Gas boilers are comprised of many complicated components that all have the potential of breaking down during the boilers lifespan.

Even with installing a reputable and well-made boiler all boilers are prone to problems. However, it should be noted that all these boiler issues can be planned against and can be diagnosed early by looking out for tell-tale early warning signals.

The most common boiler problems and the tell-tale signs of faults occurring are highlighted as follows:

• Thermostats and time switches – over time thermostats can become faulty and give inaccurate readings and temperature settings (such as putting the heat on or off at the wrong times). Time switches are timer and clock devices that can often go wrong as well. If either the thermostat or time switch fails then it jeopardises the whole operation of the boiler.
• Circuit boards – the circuit boards in boilers can fail. These circuit boards control the workings of the boiler and when the circuit board fails, the boiler will fail completely. Often this is a sign of a bigger problem as a pipe leak can often put water on the circuit board leading to boiler breakdown.
• Condensation pipes – these pipes take condensation from your boiler to the drain outside. Some times in winter and cold weather the pipe is prone to freezing and this will cause blockages which can back-up to the boiler causing boiler problems. Signs that the condensation pipe has frozen include a bubbling sound coming from the boiler or the condensation pipe.
• Pressure, water leaks and the water pump – a boiler needs the correct pressure to ensure it operates at its optimum performance level. You should keep an eye on the pressure gauge to make sure your boiler isn’t losing any pressure. Regarding water leaks these can start off small and can gradually cause a loss of pressure in the boiler. It is also essential to check the water pump is circulating water through the system correctly. If it isn’t it will mean that water isn’t circulating to the radiators.

To repair boiler problems it isn’t recommended that you try to carry out any repairs yourself. You should always employ the services of a qualified and approved gas engineer. It is also recommended that you get your boiler serviced annually to prevent any future faults or expensive repairs. Remember that servicing a boiler is extremely important to test the boiler against the stress that it is put under and to alleviate against wear and tear over time.

Guest Article by Sarah Wain

What is a combi boiler?

There are a wide array of boiler products which can be confusing to the general consumer. If pushed, few would be aware of the difference between a combi boiler and a regular system, but the distinction is important to all householders, especially those who are keen to save money and the environment.

A combi boiler is essential for all those that want the most out of their heating system, as it’s simply the most efficient. Although the wonder boiler of the moment does have drawbacks.

A combi boiler is a shortened phrase for its longer title: combination boiler. It means that two processes are combined into one. The process of heating water for the hot water taps and at the same time heating water for the central heating system, takes place within the boiler itself, on demand.

So, when someone turns on a hot tap and expects litres of suitably warmed water, the boiler kicks into action and provides the necessary water. Likewise if the thermostat asks for hot water for the radiators, the boiler kicks into action and heats the water which will be pushed around the house’s pipework.

The big difference are the words, on demand. A combi boiler will only heat water when it is required. This is the major difference with a regular boiler which is always heating water that can be used at a later time. The regular boiler will heat water at allotted periods which will be stored in a large metal tank for later use.

The problem with the regular boiler system is obvious. As soon as the precious energy is used to heat the water, once you don’t use it and start storing it in the water tank (no matter how good the insulation), it begins to cool and indeed, not all of it will be used before its heated to the correct temperature again. If you consider the amount of wasted energy in this process, then the amount of wasted energy, and therefore money, can mount up considerably.

Also, the regular boiler is more expensive, as it requires a water tank, insulation, additional pipework and a cold water feed tank in the loft. The combination boiler requires none of these. No water is stored and the cold water is fed directly from the mains. So, no hot water tank and no feeder tank is required, nor the associated pipework, meaning purchase and installation costs can be reduced significantly.

Combination boilers pass cold water through a heat exchanger which transfers heat to the water while ensuring only a small amount of energy is lost through waste gasses. This is how the boiler can provide hot water without the need for a water tank or an immersion heater. This hot water can then be used for taps or pushed into radiators to provide central heating.

But the drawback of the combi boiler is immediately apparent: hot water flow rate. In other words, when you turn on the hot water tap, in the kitchen, or bathroom, how much hot water will be available and at what rate. This is why combi boilers have not only their hot water ratings (the temperature) published, but also their flow rates. These are based on the number of litres of hot water per minute the boiler can supply.

