annual gas safety checks with a Gas Safe engineer. They do not necessarily need a boiler cover, but the repairs and maintenance of the boiler is the responsibility of the landlord.

The only exception to the landlord taking responsibility for boiler repairs is if the tenant caused the damage to the boiler. The tenant’s general responsibility is ensuring the general upkeep of the boiler is maintained, and reporting any issues they identify to their landlord.

Can tenants get boilers fixed on their own?

A tenant is not legally responsible for boiler repairs, unless caused by their own doing, therefore tenants should contact their landlords regarding the situation. Tenants should especially not attempt to repair the boiler themselves; not only is this dangerous, this can also cause issues with your boiler, which is your responsibility to amend.

In conclusion, if you are a tenant, your responsibilities are to maintain the boiler and to report any issues with your boiler to your landlord. Your landlord’s responsibilities are to ensure the boiler is annually serviced and repaired. To find out why you should annually service your boiler, please click here.

If you would like a boiler installing or repairing, please contact Bradford Boiler Company at info@bradfordboilercompany.co.uk or 01247 317169.

Firstly, it is important to consider whether you are living on a university campus, or whether you are living in private accommodation. If you are living on the university’s campus, it is the responsibility of the university to address any heating concerns. If you are concerned about your boiler, you should contact your university. If you are in private accommodation, you will need to contact your landlord.

Signing the lease

If you are going to live in private accommodation, you should check out the central heating system in advance to ensure there are not any issues before moving in. This can include asking for evidence of a gas safety check certificate, checking for a sufficient fire and carbon monoxide alarm, and asking for the boiler to be turned on.

Issues living in accommodation

Boilers inevitably become less efficient as they age, and can stop functioning as well. This could occur while you are living in private accommodation, which can be difficult to deal with. If you start to notice any issues or concerns, you should raise them with your landlord. It is your landlord’s responsibility to resolve any issues with your boiler, so they should organise an annual servicing to ensure your boiler is running perfectly. To understand the importance and benefits to getting your boiler serviced annually, please click here.

What to look out for

There are many ways you can identify issues with your boiler, for safety or financial benefits. This includes:
-Soot build-up or a yellow flame: These are indicators of a carbon monoxide leak; make sure you have a carbon monoxide alarm and alert your landlord as soon as possible. To learn more about identifying signs of a carbon monoxide leak, please click here.
-Cold spots on radiators: Having cold spots at the top of your radiator when the central heating system is on is often an indication of air being trapped in your radiators. You should bleed your radiators and see if that improves the issue. We have a guide on how to safely bleed your radiators, which you can read here.
-Noise: If your radiators start to bang, clang or gurgle, then that can be an indication of there not being enough water in the system. You should contact your landlord immediately to get a specialist to check your boiler.

If you would like a boiler installing or repairing, please contact Bradford Boiler Company at info@bradfordboilercompany.co.uk or 01247 317169.

What does size mean in terms of boilers?

‘Size’, in the context of boilers, refers to kilowatts (kW). A “larger” boiler will have a larger amount of kWs; it will not necessarily be physically bigger. It is very important to keep in mind that you should purchase a boiler that suits your and your home’s needs; buying a boiler that has a larger kW than you need will only waste the fuel and will become a long-term financial burden. Likewise, it is also important to not try to save money by buying too little, as you will run out of hot water.

Types of boiler

Your boiler type will impact which size boiler you will need, due to how the different types of boiler are made. Before purchasing a boiler, you should consider which boiler type you have and which one would be beneficial for your hot water needs. The three types of boiler are:
-Combi boiler: A combi boiler is the most common type of boiler found in UK houses. Combi boilers are most efficient for small houses due to only heating the water you need.
-System boiler: A system boiler heats your hot water and heating system through a water cylinder, typically located in the attic. System boilers receive their water directly through the mains which is very useful for large houses.
-Conventional boiler: A conventional boiler heats your hot water and heating system through a water cylinder. Conventional boilers are useful for older buildings that may not be able to handle higher boiler pressure.

Count your radiators

One way to determine what size boiler you will need is to count your radiators. For example, if you live in a one-bedroom bungalow, you will need a smaller boiler than a 5 bedroom house, due to having a larger demand for hot water. Below are estimates to what size boiler you need, depending on the type of boiler, and how many radiators you have:

Combi boilers:
-Up to 10 radiators: 24kW – 27kW
-10 – 15 radiators: 28kW – 34kW
-15 – 20 radiators: 35kW – 42kW

System and Conventional boilers:
-Up to 10 radiators: 12kW – 15kW
-10 – 15 radiators: 18kW – 24kW
-15 – 20 radiators: 30kW – 40kW

Combi boilers require more energy due to heating the water instantly, unlike system and conventional boilers. It is very important to know which boiler type you have so you can ensure you purchase the correct size boiler, using the estimations above.

If you have any concerns or would like a boiler installed, please do not hesitate to contact Bradford Boiler Company at 01274 317169 or at info@bradfordboilercompany.co.uk.

Take a look at our range of boilers.

When to bleed your radiators

There are a variety of reasons why you may need to bleed your radiators, including:
-Cold spots at the top of the radiator: This is the most common reason why a radiator needs bleeding. This occurs when the air becomes trapped in the radiator and is unable to escape, meaning the hot water cannot circulate through the radiator like it normally would.
-Damp or mould: If you start seeing mould or a room is damp after little usage, then this might be caused by your radiator. Mould is caused by bad circulation and humidity, so it is important to bleed your radiator if you start to notice that the room is damp or has mould.
-Rattling radiators: Noisy radiators, whether it be a rattling or gurgling sound, should be bled and checked for issues by a heating specialist. As there are a variety of reasons why a radiator might be making unusual sounds, it is best to also get it checked out in case there are any risks or if the radiator is close to breaking completely.

