Boiler Lifespan: Factors That Affect How Long Your Boiler Will Last
A gas boiler isn’t something you’ll put a lot of thought into after its installation, and they’ll usually last quite a while. Since the average boiler lifespan can be measured in decades, you shouldn’t have to worry too much about it. That depends on how well it’s treated, however.
Multiple factors affect your boiler efficiency, and could even lead to a gas boiler replacement before you know it. Three notable factors play a role in this:
1. Use – How often you use your gas boiler plays a large role in how long it lasts. Overuse or under-use could mean you’ll end up damaging it in some way. Make sure you’re using it an appropriate amount.
2. Age – The average boiler lifespan is about 15 years, and the age of your boiler plays a large role in how long it’ll last. Generally speaking, your boiler efficiency goes down every passing year, making it more and more likely you’ll need a replacement soon.
3. Maintenance – How much maintenance you put into your gas boiler impacts how long it’ll last. The more time and effort you put into this, the longer you should expect it to last. If it’s neglected, it’ll get worn down and damaged, and need to be replaced relatively soon.
Depending on your boiler efficiency and condition, you could need a gas boiler replacement relatively soon. Make sure it’s done right by getting in touch with Academy Heating on 0800 999 2240 or 0208 505 2991. We’re sure you’ll be satisfied with our work in Essex and London.
How To Save Money on Your Gas Bill
If you are concerned that your gas bill is too high, then you should explore options to cut the costs back down to size. Here are some of the possibilities that could work well for you.
Improve Your Insulation
First, you should think about improving the insulation of different areas in your home. To do this, check the windows. It’s possible that some windows in your home are damaged and have broken seals. This will allow cold air to break through and warm air to escape out. Fixing the windows can solve this issue. Thicker curtains can also help you manage problems here. You could even use a contractor to add insulation where your home could be losing heat like the roof. Don’t forget, hot air rises so heat tends to escape from the roof.
Check The Boiler
If your boiler isn’t operating as it should, your gas bill will always be more expensive. To rectify this consider completing a check on your boiler. It’s possible that you might need to repair your boiler or arrange for a replacement to get your energy usage levels back to where they should be. Don’t forget, by completing regular checks on your boiler, you can avoid an issue like this developing.
Adjust Your Thermostat
Finally, it’s possible that your gas bill is high because your thermostat is set at the wrong level. You can change this by adjusting the settings. Smart thermostats can be adjusted with a quick click of a button, and you might even be able to control this on your phone.
Boiler size calculator? What boiler size is right for me?
Installing a new boiler into your home is a big deal, because it will define the accessibility and reliability of your hot water and heating system from then on.
For that reason, it’s important to make sure we purchase and install the right size of boiler. Too little power can mean our requirements are not met, while too much power can waste energy and will be less efficient than required.
In this post, we aim to give a few rough estimates you can use to plan the size and type of boiler you may wish to use:
House Size Rough Estimates (Combination Boilers):
The minimum recommended kW sizes are:
2 Bedroom House: 26kw – 29kw depending on # of bathrooms.
3 – 4 Bedroom House: 29kW – 35kW depending on # of bathrooms.
5 Bedroom House: 35kW depending on # of bathrooms.
2 Bedroom House: 26kw – 29kw depending on # of bathrooms.
3 – 4 Bedroom House: 29kW – 35kW depending on # of bathrooms.
5 Bedroom House: 35kW depending on # of bathrooms.
Combination Boilers:
| Number of Radiators in Home | Recommended Combi Boiler Size (kW) |
|---|---|
|
Up to 10 |
24-27kW |
|
10-15 |
28-34kW |
|
15-20 |
35-42kW |
System Boilers:
| Number of Radiators in Home | Recommended System Boiler Size (kW) |
|---|---|
|
Up to 10 |
9-18 kW |
|
10-15 |
18-26 kW |
|
15-20 |
26- 40kW |
Conventional/Regular Boilers:
| Number of Radiators in Home | Recommended Conventional/Regular Boiler Size (kW) |
|---|---|
|
Up to 10 |
9-18 kW |
|
10-15 |
18-26 kW |
|
15-20 |
26- 40kW |
Of course, these requirements can differ, which is why it’s so important to gain a customized quote ahead of time and calculate your needs via how many radiators you have, and the kind of hot water or heating usage your home requires.
