Top 5 Signs You Need A New Boiler

As a homeowner, you rely on your boiler to keep your home warm and comfortable. But you also need your boiler to be safe and efficient to get the most out of it for as little as possible. Unfortunately, it isn't always smooth sailing with these complex pieces of technology, and sometimes, when you think something might be wrong, you find yourself wondering if you need a new boiler, leading to the decision to replace or repair it.

Usually, there are signs that it is time to replace your boiler instead of trying to fix it, but they aren't always as obvious as strange noises.

With over 35 years of experience helping residents across Bournemouth, Poole and the surrounding areas keep their homes warm, MJ Burt are experts when it comes to all things boilers. In this blog, we share the top five signs you should look out for that indicate it is time for a boiler replacement.

Sign 1: Increasing Energy Bills

One of the more noticeable signs that you need a new boiler is an increase in your energy bills.  

Older boilers that aren't functioning as they should be will use more energy to run than they should need. Because of this, you will see a spike in the amount you are paying to run the boiler and heat your home.

Noticing your energy bills either significantly increase during a month or slowly rise over several months should get you thinking about replacing your boiler.

Your replacement will be a newer, more modern boiler, which will be more energy efficient, using the latest technology to achieve this. With this, you will likely find that the new boiler will not only bring energy costs down to their original monthly amounts but will, in fact, lower them further as they optimise energy consumption while working.

Sign 2: Frequent Repairs

Another sign that you need a new boiler is the frequency of repairs.

If you feel like you have only just paid for a repair, it is time to consider the alternative option - get a new boiler.

Boiler repairs can be costly and inconvenient, and you don't want to be stuck without heating constantly.

If you feel like you are constantly calling on a plumber to fix your boiler, you should take a look at past invoices and work out how much you have spent on the repairs. If the amount adds up to more than half of what the boiler is worth, it is time to think about getting a replacement.

Don't forget, a new boiler will come with warranties, so you won't have to pay for repairs for a duration of time (should you need to). Plus, as a newer boiler with newer technology, they are unlikely to need as much maintenance as your older boiler - an annual service should suffice.

Sign 3: Boiler Age and Reduced Efficiency

While it shouldn't be the sole basis of your decision, the age of your boiler should impact the choice to have a replacement fitted.

Boilers typically live between 10-15 years, and even when they are looked after by you, their energy efficiency will reduce as they age.

If your boiler is starting to hit these ages, and you are finding energy bills increasing, or it doesn't seem to be warming the house up as quickly anymore, you probably need a new boiler.

You will quickly benefit from a boiler replacement because it will be far more energy-efficient, meeting energy rating standards.

Plus, newer boilers are often able to integrate with smart technology, such as Hive thermostats, which allow you additional control of the system. For example, if you are out for the day, you could switch on the heating from your phone on your way home so you are welcomed back into a gloriously warm space.

Sign 4: Uneven Heating or Strange Noises

The typical sign that you need a new boiler is strange noises or uneven heating.

Sometimes, if a boiler isn't functioning as it should, you will find that your radiators aren't warming up as they should be, or they are taking longer to reach your desired temperature.

Or, you might hear unusual noises, such as whistling or banging, as the boiler is working to heat the space.

Both of these are serious signs that you should start considering a replacement boiler because they mean your current one is likely to have issues with internal wear that could be costly to replace.

Sign 5: Boiler Leaks or Emissions Concerns

One of the more serious signs that you need a new boiler is leaks or smoke coming from the boiler.

These are both signs that your boiler may not be safe to use anymore, not to mention they are visible signs that it isn't functioning as it should be.

In this case, you will need to have safety checks and professional inspections to diagnose the issue and make recommendations - usually a new boiler.

Of course, installing a new boiler will give you peace of mind that it is safe to heat your space.

Boiler Repairs vs. Replacements: When to Choose a New Boiler

So, when should you consider a new boiler, and when should you pay for repairs?

Boiler repairs make sense when:

• The problem is small and easily fixable, such as a faulty thermostat or pressure issue.
• The cost of the repair is significantly less than the price of a new boiler.
• Your boiler is less than 10 years old and hasn't had frequent issues.
• The boiler is still energy efficient and not causing a significant increase in energy bills.
• The repair is covered under the manufacturer's warranty, reducing out-of-pocket costs.

However, you need a new boiler when:

• The boiler has a history of repeated failures, causing inconvenience and increasing repair bills.
• Repair costs are substantial, nearing or exceeding 50% of the cost of a new boiler.
• The boiler is over 10–15 years old and likely to fail again soon due to wear and tear.
• Rising energy bills and poor heating performance indicate the boiler is inefficient and outdated.
• The boiler shows signs of leaks, emits strange noises, or poses safety risks.
• The boiler is out of warranty, leaving you financially exposed to future repair costs.
• You want to invest in a new, energy-efficient boiler to save on energy bills and benefit from advanced features like smart controls.
• A new boiler comes with a manufacturer's warranty (often 5–10 years), ensuring reliability and reducing maintenance worries.

Need A New Boiler?

If you are experiencing one or more of these issues, you probably need a new boiler.

Reach out to the team at MJ Burt for a new boiler installation.

Our team are highly trained and accredited, including being Gas Safe™ registered. This means they have the knowledge and expertise to recommend the best boiler solution for you so you can heat your home efficiently and with confidence that it isn't breaking the bank.

We know that your boiler being out of action is inconvenient, especially during the colder months, so we work extremely hard to ensure the process of fitting a new boiler is smooth and quick.

Plus, once we have fitted a new boiler, you can rely on us to help maintain it for years to come with our boiler servicing and repair services.

Contact us today to discuss getting a new boiler fitted in your home with our team. Call us on 01202 721955 or complete our online contact form, and we will be in touch shortly.