What tools do I need to bleed my radiators?

There are only two tools that you will need to successfully bleed your radiators: a radiator bleed key and anything that can catch water (such as a jug or a cloth). Radiator bleed keys can typically be found in hardware shops, but if not, a flat-headed screwdriver may also work.

How do I bleed my radiators?

Before starting to bleed your radiators, you must first identify which radiators need bleeding, as not all of your radiators may need it. You should start with the radiators closest to the boiler on the ground floor. From there, you should work your way backwards, away from the boiler. You should work your way from storey to storey.

–Step 1: Make sure your heating is turned off and all of the radiators are cold.
–Step 2: Place your jug or cloth under the bleed valve and insert the bleed key.
–Step 3: Turn the bleed key anti-clockwise to loosen the valve; this will allow the trapped air to escape.
–Step 4: Once the water starts to escape, turn the key clockwise to tighten the valve. When water starts to escape, this means that all of the trapped air has been released.
–Step 5: Repeat on all radiators.
–Step 6: Once all required radiators have bled, you should check the pressure to ensure it has not dropped.
–Step 7: Turn on the heating to check if the radiators are working.

Additional Information

Can the heating be on while bleeding your radiators?
The heating MUST NOT be on while bleeding radiators due to how hot the water is. As some water may escape when bleeding the radiators, it could cause a burn if it comes into contact with your skin. In addition to this, more air may get into the radiator while the valve is loose if you have your heating on.

How can I tell if bleeding my radiators worked?
Once all radiators have bled, the heating should be turned back on to test the radiators. You should look for how long the radiators take to heat up, and if there are any cold spots on the radiator. If there are still issues after bleeding your radiators, you should contact a boiler specialist for further guidance.

How often should I bleed my radiators?
Though not essential, it is recommended to bleed your radiators once every 6 months to ensure that there are no build-ups of sludge or trapped air.

What are the advantages of bleeding my radiators?
There are a variety of benefits to bleeding your radiators such as:
-Efficiency: Your boiler and central heating system will be more effective at heating a room faster if the trapped air is removed regularly.
-Energy-efficient: As the radiators will not lose heat to the trapped air, less energy will be required to heat the room. This results in fewer fuels being burned and therefore is more environmentally friendly.
-Identify issues: If the radiators are already having issues, bleeding them will determine whether the trapped air was causing the problems or not. If bleeding your radiators doesn’t help, you should contact a heating specialist for further assistance.

If you would like a new boiler installed, or need any boiler assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@bradfordboilercompany.co.uk or 01274 317169.

How to check the boiler pressure

As boiler pressure is the most common reason for a boiler breakdown, it is essential to check your boiler pressure. On most modern combi boilers, the pressure gauge can be found either on the front of the boiler or under the control panel. If your boiler is older, the pressure gauge might be located near the pipework. You can use your instruction manual if you are unsure where your pressure gauge is located.

It is useful to do a monthly check of your boiler to identify any obvious issues and to check that your boiler’s pressure is perfect. Boiler pressure may also be brought up during an annual service, so the specialist may fix it on your behalf and identify the cause of the issue. To find out the importance of annually servicing your boiler, please click here.

Standard boiler pressure

Standard boiler pressure is between 1 to 2 bars. Fortunately, most pressure gauges can show you if the pressure is perfect by using red and green sections. The green section means the boiler pressure is fine and doesn’t need changing. If it is in either of the red sections, it means the pressure is either too high or too low. Please be aware that your boiler may still continue to work, even if the pressure is too high or low, so it is important to check and adjust the pressure when necessary.

High boiler pressure

High boiler pressure is not always a serious issue; most boilers have mechanisms to counteract high pressure. Many boilers will shut down if the pressure is too high, or the valve may release some water into a small pipe away from the boiler to resolve the issue.

Signs of high boiler pressure

Unlike low boiler pressure, there are only two simple signs to look out for. If the system has shut down, or the gauge is in the red section, then the boiler pressure is high.

Causes of high boiler pressure

High boiler pressure is usually accidentally caused when adjusting boiler pressure. Sometimes, when fixing low boiler pressure, it might be adjusted too much and cause higher pressure than intended. In addition to this, if a valve is not tightened enough, this can cause too much water to flow, which can impact the pressure. If this is the case, you will need to tighten all valves to stop the overflowing of water.

If your boiler has high pressure and it was not caused by adjusting pressure or by having loose valves, then it is likely that your boiler is faulty, and may need checking for issues.

How to reduce high boiler pressure

In most cases, it is possible to reduce high boiler pressure without needing to contact a boiler specialist. If you follow these steps, but it continues to increase, then you should contact us for further guidance as it could be caused by a faulty boiler.

Step 1: Turn off your boiler
Step 2: Make sure all valves are tightened
Step 3: Once the system has cooled down, bleed your radiators. If you have any issues with bleeding your radiators, contact a professional immediately – it is very easy to bleed a radiator incorrectly!
Step 4: Check the pressure gauge. If the pressure is still high, bleed your radiators again

Low boiler pressure

Low boiler pressure is usually more noticeable than high boiler pressure due to the effects low boiler pressure has on heating the building. On Average, a boiler will need the pressure increasing between every 6 months to 12 months due to the heating system naturally heating and cooling water.