What’s the difference between a combi, regular and system boiler?
When the time comes to install a new boiler, you may be wondering which one is the best choice for your home. When selecting a new boiler, two factors are worth keeping in mind to help you make an informed choice. First, how much space will the boiler require? Secondly, how efficient is the boiler? There are three main boiler types; combi, regular, and system; below, you will find some extra information on each of these:
Combi Boilers
Combination boilers provide both hot water and heat. Combi boilers can help you save space in your home as they are compact, and you will not need a cylinder or water tank. These are the most popular boilers thanks to their space-saving design and efficiency.
Regular Boilers
Regular boilers are a traditional style of boiler. Regular boilers require a feed tank, an expansion tank, and a water cylinder, so they take up more space than system and combi boilers. Regular boilers do not require mains pressure, so are helpful in homes with low water pressure.
System Boilers
System boilers do not require a tank for cold water but use a cylinder for hot water. System boilers provide excellent water pressure, even when multiple taps are in use. System boilers are compatible with thermal energy, so they should be suitable if you have solar panels.
Discussing your needs with our boiler installation experts will ensure you get the right boiler for your home.
Benefits of Servicing Your Boiler Before the Winter
It’s important to service your boiler before the winter. Here are some of the top benefits you could expect by doing this on an annual basis.
Cut the costs of heating your home
Boilers can become inefficient over time if they aren’t serviced. This is especially true for older models. By servicing your boiler, the technician will optimise it and ensure that it’s running as intended. This can greatly reduce the costs of heating your home which essentially makes the cost of servicing pay for itself.
Prevent expensive repair costs
If your boiler happens to break down during the winter, it can cause a myriad of problems that ultimately leads to expensive repair costs. Calling a technician out to repair your boiler in the middle of winter is much more expensive than servicing it beforehand.
Keep your home warm during the winter
Nobody wants to experience a broken boiler during the cold winter months. You can ensure that you and your family are warm by servicing your boiler before winter to detect any problems and solve them before they get worse.
It’s quick and won’t disturb your day
People often think that boiler servicing takes a long time and requires them to watch over the technician as it happens. But as long as you book a Gas Safe or OFTEC registered and reliable technician, the task is usually over in just 30 minutes, and they won’t disturb you in the process. It’s quick, simple, and of no inconvenience to you.
Simply put… How does a boiler work?
We have come a long way from having to boil water in a pot over an open fire for hot water. Our modern heating systems mean that we can have heating and hot water in an instant. It doesn’t matter what type of heating system that you have, whether it is gas or oil, they all do the same thing. They heat your home and provide you with hot water at the touch of a button. But how does a heating system work?
Every time you need heat or hot water your boiler fires into action. A small ignition lights the gas or oil within the boiler. The sealed system pumps water through a series of tubes. Under the tubes, there are the small flames which heat the water. As the water is heated, it is pumped around your radiators and your hot water outlets. A thermostat inside the boiler will heat things up to your desired temperature before cutting off. Normally, your heating system will be set on a timer so it will turn on and off at the desired times when it is convenient to you.
And that is it! A heating system is much more complicated than we have stated here as there are controls and parts designed for user safety, but this is the basic principle behind it. If you have any queries or think your boiler isn’t working well, contact us and we can arrange an engineer to inspect your boiler.
My boiler is leaking, what do I do?
When you first notice that your boiler is leaking, you might not be sure what your next steps should be. It’s a challenging situation and acting fast can make all the difference. So read on now to learn more about the steps you should take if your boiler starts to leak.