Gas combination boilers are currently the most popular boilers households are installing with around 70% of UK homes using one.

If you are interested in purchasing a combination boiler then you will need to consider its advantages and disadvantages to ensure it is the type of boiler for your households needs.

Advantages of gas combination boilers

The main advantage is the water is heated instantly and this therefore means you don’t need to wait for a hot water tank to heat up to get the hot water. This also means hot water won’t run out and you don’t require the space to put a hot water tank so combination boilers are good space saving appliances.

Another main advantage is these boilers are more economical. The reason is because savings are made on the cost of heating the water as the flow of water is at the same pressure as if it was coming from the mains water supply. Also because there is no hot water tank it means the boilers are quicker and easier to install which cuts costs and means the boiler will require less maintenance over its lifetime.

Disadvantages of gas combination boilers

The disadvantages of these boilers however include the water flow of the other taps in the house will be affected and limited when running at the same time. Therefore, it will be important for households installing these boilers then you need to ensure you have an adequate water supply that doesn’t have any pressure issues as this could really affect the performance of the combination boiler.

Another potential disadvantage is you will be getting rid of your airing cupboard as the hot water tank is no longer required. But this could be seen as a plus if you want more space.

Therefore, if you are looking to install a combination boiler you can see there are many advantages and disadvantages which highlight why you may want to choose to install one. And if you are looking for a boiler to provide hot water on demand and one that is energy efficient which can help reduce your current fuel bill then this is the boiler for you.

Guest Article by Sarah Wain

The Energy Trust believe that a quarter of all UK homes have an energy inefficient boiler which is more than ten years old.

These energy inefficient boilers therefore mean that homes with these installed will be experiencing higher energy bills and polluting the environment with more carbon gas emissions.

If you have any concerns over the efficiency of your boiler then you should look into how you can tell whether your boiler is energy inefficient or not.

The best way to do this is by checking the efficiency of your boiler against the boiler efficiency rating that highlights how well your boiler works. Currently, the efficiency ratings are classified as follows (note: the higher the percentage the more efficient the boiler) –

A = 90% and above
B = 86% – 90%
C = 82% – 86%
D = 78% – 82%
E = 74% – 78%
F = 70% – 74%
G = Below 70%

To check the efficiency rating of your boiler you can look this up on the boiler efficiency database that is available on the SEBUK (Seasonal Efficiency Boilers in the UK) website. This database lists all the different types, makes and models of boilers and its aim is to identify the different efficiencies between boilers. The data is developed with boiler manufacturers and is updated on a monthly basis so the information that you deem from this research will be relevant and up-to-date.

The information on the SEBUK website is also used by the government to calculate Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) ratings which is how they calculate the energy performance of houses.

Therefore, SEBUK is a very good way to gauge whether your boiler is efficient or not as well as being a method for comparing newer boilers and deciding whether you would be better off replacing your boiler if it has a low efficiency rating. The SEBUK website also offers a free online calculator to give you an approximate estimate of how much your annual fuel costs will be. Again, you should use this to compare against newer boiler types.

If you discover that your boiler is rated lowly on the chart then it is likely to be inefficient and you should consider replacing the boiler. Remember, boiler usage accounts for over 60% of what households spend on energy each year so changing from an energy inefficient boiler can make a huge difference to your household.

Guest Article by Sarah Wain

Looking after your boiler is important to ensure that it is running safely and efficiently.

Not only that but a well looked after boiler should help you save money or your fuel bill as well as being less likely to breakdown especially when you need it the most over the winter months. It is therefore recommended that to keep your boiler well maintained you should follow the tips that are detailed below –

Get your boiler serviced regularly

The best tip for boiler maintenance is to ensure that your boiler gets regularly serviced by a qualified and registered company or engineer. This regular service will highlight any problems with the boiler before they happen and deteriorate into an expensive repair or fault. They will also ensure that the boiler is energy-efficient and safe to use.

Don’t cover the boiler

It is important to ensure that you don’t cover the boiler so that it is poorly ventilated as this can cause health and safety issues for your household. This also includes covering up an external ventilation grills and outside flues that may be in operation.