Signs of low boiler pressure

Low boiler pressure can cause no heating or hot water to go around the system due to there not being enough pressure in the system. If you notice these issues, you should check the gauge on your boiler (usually located on the front, on the front panel, or on the pipeline).

Another sign of low boiler pressure is the gauge showing the pressure in the red section. If it is only slightly low, you may not lose hot water or heating to a noticeable degree, so it is useful to check your boiler pressure from time to time to make sure it is not too high or low.

Causes of low boiler pressure

There are three main causes of low boiler pressure:
–Water heating and cooling: Naturally, boilers will lose pressure over time due to water heating and cooling within the system. As a result of this, you may need to repressurise your heating system every 6 months – 12 months. If this is the case, this does not mean that your boiler is broken or there are any issues within the heating system, so there is no need to panic.
–Small leaks: Sometimes, a leak may occur in the pipelines. These leaks can be so small that you may not notice any water escaping, but over time, the water escaping will build up and cause the pressure to decrease.
–Bleeding your radiators: As water can escape when bleeding your radiators, it can slightly decrease the pressure

If you have high boiler pressure and reduce the pressure, you can also cause the boiler pressure to be too low. This is not a common cause of low boiler pressure but can be easily fixed.

How to increase low boiler pressure

Increasing your boiler’s pressure is a simple task and can be done without the help of a professional. By following these steps, you can repressurise your heating system:

–Step 1: Turn off your boiler
–Step 2: Locate either the filling loop or the keyed filling loop, depending on the type of boiler. The filling loop is a hose that connects to two water pipes, with two levers to control the valves. If you cannot find your filling loop, you should refer to the boiler manual.
–Step 3: Turn both levers so they are aligned with the direction of the hose. If this is done correctly, you should hear water starting to run.
–Step 4: Keep an eye on the gauge and stop the valves once the gauge hits roughly 1.2 bar. Make sure that both valves are closed to avoid high boiler pressure.

Top tip: Do not turn on your boiler straight away, you should wait before using it to check if the pressure is still decreasing. If the pressure continues to decrease, you should look for leaks. You should contact a boiler specialist if you suspect a leak, in order to amend it and receive the most appropriate recommendations for your specific heating system.

If you would like to learn more details about low boiler pressure, read our guide to low boiler pressure here.

In conclusion, usually boiler pressure being too high or too low is not a big problem. As you can adjust your boiler’s pressure, you can fix most pressure issues without the worry of having to call a boiler specialist. However, you should contact a boiler specialist if you have any concerns with adjusting your boiler pressure or you are still having issues after adjusting the pressure.

If you have any boiler concerns or would like a boiler installed, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@bradfordboilercompany.co.uk or 1274 317169.

Service your boiler

The most effective way to prepare your boiler for the winter is to service your boiler during the summer annually. You should service your boiler in Summer as you can identify any threats or potential future issues with your boiler to be able to counteract them before you need your boiler in the winter.

There are a variety of reasons to service your boiler annually, including:
-Detect issues
-Safety
-Legal requirements
-Extending the lifetime of the boiler
-Saving money
If you are unsure why you should service your boiler, check out our in-depth blog about why it is significantly important to service your boiler here.

Complete an unofficial inspection

Before servicing your boiler, it is useful to conduct an unofficial inspection of the boiler. You should look for any obvious cracks and leaks, rusting and oxidation, and any signs of evaporated water on the inside of the boiler. You should also check the flame colour; if it is the standard blue, then it is healthy. If it is orange/yellow, it is likely a serious issue and you should contact Bradford Boiler Company immediately for advice.

Testing

In the lead-up to the winter, you should try to test your boiler for roughly 15 minutes every night to make sure that it works efficiently. Before it gets too cold and the boiler is in use more frequently, you should test it to make sure it heats your home fast. Sometimes, a boiler may stop working well if it has not been used for a while, so it is advised to test it during periods of little use.

Check your boiler’s pressure

The average boiler pressure should be between 1 and 1.5 bar. If your boiler pressure is too high or low, you can attempt to change the pressure yourself. If not, you can contact Bradford Boiler Company to seek advice and support. One way you can reduce the chances of the pressure changing is to turn your boiler on, even when it is warm. During warmer periods, you should turn your boiler on for roughly 15 minutes just to check that it works well.

Bleed your radiators

Bleeding your radiators can increase the efficiency of your boiler. If your radiators feel cold at the top when the heating is on, you should bleed them to release the trapped air in the system.

Insulate your pipes

In the winter, sometimes pipes may start to freeze, causing blockages and decreasing the efficiency of your boiler. This is caused by the water being left during the condensing process. Pipe insulation reduces the chances of freezing, but if your pipe still freezes with the insulation, you can defrost the pipe by using lukewarm water.

Check the thermostat

An incorrect reading from the thermostat can be a problem for a variety of reasons. The thermostat could be producing inaccurate temperatures, which could affect the temperature of your home. This can be by either overheating the house or by it simply not turning on. By testing your thermostat before the winter season, you can identify any issues and resolve them before you need your boiler.

Install a carbon monoxide alarm

Installing a carbon monoxide alarm is not just useful for the winter; it will help to keep you safe, regardless of the time of the year. Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas that is colourless and odourless, which can make detecting it without an alarm very difficult. To read more about the dangers of carbon monoxide, and how to protect yourself during a carbon monoxide leak, click here.