Avoid Water Damage
You don’t want the water that’s leaking out of the boiler to cause any damage to the area surrounding it, and that’s why it’s a good idea to collect that dripping water. You should also keep the boiler switched off and turn off the water supply. If anything is loose, tightening it might offer some short-term relief too.
The Most Common Boiler Leaks
These are water and gas leaks. All require fast action to rectify but be sure to put safety first if your boiler is leaking water or gas; that’s an emergency situation and should be treated as such.
Should You Hire a Professional?
The simple answer to this question is yes. It’s always best to call on a professional when you’re dealing with a leaking boiler. They’re the only ones who’ll be able to put in place a lasting and safe solution that produces the outcomes you’re looking for. Taking it on alone as an amateur might not yield the results you want. Academy Heating Ltd can help you with your boiler-related needs, so don’t hesitate to get in touch if yours is leaking.
Which Boiler is right for my home?
Choosing a new boiler for your home is a big decision, and one that can’t be taken lightly. We’re going to talk today about what you need to do in order to choose the right boiler for your home, so read on.
The Boiler Options
There are three types of boilers available: system boilers, conventional boilers and combi boilers. Conventional boilers heat the water and store it in a tank; they’re good for large homes but take up considerable space. System boilers directly supply hot water to the storage cylinder and are good at providing water to multiple outlets simultaneously. Combi boilers provide hot water on demand and don’t require storage tanks; all components fit in one unit, so they don’t take up much space.
How to Choose the Right Type of Boiler
Cost and practicality will come into play here. Keeping the same type of system as you already have will make installation easier and less costly. And if you’re going to need hot water running from multiple outlets in your home at the same time, you’ll need a system of conventional boiler over a combi boiler. But if your available space for a new boiler system is severely limited, a combi boiler will be better suited to your situation.
Choosing the Right Boiler Size
It’s also important to consider the size of the boiler you ultimately choose for your home. Consider the level of demand there is for hot water in your home, which will likely be impacted by the number of people in your home. However, don’t choose a larger boiler than necessary to compensate for heat loss because modern advances in the technology behind boilers make that unnecessary.
5 signs you need a new boiler
A broken boiler can be incredibly stressful, requiring immediate and sometimes expensive call outs, alongside replacements that are more to do with speed than preference. In truth, though, there’s no need for unexpected breakdowns because, in most instances, boilers send some clear warning signs before that point. Recognizing these is your best chance at saving yourself money and stress, and we’re going to consider five of the most prominent boiler red flags that you should look out for.
1. Creeping energy bills
A boiler in distress is typically less efficient, meaning that your bills may soon start to creep up as your boiler struggles with usage that, previously, wasn’t a problem.
2. You can never get your home up to heat
If you leave creeping bills unchecked, you may soon find that your heating itself becomes slower or altogether ineffective. Radiators may take much longer to get up to temperature or may struggle to achieve satisfactory leaves of heat.
3. Your boiler goes bump in the night
A healthy boiler should make a steady humming sound. Noises such as banging, whistling, or clanking are all signs for replacement.
4. Your boiler is leaking
Puddles or leaking around your boiler suggest that parts within the boiler have malfunctioned or deteriorated and leave the boiler itself open to further issues like corrosion or rust.
5. You can smell something strange
Strange odours around your boiler could be an indicator of improper burning or carbon monoxide leaks. These can be incredibly serious, as well as being a clear indicator of a faulty boiler, and immediate action is required.
The Benefit of Smart Controls in Your Home
Smart controls are a fantastic addition to any home, but many homes have not yet upgraded their Worcester Bosch or other Manufacturer systems to reflect the changing trends. If you are unsure whether smart controls are right for you, consider these benefits to give you an idea of the benefits.