Don’t open the boiler cover

You should never open the boiler cover or attempt to try and fix a problem yourself. Boilers should not be tampered with and if a fault is being experienced you should call a qualified company or engineer to come and investigate the problem.

Check the boiler over the summer months

During the summer months we tend to forget about the boiler and central heating system however we should check the boiler at least once a month during this period. This not only reassures us that the boiler is still working but it can also help reduce any build-up of dirt that can accumulate in the boiler.

Time the heating to come on if you are away for a long period

If you decide to go away over the winter months it is recommended that you time your boiler to come on, on a low temperature during this period. This will ensure that the boiler is regularly worked and it will ensure that pipes within your home are less prone to freezing or bursting.

Install a carbon monoxide detector

It is important to have a carbon monoxide tester installed in your home as this is a system to warn you and your family if there is a carbon monoxide leak in your boiler. It will not only alert you to the fact that there is a fault with your boiler but it can also save you and your family’s lives.

Clean the boiler

Clean the boiler every six months to ensure that the cover doesn’t become rusty or rundown. To clean the boiler you just need to wipe it with a damp cloth. However, if there are any scratches on the painted metal then this should be cleaned by rubbing petroleum jelly over the mark and then wiping it off.

Ensure you have the boilers maintenance manual

If your boiler breaks down you may require the maintenance manual. You may also require the maintenance manual to ensure that you are getting the most out of your heating controls. It is therefore important to have a copy of the manual readily available. If you don’t you should download one from the manufacturer’s website.

Keep an eye on the pressure gauge

It is important for you to keep an eye on and understand the pressure gauge on the boiler as this pressure may need to be topped up or reduced. Ensuring the boiler is working at the correct pressure will ensure that the boiler is kept in good working order. If the pressure changes then you should call out a qualified engineer to check the boiler.

Adjust the controls

Knowing how to use the heating controls is essential for getting the most out of your boiler and ensuring that the maintenance that it receives is based on correct usage requirements. It also ensures you maintain regular use of the boiler.

Guest Article by Sarah Wain

It is recommended that you get your boiler serviced once a year to ensure that it won’t break down over the winter months and that it is as energy efficient as possible.

However, if something goes wrong and your boiler does develop a fault when you need it the most are you covered to get this fixed quickly?

That is when boiler insurance cover can come into its own as it gives homeowners peace of mind that their central heating system can be repaired quickly without having to phone around local companies to get quotes and then schedule the boiler to be fixed. But many people consider boiler insurance as a waste of money as it could be something that is never needed. These people feel it is better to run the risk and if a breakdown occurs they will pay for it out of their savings. Also, with the credit crunch hitting family spending and budgets the thought of paying for additional insurance cover that may not be required can seem uneconomical.

The main benefits of boiler insurance cover is that it firstly covers all your call-out charges, labour and parts, so is comprehensive in this manner. Secondly, the policies will often cover the annual servicing fees as well as providing safety checks. Thirdly, there are policies which can pay towards the cost of boiler replacement if the boiler is beyond repair.

However, there are also disadvantages of boiler cover. The main one is that you could take out the cover and never use it and therefore could spend a lot of money that could be utilised elsewhere. Also, with ad hoc servicing and repair it is understandable why individuals decide just to pay out rather than taking out a policy as it is estimated that the average cost of a service is £70 and a repair to a boiler is £200.

At the end of the day, the decision as whether to take out boiler insurance cover or just rely on ad hoc boiler servicing is a personal one that is swayed by the households’ personal finances. It needs to be a balance between whether it is felt that ad hoc boiler servicing is enough or if the boiler is old and prone to breakdown whether it needs some more robust cover. It is therefore up to you to assess the risk of the boiler breaking down and to make a judgement as to what is the best option.

There is no doubt that if you need to get your boiler fixed or replaced it will cost a large sum of money so paying a small amount each month won’t hit your pocket for one lump sum. However, insurance cover can be expensive as there are varying degrees of cover that can be taken out. For example, just covering the boiler and controls will be a lot cheaper than insuring the whole central heating system. Also, the make, model and age of your boiler will affect the monthly price that needs to be paid. And you will also need to find what the policy covers and whether a replacement boiler if required is part of the plan. If not, you could still be paying out.

Guest Article by Sarah Wain