If you have any concerns or would like to have a new boiler installed, please contact us at info@bradfordboilercompany.co.uk or 01274 317168.

Energy efficiency refers to the amount of energy used to heat your home. An efficient boiler will use less energy to heat your home, which is very cost-effective. Less efficient boilers will require more energy to heat your home, which will cost you more.

What causes a boiler to be inefficient?

Naturally, boilers will never be 100% efficient as some heat is lost through hot gas through the flue. In addition to this, boilers will naturally become less efficient the older they get, which can often be a reason to purchase a new boiler.

Older models of boilers are often less efficient as they are often not built as condensing boilers. Condensing boilers are one of the best types of boilers for efficiency due to condensing vapour, which preserves more energy.

Energy ratings

In the UK, there are two types of energy ratings you may encounter: ErP and SEDBUK. Depending on the age and where the boiler was manufactured will affect which energy rating you encounter.

ErP

Energy-related Products (ErP) are a measurement used by the European Union to measure the efficiency of water heating systems, including boilers. The ErP scale ranges from A – G, with A being the most efficient and G being the least. A-rated boilers are at least 90% efficient, while G rated boilers are less than 70% efficient.

SEDBUK

Seasonal Efficiency of a Domestic Boiler (SEDBUK) is a measurement used in the UK to determine the efficiency of a boiler made in the UK. There are two versions of the SEDBUK, the 2005 version is a scale from A – G, with the 2009 version replacing the A – G grading with percentages. Since 2015, both of these versions have stopped being used; they have now been replaced with the ErP measurement.

Benefits

There are variety of benefits to getting a more efficient boiler, including:
-Reduced bills: As the boiler is more efficient, this means less energy is required to heat the home. This consequently decreases the bills.
-Carbon footprint: Due to less energy being required to heat your home, this improves the carbon footprint of your home.

How to maintain efficiency

Over time, a boiler’s efficiency will decrease due to ageing. To maintain the efficiency and reduce the decline, you should:
Service your boiler – Boilers should be serviced annually to check for faults and potential issues. By regularly servicing your boiler, you can avoid any faults that may affect how efficient the boiler is.
-Bleed your radiators when needed: From time to time, your radiators may need bleeding to improve the efficiency of the boiler. If your radiators take a while to heat up or have cold spots, you should bleed your radiators.
-Test your heating monthly: Even in summer, you should test your heating monthly for a few minutes to make sure it is still working with no issues. This is especially important as it will allow you to check for faults when waiting for the next service.

If you have any questions or would like to replace your current boiler with a more efficient boiler, contact us today at info@bradfordboilercompany.co.uk or at 01274 317169.

Sometimes it can be difficult to decide whether to repair or replace your boiler as it could just be an occasional repair or service it may need, or it could be a financial nightmare with regular repairs required. In this blog, we will review when it might be a good idea to repair, or replace your boiler.

DIY

Sometimes when a boiler breaks down, there can be small DIY fixes that can be used to reduce the chances of needing a boiler repair expert. A few fixes that you can do include:
-Thaw any frozen pipes using hot water.
-Bleed your radiators.
-Ensure the thermostat is set to the correct time. If you own a smart thermostat, you should check that it is connected to the boiler.
If none of these fixes works, then you should contact your local boiler repair experts to fix your boiler.

Efficiency

Newer boilers have been ranked on an efficiency scale, from A – G. A-rated boilers are the most efficient types of boilers, averagely being above 90% efficient. Meanwhile, G-rated boilers are the least efficient types of boilers, averagely being below 70% efficient.

One reason you may wish to replace your boiler is if it is rated lower on the efficiency scale. Not only is having an efficient boiler more environmentally friendly, it is also cheaper to run long-term.

Frequency

Boilers, from time to time, will break down. The seriousness and the frequency of the breakdown will affect whether you should repair or replace your boiler. If the boiler is regularly breaking down, then you should replace your boiler as this will reduce costs long term. If the boiler rarely breaks down, then you should look to repair your boiler by contacting your local boiler company.

Warranty

It is important to check your warranty; you should always check to make sure you are still under warranty, and follow all guidelines set in the contract. If your boiler is still under warranty, then it is worth getting your boiler repaired as it will usually cover the costs of new parts, and potentially even the labour costs.

Future

When debating whether to repair or replace our boiler, you should think about the future: how long will this boiler realistically last? If the boiler has very minor faults, then you may think it’s better to repair your boiler since it’ll likely last for years. If your boiler realistically won’t last longer than a few years without regular repairs, then it is best to replace your boiler. In addition to this, you may also need to consider the boiler’s age; will there likely be easily accessible parts available in the future?

Costs

Purchasing a new boiler can be expensive as they are a long term investment. This reason alone is why many people are hesitant to replace their boiler when they identify problems with their current boiler. When you are considering whether to replace your boiler, you should identify any long term costs; will you often have to pay for repairs? If you think that long term the cost of repairing your boiler will be larger than the cost of purchasing a new boiler, then you should consider replacing your boiler.

Parts for repairs

As a boiler model begins to age, parts for repairs can become progressively more difficult to replace. This means that sometimes a boiler repair expert may tell you to replace your boiler to ensure that long term, you can access parts required for any future boiler breakdowns.

