With the cost of living rising significantly, energy consumption will be on many people’s minds. Having reliable heating and hot water is something we take for granted. Until the boiler plays up, that is, and then your world can be turned on its head.

When you arrive home after a long day, a hot bath or shower and warm radiators can set you up for a cosy, winter’s night in. But what if your house is an ice-box and the boiler is making weird gurgling noises? Or worse, no noises at all?

In this post, we’ll discuss whether it’s best to repair your boiler or replace it altogether.

Quick fix to get through the winter?

It is likely that the idea of replacing your boiler will fill you with dread. Your initial reaction may go straight to worrying about costs and how you could get through the winter with no heating and hot water.

However, before you rush online immediately and order a new boiler, ask yourself a few simple questions:

• How old is your boiler? If it is relatively modern, (within the past ten years) check with the manufacturer as it may still be under warranty. This means it could be repaired quickly.
• Could you do a DIY fix? The problem with your boiler may be something that has a simple fix. Check for leaks, that the pressure gauge and thermostat are working and bleed your radiators. If nothing changes after these checks, it’s time to call out an engineer.
• How often has your boiler been serviced? If your boiler has had annual servicing, you will have reliable heating and hot water for longer. Boilers will be energy efficient as long as they are frequently serviced, keeping your fuel bills low. On the flipside, boilers that have never been serviced are more likely to develop major problems that call for replacement.

Boiler on its last legs?

There will come a time when your boiler has seen better days. It is no longer cost effective to repair it anymore and you might be thinking it is time to replace it. Considering the following may help you make your decision:

• When replacing is the only option. Older boilers need to be replaced eventually. Make sure you double-check whether a repair is still possible. Parts can be discontinued after 10 years which can make the repair or replace decision a straightforward one.
• Lacking efficiency. Your boiler may start to slow down in heating up. Due to age and outdated technology, it can become less cost effective. Not to mention taking forever to run your bath or heat your child’s bedroom.
• Warning signs. Check for anything that is signalling your boiler is packing up. For example, a bad smell could indicate the boiler isn’t burning right and leaking carbon monoxide. Safety has to be your priority.

Does your boiler need repairing or replacing? We do both!

At MHD Plumbing and Heating we offer professional, affordable boiler installations. You can get an instant boiler installation quote by answering a few quick questions online, or check out our free guide, 5 Things to Know Before Buying a New Boiler.

Alternatively, if you need an experienced plumbing and heating engineer to service your boiler, contact our friendly team today to arrange an appointment.