Increase energy efficiency
A home with smart controls is more efficient than a traditional energy system. With smart controls, you are allowed more precise operation and can set timers, arrange schedules, and double-check you have switched the system off when you are out. This reduces consumption and energy bills.
Control from anywhere
Smart controls are popular because of the remote-control aspect. A dedicated app allows you to use your smartphone to switch your Combi boiler on or off no matter where you are. So, you can prepare your home ready for when you get back from work, or double-check you turned all appliances off when going on holiday.
Receive status notifications
A boiler fault can wreak havoc on your home if there is an issue you do not fix in time. However, with smart controls, you can receive status notifications about possible faults, and you can arrange servicing and repair before it’s too late.
Flexibility
As technology is continuously improving, installing smart controls sets your home up for the future. The more advanced your home tech now, the easier it will be to upgrade when you need to, and you can future proof your home.
For more information on upgrading your current boiler system to smart controls, get in touch with Academy Heating today to find out what we can do for you.
Worcester Bosch Greenstar Lifestyle 8000
If you are looking for a robust wall-hanging combi boiler, then the Worcester Bosch Greenstar Lifestyle 8000 may be just the right choice. With its modern, sleek design, upgraded and easy-to-use controls, and wireless connectivity it really is a combi boiler that performs. Not to mention a model that comes with an optional guarantee of up to 12 whole years. Read more about the benefits and features of the Worcester Bosch Greenstar Lifestyle 8000, below.
Features and benefits Worcester Bosch Greenstar Lifestyle 8000
- Control from anywhere inside your home or out, with the wirelessly connected (uses the Bosch EasyControl smart thermostat). Something that means you never need to be caught short without hot water ever again!
- Comes with an optional Filling System that maintains optimum boiler pressure, automatically and so keeps your boiler working in the most efficient way possible. It will even alert you if the pressure is too low, thus reducing the need for expensive callouts
- The new design features improved controls and a sleek look. Makes it easier to use and easier on the eye, no matter where you choose to place it in your home
- Comes with a guarantee for up to 12 years! This means you don’t have to worry about your boiler making it through the winter for over a decade! (Guarantee is only available when a combi boiler is installed by a Worcester Accredited Installer)
Contact Academy Heating Ltd on 0800 999 2240 and get a quote on Worcester Bosch Greenstar Lifestyle 8000 installation, today!
What's the difference between boiler fuel types?
The majority of households in the United Kingdom use three main fuel types.
Gas Boilers
Gas fuelled boilers account for approximately 85% of home heating in the UK. Gas boilers rely on natural gas, which is directly delivered via the gas mains. The heat production relies on gas igniting inside the burner. The heat inside the burner is transferred to the heat exchanger, which then distributes the heat to the central heating.
Oil Boilers
Households that are not connected to gas mains tend to use an alternative fuel type. Oil boilers are one of the most popular choices. The UK currently counts around 1.5 million households with an oil boiler. The oil is typically located inside a tank, which can be found within the property or enclosed nearby. Oil needs to be replenished frequently to maintain heating.
LPG Boilers
A household without a gas main can also use LPG fuel, liquid petroleum gas. LPG boilers are similar to gas boilers mechanically. They also use an external tank, which needs to be refilled regularly. LPG is 250 times denser than gas, which means that households can store large quantities in small storage spaces.
If you need assistance with the right type of gas for you house, get in touch for expert assistance
How a New Boiler Can Save You Money
You might be hesitant to spend money on replacing your boiler or installing a new central heating system. Perhaps you’ve looked at prices and it seems too costly, so you’re unsure whether it would be worth it. However, although you’ll have to cover the initial cost of your new boiler, you’re actually more likely to save money in the long-run – and here are some great reasons why.
Greater Efficiency
Installing a more efficient boiler is a fast way to start saving on your energy bills. When you install a modern boiler, it will use less fuel to heat your home. Less fuel used means your home stays warm for a lower price. You’ll almost certainly see a drop in your energy bills once you have a new boiler installed.