Warning signs

There are certain warning signs that you should look for when it comes to your boiler. Some of these signs can be fixed, however, a replacement might be on the table depending on the damage:
-Unusual sounds – Boilers can make sounds when starting up, but if they start to make unusual banging, gurgling or clunking sounds, then it is important to call a local boiler repair expert to identify any issues. The expert may suggest that the boiler should be replaced if the boiler is very damaged.
-Bad odours – Naturally, boilers do not create an odour, so if you notice a faint bad odour from the boiler, you should immediately call a boiler expert. A smell from a boiler is likely a carbon monoxide leak. Despite carbon monoxide gas being odourless, a leak does have a smell due to the boiler not burning properly. We have written a blog about signs of a carbon monoxide leak, and how to deal with one. Read our blog here.
-Radiators – One common detected issue with boilers as they start to age is radiators taking longer to heat up. There are multiple reasons why radiators can start to take longer heating up, including age, or your central heating system is full of sludge. You should contact your local boiler repair expert to find the cause of the issue. They might be able to flush your central heating system if sludge is present, but they may suggest replacing your boiler if it is down to age or wear.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it can be difficult to determine when to repair or replace your boiler. Depending on the state of the boiler, sometimes it is financially beneficial to purchase a new boiler.

Repair:
-Younger boiler
-Highly efficient boiler
-Under warranty
-Minor faults

Replace:
-Older boiler
-Bad sounds or odours
-Costs of repairs
-Regular breakdowns
-No warranty

Please be aware that there are given circumstances where these may not apply. If you are unsure whether to repair or replace your boiler, you should contact us at info@bradfordboilercompany.co.uk or at 01274 317169.

Take a look at our range of boilers.

Reliability

Finding a reliable boiler is essential; as boilers are a long-term investment, the brand and model must be reliable to make it worth it. If the company or the model are very unreliable, the likelihood is that the boiler will frequently break down or will stop working after a small period. If you buy a boiler from a respectable brand, you will reduce the chances of having to pay for frequent breakdowns as they will be made with higher quality materials and made to last longer.

If you are unsure if a brand or a product is reliable, you should look at reviews to understand what others think about the service or the product.

Types of boiler

There are multiple types of boilers, which are created differently to meet the different requirements and needs of the user. The main types of boiler are:
-Combi (combination) boiler: Combi boilers do not need a storage tank as they only heat the water you will use, often meaning they are cost-effective and efficient.
-System boiler: System boilers store hot water in a storage tank, but get their water supply directly from the mains.
-Conventional boiler: Conventional boilers use a separate water cylinder to store hot water.
We have explained each type of boiler, and its advantages and disadvantages in further detail here.

Sizing

Another issue that may arise is the size of your house. Depending on the size of the house and how much water will be used, there might be less of a selection to choose from. A combi boiler is often suited best for smaller properties with one bathroom, or for people who live by themselves or with one other person. System boilers are considered best suited for larger properties with larger water demand.

Efficiency

Every model of boiler has a different efficiency rating, based on how much waste product is produced. Boilers are rated from A – G, with A being the most efficient and G being the least efficient. When purchasing a new boiler, you should consider the efficiency rating it has; not only can a more efficient boiler be cost-effective, it is more environmentally friendly.

Warranty

Boiler warranties are essential when getting a new boiler; they cover you when your boiler unexpectedly breaks down or malfunctions. This means that the manufacturer can replace your boiler if it breaks during the warranty. It is important to thoroughly read through the terms and conditions for the warranty to ensure you are meeting the requirements set. This often includes getting your boiler serviced annually.

If you have any questions regarding boilers or would like a boiler installed, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@bradfordboilercompany.co.uk or 01274 317169.

There are a variety of reasons to replace your boiler, including for efficiency or potential health threats. Boiler replacements are not the cheapest, which means they are a long term investment and should be maintained well to maximise the lifespan of the boiler. If you are unsure why your boiler should be serviced, check out our blog explaining the benefits of servicing your boiler here. Below are a few indicators that you should look out for to know when to replace your boiler.

Age

If your boiler is getting old, you should be considering replacement in the future. Your boiler will start to become less inefficient and unreliable, which will affect your energy bills and how quickly your house warms up. Due to the efficiently decreasing overtime, boiler repair costs will increase, which could be more financially straining than replacing the boiler.

Frequent breakdowns

If your boiler keeps breaking down regardless of any issues being fixed, you should stop paying for new parts or repair, and instead buy a replacement boiler. Long term, this will be cheaper than paying for boiler damages more than once a year. A good analogy for this scenario is an old car. At a certain point, an old car will just keep having issues when it goes in for it’s MOT or servicing, and eventually it will then no longer become viable to keep the car due to the cost of maintaining it. You would then rightly start the process of looking for a replacement. This is how you should see your boiler; you should consider whether financially it is worth paying for the repairs, or whether it is worth replacing your boiler.

Sounds

During the normal operation of a boiler, it will make sounds, but should not create loud, regular clunking, hissing or humming noises. If this is the case, you should get Bradford Boiler Installation Company to come and look at your boiler and find the issue. If the problem persists, you should consider replacing your boiler.

Flame colour and soot

A boiler producing a blue flame is perfectly normal for a working boiler. If the blue flame turns yellow, you should call Bradford Boiler Installation Company urgently for an appointment to come and inspect your boiler. A yellow flame is caused through the process of incomplete combustion of natural gas. Large amounts of carbon monoxide will be produced whilst your boiler is running, which can be fatal if exposed to. Black soot marks around the boiler can also be a sign of a carbon monoxide leak, so it is essential to contact a boiler repair expert and replace your boiler if you see signs of a carbon monoxide leak. To see the full list of signs of a carbon monoxide leak, please click here.

