Five signs your oil boiler may need replacing in 2023

The chances are your oil boiler has been working hard throughout the winter to keep your home warm and comfortable - or at least, that’s what it should have been doing. If you’ve been experiencing problems over the winter months, your oil boiler may be approaching the end of its life. Here are five signs that indicate your oil boiler may need replacing in 2023:

1. Kettling

Oil boilers make many noises, but some are more concerning than others. Kettling is a term used to describe high-pitched whistling noises coming from your radiators or boiler that sound similar to a kettle boiling on a hob. Although you may have simply assumed that any unusual sounds were simply because your boiler has been working harder in the colder temperatures, it is highly recommended that you get it checked over by a fully qualified engineer.

What causes kettling?

Over time, sludge can build up in your oil boiler which can eventually restrict the flow of water inside the boiler, causing it to move more slowly than it should. As a result, water can overheat and boil, hence the kettle-like noises. If not treated, sludge can have a real impact not just on fuel consumption, but also on your boiler’s lifespan. If you are experiencing this problem, get in touch with your engineer who can assess whether you require a system flush or a new boiler. If you choose to get a new oil boiler, your engineer can help to advise you on how to avoid the problem in future.

2. Leaks

It may seem obvious, but conducting a regular visual inspection of your oil boiler is definitely a good habit. This should include checking both the boiler and the oil storage tank, paying particular attention for any sign of leaks. Check any visible seals at the same time, as dried or cracked seals should be replaced sooner rather than later even if there is no evidence of a leak.

If you become aware of leakage around the boiler itself, this is a sign that something is wrong and should be examined by a qualified OFTEC engineer as soon as possible. A leak on the boiler can damage the boiler itself, as well as the surrounding area.

3. Discoloured flame

The flame for your oil boiler should usually be blue, although it may appear to be white or light yellow depending on the make and model. Your boiler handbook should confirm the correct colour for your boiler. A flame that is orange or very yellow in colour is an indication that something is not right and we advise you get your boiler checked by a professional as soon as possible.

An orange or yellow flame may be a sign of incomplete combustion, meaning that there’s a risk of carbon monoxide, which can be fatal. The good news is, it is often a relatively simple problem such as too much air is getting into the system or a blocked pilot tube, however it does require an authorised engineer to resolve and should be considered a boiler emergency.

4. Repeated breakdowns

How many times has an engineer had to come and look at your oil boiler over the winter? If you’ve had to make several call-outs, this is a sure sign that a new boiler may be something to think about in 2023. Ultimately, the cost of repeated repairs may make a new boiler worth the investment, plus you will likely save as a result of lower operating costs thanks to greater efficiency. With a generous seven-year warranty included as standard on new Worcester Bosch oil boilers, you can be sure to enjoy peace of mind for years to come. Don’t forget to ask about oil boiler care plans too.

5. Age

As a rule, modern oil boilers are generally designed with a lifespan of 10 - 15 years. However modern advances in technology mean that efficiency is constantly improving. In some cases, even if your existing boiler seems to be working okay, the savings you can enjoy from a newer oil boiler may make it worth replacing your boiler before the end of its working life. It's also worth considering the warranty period on a new boiler, as repairs on an older boiler can be costly.

Speak to a trusted local heating engineer today

D.R. Plumbing & Heating are a trusted local company with a reputation for the highest quality workmanship and services throughout Shropshire, Cheshire and North Wales. Our team of reliable, courteous and experienced engineers have all worked with us in the area for several years. As well as being Gas Safe and OFTEC registered engineers, we are an award-winning Worcester Bosch accredited installer, meaning you can benefit from our up to date and extensive training in their products and services, as well as up to 7 years guarantee on parts and labour for total peace of mind.

Video Quotations Available

We are delighted to be able to offer all of our customers the added benefit of video quotations should they be interested. Thanks to video calling technology, we can assess your current oil boiler installation and provide an accurate quote for your new boiler without needing to step into your home. We are able to do this via apps including Facetime, Messenger and WhatsApp - just let us know which you are most comfortable with and we’ll be happy to arrange a call.

Looking for a new oil boiler? Call D.R. Plumbing and Heating today on Wrexham 01978 291 923 or Mold 01352 620 125 for a free, no-obligation quotation.