Fewer Repairs
An old boiler can be a pain. As it ages, it can start to deteriorate and experience all sorts of problems. Every time something goes wrong, you have to book a Gas Safe registered expert to do it for you. These repairs can be costly, and they can get pretty annoying, and If your boiler isn’t working properly, you could be left without heat or hot water.
Control Over Your Bills
New boilers can be programmed with smart thermostats too. Taking greater control over your heating and hot water means you can time it perfectly and only use it when needed. You’ll save money by programming your boiler to come on and off when you need it most.
New boilers must be at least 92% efficient, so you can save a lot of money by installing one.
How to Stop Your Water Pipes from Freezing This Winter
Frozen pipes are no laughing matter, especially during the winter. Pipes freeze due to the water expanding when the temperature drops. And as your pipes you have a small amount of water in them, if they freeze, this can run the risk of bursting and flooding your home. Preventing your water pipes from freezing this winter is about following these approaches:
Insulate Your Pipes
This is one of the best ways to stop them from freezing. Using tank jackets or pipe lagging, you can fit them yourselves for free. The three main areas you need to focus on are the outside pipework, like the heating drain pipes and overflow pipes. In addition, you need to focus on pipes located in colder parts of the home, such as in the garage and the loft. But as well as this, you need to insulate your water tanks.
Service Your Boiler
If your heating is not working properly, this could be due to a cold spot in the system. This makes your boiler more vulnerable to the cold. Get your boiler serviced every year during the warmer months and you can make sure that your system is ready for the winter.
Get Warm Air Flowing Around the Home
If there are pipes or tanks in and heated spaces, such as in the loft, getting warm air to them can keep the chill away. If you have pipes located inside cupboards, open the cupboard doors on occasion to the warm air from other parts of the house into it. You can also make sure that your home is adequately heated by keeping the heating on a lower temperature or insulate the property better by getting draught excluders and sealing windows.
How to keep your house warm this winter
Temperatures are falling, and it’s getting dark in the middle of the afternoon. Winter is just around the corner. As we prepare to embrace cosy nights in, here are some top tips to keep your home warm this winter.
Book a boiler service
Our boilers become increasingly important when it’s cold and miserable outside, and all we want to do is curl up in front of the TV with a cup of tea. If you haven’t had your boiler serviced or checked over yet this year, now is the time to book a service. Nobody wants to spend winter nights huddled up in a hundred layers trying desperately to stay warm when the boiler is on the blink. Routine inspections lower the risk of boiler issues, and they can also make your heating system more efficient and save you money. If you have an old boiler, or you’re constantly worrying about your boiler breaking down, it may be worth considering upgrading to a newer model.
Reduce heat loss
Many of us end up paying more for heating in the winter because our homes lose heat. If you don’t already have extra insulation in the loft or insulated walls, it’s an excellent idea to investigate adding insulation to reduce heat loss. You can also boost heat retention by sealing door frames, using draught excluders for gaps underneath the doors and filling holes in the walls.
Light the fire
There’s nothing better than snuggling up in front of a film on a Saturday night with the fire going. There are all kinds of styles and types of fireplace, and you can choose from rustic, modern or traditional designs. Adding a fire to your living room will help you keep warm without spending a fortune on your energy bills.
Summary
Winter is just around the corner, and there’s no better time to ensure that your home is comfortable and cosy.
Keeping your heating system efficient during colder weather
For many of us, now is the opportunity to spend some quality time in our homes. The weather is perhaps getting bitterly cold, and a cup of tea in front of the television is a better idea than sitting outside in a pub garden. With that in mind, you want to ensure your home is in its best condition for the winter months ahead. Making sure your home’s heating system is efficient during the cold weather is important, so here are some tips to help with that.