Temperature

If your house or radiators are a lot colder than the normal temperature, or take longer to heat up, this could be caused by the inefficiency of the boiler. If this is the case, you should replace your boiler. Not only will this normalise the temperature in your house, this will also reduce energy bills as it will take less time to heat up.

Lack of parts

As a boiler becomes older and newer models are released, parts can become discontinued, which makes it harder to replace the older parts of your boiler for newer ones. This means it is often safe to replace your boiler as parts become more scarce to prevent an unfixable boiler.

Energy bills

One reason why energy bills increase overtime without an explanation is due to the efficiency of the boiler. As the boiler gets older, it becomes less effective at heating up a home, which means the homeowners have to pay more to heat the home. Long term, the additional money paid in energy bills could be used to help replace the inefficient boiler.

Leaks

A leak from a boiler may not require a replacement, but will require a boiler repair expert to analyse the damage and suggest how to fix it. Leaks can lead to corrosion and rusting, so it is best to fix the problem as soon as it is identified. If this becomes a regular occurrence, it is recommended to get a replacement boiler.

Bad odours

This mainly applies to gas boilers, but if a bad odour is lingering from the boiler, you should contact a boiler repair expert immediately as this could be a dangerous leak. If this problem persists, it is essential to replace your boiler.

Corrosion

If there is visible corrosion on the boiler, then it is best to replace your boiler. Corrosion in boilers is often caused by broken valves and leaks, or caused by the reaction between the heat exchanger and burners. Corrosion can occur at any point, but is more common the more the boiler is used.

Additional Considerations

These suggestions do not require you specifically to replace your boiler, but may influence your decision:
–Space/sizing – Older boilers tend to be larger and take up more space in comparison to more recent models. Replacing your boiler with a newer model may provide you with more space.
–Control – Some newer models allow you to control the temperature and the time the boiler starts heating. This is very convenient for homeowners who are out of the house a lot and only need the boiler heating at certain times of the day.
–Energy efficiency rating – Newer boilers are rated based on their energy efficiency from A – G, with A being the most efficient boilers at over 90% efficiency, and G being the least efficient boilers at less than 70% efficiency. If your boiler is lower on the energy efficiency scale, you may consider replacing your boiler with a more energy efficient one to save money on bills.
–Safety – If the boiler is very old, there is a chance that it may not meet newer safety guidelines. It is essential to check whether your current boiler matches the newer regulations.

If you have any concerns regarding your boiler or would like to replace your boiler, please contact us at info@bradfordboilercompany.co.uk or at 01274 317169.

Can My Boiler Be Fitted Outside?

Boilers can be fitted outside by a boiler specialist, providing that the area has enough space and will not need additional pipes. There are boilers created specifically to be outdoor, as these will need to be able to tolerate the weather and reduce the time taken to rust.

Benefits of an External Boiler

There are a variety of reasons someone may consider installing their boiler outside of their house, including:
-No carbon monoxide poisoning risk: When a boiler is poorly installed, this can lead to the boiler leaking carbon monoxide, which can be deadly when exposed to. As the boiler would not be in a tight space or room, this removes the risks of being poisoned. Find out more about oil boilers producing carbon monoxide here.
-Easier access for servicing: As the boiler will be placed outside of the house, it will be easier for the specialist to access it during an annual service.
-More indoor space: Having a boiler outside increases space indoors from places such as your kitchen or your utility room.
-Less noise: This might not be applicable to all boilers, but some can produce a lot of noise with clanging or vibrations.

External Boiler Considerations

Despite the benefits of an external boiler, there are multiple concerns and issues:
-Outdoor maintenance: Despite being in a case, the boiler can be subject to the weather, which can lead to rusting, freezing and overall damage.
-Space: Certain houses may not have enough outdoor wall space to install a boiler on.
-Energy efficiency: Boilers naturally produce heat when burning, which is useful when it is inside of a house. However, if the boiler is outside, the heat is wasted, reducing the energy efficiency.

Examples of External Boilers

There are a variety of boilers that can be installed outside. A few examples include:
-Worcester Bosch Greenstar Heatslave II External boiler
-Grant VortexBlue
When purchasing a boiler, you should research the boiler to check if it can be installed outside. This can be done by checking for key phrases such as “outdoor” or “external”, and checking the manufacturer’s website.

If you have any concerns or would like a boiler installed, please do not hesitate to contact us at 01274 317169 or at info@bradfordboilercompany.co.uk.

What Should I Expect From A Boiler Service?

A standard service looks at the efficiency of the boiler, checking for any faults, or any parts that need repairing. As lots of different parts are checked during a service, you should expect it to last at least 30 minutes. Typically, the following will be seen in a boiler service:
-Checking safety devices.
-Cleaning boiler parts, if necessary.
-Internal and external flue checks.
-Checking the operating pressure and heat inputs.
-Check case seals.
-Checking for any working faults.
-Removal of boiler casing to check the main boiler components.

At the end of a service, landlords and businesses will receive records and certificates, in line with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations (1998). It is important to ask the gas safe registered engineer any questions that you may have about your boiler or the service to ensure that you can maintain the condition of the boiler as much as possible before the next service.

Detect Issues Before They Happen

Having a boiler breakdown is inconvenient but by regularly servicing your boiler, potential issues can be detected and amended before they become serious problems. Regardless of how minor the fault might be with the boiler, it is best to address the issue before it causes physical and financial damage.

Safety

When servicing a boiler, a gas safe registered engineer will check your boiler for leaks or potential threats. Any faults, especially if the boiler is not burning correctly, could lead to a leak of carbon monoxide. With carbon monoxide being a colourless, odourless gas, this means that it could be leaking from your boiler without you knowing. To ensure the safety of your occupants and to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, it is essential to regularly have your boiler serviced.

Save Money

By servicing your boiler, any issues or faults can be identified and fixed to help maintain the boiler. By fixing the faults instead of replacing the boiler, this can save money. An average boiler service is around £80, but boiler repairs can be from £100+, depending on the extent of the repair. In addition to this, you can save money on your gas bills since the engineers will be ensuring your boiler is working effectively.

Extend The Lifetime Of The Boiler

When faults are identified and fixed, this causes the boiler to work more efficiently as any faulty parts have been replaced with new parts. In return, this expands the lifetime of your boiler as you will not have to replace the entire boiler.

A Legal Requirement For Landlords

Due to the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations (1998), landlords have a legal requirement to maintain and provide gas appliances. When a boiler service is conducted, landlords and businesses will receive gas certificates and gas records for proof of the safety of all gas appliances; it is a legal requirement to have access to these documents. Please be aware that if the gas appliance is owned by the tenant and not the landlord, it is the tenant’s responsibility to maintain the appliance, not the landlord’s. For more information about what a landlord’s legal responsibilities are for boilers, please click here.

Staying Under Warranty

If your boiler is under warranty, there is a high chance that your warranty includes a clause that means the contract will be voided if the boiler is not serviced annually. It is best practice to keep track of when your last boiler service was so you can book the next one just before a year has passed. This good practice will reduce the chances of your warranty being voided, so you can get money if your boiler breaks down.

How Often Should I Have my Boiler Serviced?

As a standard, it is common to service boilers every 12 months. If you have any concerns regarding your boiler, you should book a servicing early to ensure that there are no faults. You should keep track of when your boiler has been serviced, so you know when to book your next annual service.

If you are concerned about your boiler or you need to complete your annual service, call us today on 01274 317169 or email us at info@bradfordboilercompany.co.uk.

Powerful neodymium magnetic filters, or boiler filters as they can be commonly called, are fitted to your boiler’s return pipework, removing magnetic and non magnetic debris from the water as it flows through the filter before it goes through the boiler, having it installed on the return pipework will help stop your boiler getting clogged up.
Another factor to consider is the more radiators you have in your home, the bigger the potential of a sludge/ magnetite problem. The answer is a magnetic filter designed specifically to handle the volume of larger systems:
-Your heating system will heat up more efficiently.
-Will help to lower energy bills.
-Reduces your carbon footprint within the home.
-Increased boiler reliability, reducing the risk of expensive repairs.
-Lifetime expectancy of your boiler will increase.
-Having a magnetic filter can sometimes increase the boiler warranty.

The New British Standard BS 7593:2019 gives guidance for fitting magnetic filters on central heating systems. This new standard replaces BS 7593:2006, which has been withdrawn with immediate effect. British standards relating to domestic heating systems are codes of practice that all Heating Engineers must adhere too. All installers will need to be aware of the following standards when it comes to the new British Standard:
-A Magnetic filter (inline) must to be fitted to every new central heating system.
-Carry out a chemical clean and fresh water flush before fitting the inhibitor.
-Cleaning can be improved with external magnetite capture equipment.
-An Annual water test to test level of inhibitor and system cleanliness.
-Every 5 years or sooner, new inhibitor should added.
-Biocide is essential in cooling and low temperature heating systems like underfloor heating.
-Consider the use of biocide for higher temperature systems like solar thermal.

What Causes Sludge to Build Up?
As heated water flows through the metal pipes of your boiler and central heating system, rust can form due to electrolytic action and oxygenated water. The rust formed along with other dirt and debris will eventually build into a black mud-like substance, commonly referred to as ‘sludge’. If the sludge isn’t removed in some way from your system, it will eventually cause serious problems for your boiler, radiators and central heating pipes. Another factor to consider is the more radiators you have in your home, the bigger the potential of a sludge/magnetite problem. The answer is a magnetic filter, designed specifically to handle the volume of larger systems. Common signs you have sludge build up include:
-Loud noise from the boiler and/or radiators; this is called kettling.
-Radiators taking a long time to heat up, or just getting lukewarm.
-Lots of black debris coming from radiators when bleeding them.
-Boiler regularly breaking down.
These problems will cause your boiler to run less efficiently as it will be increasing your heating bills, and eventually will cause your boiler to fail beyond repair.

Magnetic filters available:
Worcester Bosch Greenstar Filter
-Plastic body construction

Designed by ADEY
-Can increase the length of your boiler warranty when fitted and registered with a new boiler installation.
-Provides full heating protection for the boiler and whole system.
-When fitted with the Max range by an Ideal Max accredited installer, this can increase your boiler lifetime up to 12 years.
-Provides full protection for your boiler and central heating.
-Brass body construction for hardwearing long term use.