Insulate your Home
Why spend so much on your heating bills when you know that there may be problems within your home that are comprising your home’s warmth? This might be your sealant around the windows coming away and creating cold spots or your property’s roof not being insulated. The more insulation you can add to your home, the warmer it’s going to feel. With that being said, it’s a good idea to insulate your home ahead of time. There are lots of solutions out there in terms of materials to make it affordable for every budget.
Adjust Your Thermostat
The thermostat is where you control your home’s heating, and for some, they can have it on all day, which is certainly costing you a lot of money. Instead, either adjust your thermostat to a lower setting or better yet, time it so that it comes on for an hour or two in the morning when you get up and an hour or two in the evening. This should just take the edge off the cold.
Be sure to look after your boiler and use these tips to keep your home warm for the colder months ahead.
When it comes to the water in your home, you probably think about it regarding being safe to drink and take a shower. However, your water quality has a significant impact on your boiler unit too.
The truth is that hard water can slowly cause damage to items throughout your home over time. It’s wise to be informed of how hard water affects your central heating system so you can act and understand the costly results if you do nothing.
Impact of Hard Water
Water that’s high in mineral content, or hard water, can shorten your boiler equipment’s lifespan that you rely on for your home’s water supply. These minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, turn to solid particles that can build-up inside your heating system. The build-up can trap heat or cooling inside your boiler and prevent it from being released into your home.
The long-term consequences are that you end up with a heating element failure. It’s because the build-up can have an insulating effect inside boilers. It then causes your boiler to burn more energy to maintain the same level of performance.
Improving Water Quality
You may be tempted to use a water softener to try to solve the problem. However, many softeners use salt, which can cause the same type of build-up. Instead, consider installing a whole house water filtration system if you want to improve your water quality and protect your central heating system. Filtering your water will remove the contaminants from your water source before it circulates into your household appliances and boiler.
Get in touch today if you’re looking to install a new boiler for your home that’s more efficient and will help you save on your energy bills.
Select a new boiler
So the time has come for you to select a new boiler. Maybe your boiler has run its course or perhaps you’re sick and tired of your new boiler not doing what it should. We’re here to help. With this basic checklist of requirements, we think we could help make this choice extremely easy.
- Is the new boiler in your sights more efficient? The main goal for most customers is to save on their energy bills
- Does it have a good user rating? You can scour the internet and find what most people think about any product, including boilers. So do your research and check!
- How large do you need the boiler to be? A 35-42kW boiler is great for a large home, but overkill for a medium-sized home of 3-bedrooms
- Is it safe? You want to avoid any boiler that seems to have a bad reputation regarding carbon monoxide issues
- Will you have a reasonable fixed warranty? Remember that every boiler needs to be serviced once a year, so you want a boiler that is modern and easy to fix should something go wrong
- In the event of a natural disaster, will it be easily removable to prevent flooding inside the home?
Servicing your boiler during the summer
They say that you should gather your rosebuds while ye may; when it comes to your boiler, that means making sure everything is in full working condition before it’s truly needed. The summertime is the perfect time to have your boiler serviced by a professional since this is the time of the year when it’s needed least. By the time the chilly temperatures of autumn and winter arrive, you’ll have peace of mind that you’ll be able to ride out the cold temperatures in a cosy home.
While there’s much to love about autumn and winter, we’re only truly able to enjoy those seasons to the max if our homes are warm. If they’re not, then it’ll be a struggle. By working with an expert that specialises in boiler servicing, you’ll be ensuring that your boiler is in tip-top condition and ready to keep you warm through the cold months.
Ideally, you would have your boiler serviced every year. That’s because during the winter, they’re virtually in constant use, and this being the UK, the use can sometimes stretch into late spring too. By the time summer rolls around, your boiler might need a bit of servicing if it’s going to help when the cold air returns.
We’re on hand to hand. Experts in all types of boilers, including Worcester Bosch, we’re able to help with a whole of boiler and gas & oil issues. Make a booking, and we’ll make sure that your boiler is in tip-top condition in no time.