Fernox Omega 1
-Brass construction for long term use

Trappex centramag Genesis filter
-Brass construction for long term
-Internal mesh to catch non magnetic debris.
-Powerfull magnet

Adey magnaclean professional 2
-Easy installation
-Push-fit fittings to slide filter onto main body

Is it Possible to Install a Magnetic Filter to my Current Central Heating System?
Whilst it is easier to have a Magnetic filter installed during a new boiler installation, they certainly can be fitted as an after market option to your existing central heating system pipework. Factors like location of your existing pipework may be a factor. If it is possible to add a magnetic filter to your current heating system, we would recommend you give us a call for a quote today.

Do Magnetic Filters Require Cleaning?
The sludge that the magnetic filter is clearing from the heating system needs to be removed from the filter itself every now and then. You can ask an engineer to do this during the annual service of your boiler. The sludge and debris will collect within the filter body over time, it will need to be emptied and the filter cleaned. The best time to do this is on your boilers annual service by a gas registered engineer.

What if I Don’t Have a Magnetic Filter?
A magnetic filter will prevent sludge build up and other contaminants before it causes a blockage within your heating system or boiler; this will in turn leave your system needing a powerflush to clear any blockages. If the sludge hardens and get impacted, then no amount of flushing will clear the blockages. If this happens you will need new pipework or even worse a new boiler installed. Preventative installation is the best course of action to keep your central heating running smoothly.
In conclusion: should I get a magnetic filter fitted?
When having a new boiler installed, you want to know that you’ll be able to rely on it to provide your home with heating and hot water for many years to come. This is where a magnetic filter can help. As sludge and dirt build up in the pipes, your boiler will slowly lose efficiency, which can then lead to your energy bills increasing. A boiler filter will capture all of the dirt and debris before the water is prevented from flowing through the system.

When choosing the best type of boiler for your home, there are a lot of different factors to consider. The information below will help you conclude which boiler you have, and which one you may wish to consider long term.

Boiler Types Explained

There are three main types of condensing gas boilers: combination (or combi boilers as they are commonly called), system boilers and conventional boilers (or commonly called heat only, regular boilers, open vented or regular boilers).
Before deciding which of these boiler systems to proceed with you should always consider:

-The current size of the property and any potential extensions in the future

-The current boiler type and pipework layout in your property

-How many showers and bathrooms are in your home

-The area’s water pressure

-The type of property you live in

-If the boiler needs to be solar compatible

Each type of condensing boiler is designed to meet 1 or more of these needs, depending on your house and lifestyle requirements.
To help provide you with more information into which boiler replacement option is the most practical choice, look at the information below. We will show you how each boiler type operates, their advantages and what kind of homes they work best in.

Combi Boilers

A Combi boiler, also known as a combination boiler, is a type of condensing boiler.
They are the UK’s most common type of boiler in the account, accounting for 95% of all boiler sales, and can be a very cost-effective economical option, as combi boilers only heat the water you use. They are a perfect solution for smaller properties, where spacing is minimal.

Please click here to see Worcester Bosch’s YouTube video explaining combi boilers further.

Energy & Cost Efficient
You only heat the water you use when you turn the tap on, making combi boilers are very economical and cost-efficient to run.
Quick & Easy to Install
A combi boiler does not require a tank, it is a straightforward boiler to install.
Hot Water on Demand
With no hot water cylinder to heat up, combi boilers provide an unlimited supply of hot water on demand.
Compact
Due to not requiring water tanks, combi boiler systems take up much less space than conventional heating systems.

System Boilers

A System boiler heats your central heating system and hot water in a storage cylinder.
They are remarkably alike to a conventional (regular) boiler in that they need to store hot water. Unlike conventional boilers, they take their water supply directly from the mains supply. They are a great solution for large households with more than one bathroom, and larger hot water requirements.
Please click here for a video about systems boilers explained.

Great for properties with Multiple Bathrooms
System Boilers can supply a constant supply of hot water to any number of taps at the same time when the pipework is sized correctly making them ideal for larger homes.
No Cold-Water Feed Tank
With a system boiler, there is no need for a cold water feed tank for the central heating, creating space and removing any worries about leaks or frost damage when it is located in the attic.
Compatible with Solar Water Heating Systems
System boilers are compatible with solar water heating systems, which deliver economic and environmental benefits, lowering energy bills.
Built-in Components
A lot of the components needed for a central heating system are already included in a system boiler. This can make installation quicker and neater.

Conventional Boilers

Conventional boilers run your central heating system through a separate water cylinder and boiler.
The benefits of conventional boilers are similar to the benefits of a system boiler; however, they are a good option if you have an old heating system that may not be to cope with a pressurised system boiler or combi boiler. They are also a good solution where the water pressure is low, as then you can use a pump to create a better flow – although these are noisy.
Please click here to Worcester YouTube video for conventional boilers.

You Can Use Multiple Taps at Once
Hot water comes from a water cylinder; you can use multiple outlets such as taps and showers, without experiencing any real effect on water pressure/flow or temperature.

Compatible with Solar Thermal
Conventional boilers are compatible with solar water heating systems for a lower carbon footprint and lower energy costs.
So, they better for the environment with lower running costs and saving energy.

Low Water Pressure Areas
If you live in an area with low water pressure, a conventional boiler may be the best solution as you can be utilise other equipment to increase the domestic water performance within the property. For example, using a pump to increase the flow of water.

We hope this gives some idea of the types of boiler you can have fitted in your home. For more advice on what type of boiler you require in your home give us a call today for a full in-depth survey to identify what boiler is best for your home and lifestyle needs.