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Why does my boiler keep turning itself off?
Boilers can go through many difficulties, and it is not always easy to work out what is wrong with a boiler that is playing up. Of course, you should leave all the real investigative work to the engineers and other gas safety professionals. But there are some issues boilers go through that you might want to be aware of, because they can indicate issues that need fixing as soon as possible. One example of that is when your boiler is constantly turning itself off.
What causes this problem? Well, there are many potential reasons it can happen, but more often than not it is a safety feature stopping you from coming to harm in some way or another. For instance, it might be that the temperature control valve is not working properly, or the thermostat, in which case you could have boiling water running through the taps. As you can imagine, the boiler turning itself off, in this case, is a really good thing, though you’ll still want to get it fixed.
More simply, it might be that the water pressure has become too low. That can happen from bleeding a radiator, or because there are leaks in the system somewhere. It can also just happen over time as a result of normal wear and tear.
In any case, if your boiler is turning itself off constantly, you’ll want to contact our professional team as soon as possible. We look forward to working with you and fixing your boiler.
How efficient is my old boiler?
How to determine your old boiler’s efficiency
- 25 years and above: 60% efficiency
- 20 years: 70% efficiency
- 15 years: 80% efficiency
- 10 years and below: 85% efficiency
What are the consequences of using an inefficient old boiler?
Maintenance tips for a more efficient old boiler
Why An Annual Service Will Improve the Efficiency of Your Boiler
Annual Boiler Service
A boiler serviced annually is likely to be more efficient than one that is not. This is because a qualified heating engineer will clean and adjust the boiler as needed, ensuring that it is running at its best possible efficiency.
In addition, if there are any problems with the boiler, they will be identified and dealt with before they can cause further damage or become more expensive to fix.
Boiler servicing is not expensive, and it can save you a lot of money in the long run. So, if you want to make sure that your boiler is running at its most efficient, book an annual service today.
An annual service can also help identify any potential problems with the boiler early on before they become more expensive to repair.
If you are concerned about the cost of heating your home this winter, then consider having your boiler serviced. It could save you money in the long run.
In Closing
For more information about boiler servicing, please get in touch with a qualified heating engineer in your area.
If you’re concerned about the cost of heating your home this winter, one option to consider is having your boiler serviced. A regular service can help improve your boiler’s efficiency, saving you money in the long run.
Boiler servicing typically costs around £80-100, but this is a small price to pay compared to the cost of repairing a boiler that has not been serviced regularly.
Is it worth replacing my gas boiler?
Are you looking to replace your boiler? You wouldn’t be the only homeowner to consider whether your boiler is ready to be replaced or not. Boiler replacement is always important to consider if you have concerns about your current boiler performance. You need to have a boiler that is efficient and smooth running so that your home isn’t eating through gas too quickly.
There are some things that point to your boiler being inefficient. From frequent boiler breakdowns to rising utility bills, noisy radiators, and a blue flame, not yellow, you need to be aware of what it means for your boiler to be breaking down. Upgrading your boiler to one that’s more efficient, whether it’s a gas boiler again or an electric one is a good decision. Your Gas Safe Registered engineer can talk you through whether your boiler needs to be replaced or not. You don’t have to wait ten years for your boiler to be breaking down. In fact, some manufacturer models of boilers can break down much earlier than ten years.
If you are noticing odd smells from your boiler, or you are noticing leaks, then the best thing that you can do is get your gas boiler replaced as early as possible.If you are concerned about your boiler at home, you should contact a Gas Safe Registered engineer and find out whether things you may be experiencing are able to be fixed or you should upgrade it and replace your gas boiler.
What is the difference between a boiler and a heat pump?
In recent years, heat pumps have become an increasingly popular option for many individuals and households alike, who want to heat their homes as efficiently as possible.
They seem set to replace the gas boilers that currently heat the vast majority of UK homes, but are the differences between these two heating options and which one is right for you?
Boilers vs. Heat Pumps
Boilers
Pros
Boilers perform reliably and aren’t influenced by external temperatures or weather conditions.
Additionally, boilers are easy to service & repair, with many trained tradesmen available for any boiler related issues.
Gas & oil boilers fit well with current standard UK radiators and pipes and work well even in draughty homes with poor insulation. New boilers are relatively quiet and unobtrusive.
Minuses
Changing UK legislation and carbon targets may increase gas & oil prices in coming years and may create disincentives for boilers.
Compared to heat pumps working in optimum conditions, boilers offer poorer energy efficiency and have a worse sustainability profile.
Heat pumps
Pluses
Heat pumps are very popular as a renewable and eco-friendly energy source. Because of their better carbon footprint, their installation is subsidised up to £5,000 by the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
The COP score of heat pumps goes up to 3, so every unit of every run through the heat pump returns three units of energy in heating.
Minuses
Heat pumps draw heat from the environment, using a system that’s something like a reverse refrigerator. This means that heating is less efficient and more costly in winter and at night.
The efficiency of heat pumps depends largely on good insulation. Many UK homes are older and are poorly insulated.
Heat pumps are large and need to sit on the outside of your home. They can be noisy, too.
There’s a shortage of heat pump repair specialists in the UK at present.
How a new boiler could save you money
Central heating can account for up to 60% of your energy expenses during the chilly winter months, with this proportion rising even higher.
Cutting this number may appear to be a challenging task, but by implementing energy-saving measures such as looking at ways to insulate and draught-proofing your windows and doors, you may be able to reduce your energy costs. Investing in a new gas boiler is also a terrific, no-hassle solution to lower gas and electricity expenditures. Investing in new heating controls and replacing your old boiler with an A-rated, energy-efficient, eco-friendly condensing boiler and having an annual boiler service could decrease your annual fuel expenditure by almost £300 — just think of what else you could do with that money!
Remember, as with anything, technology is constantly changing and improving. If your boiler is more than ten years old, the tech it is running on is antiquated by today’s standards, and by swapping to a new boiler, you will save a significant amount of money. In addition, all new boilers these days are built to high levels of efficiency. This is primarily down to the newer condensing technology.
How does this work?
When you use a boiler, gas is burned and used to heat the water in your central heating system. Waste gases are created as a result of this procedure. For safety, these waste gases must be removed from the premises.
As a result, the boiler relies on a flue to allow waste gases to escape the building. Unfortunately, a lot of usable and vital heat energy is lost along with these waste gases when they depart through the flue in old boilers.
Condensing boilers come into their own in this situation. Condensing boilers can recover a lot of the important heat energy that would otherwise be wasted in the atmosphere thanks to a secondary or extended heat exchanger. This has a significant impact on the boiler’s efficiency and the operation of your central heating system in general.
Hot Water But Not Heating? How To Diagnose The Problem.
1. Inspect the boiler pressure.
2. Check the radiator temperature.
3. Look at the thermostat.
4. Call the professionals.
Radiator cold at the bottom? Here's why that might be
Sludge Causes Cold Patches
How to Flush Your System
Prevent the Problem
What are the benefits of Powerflushing?
Some people assume that they need a new boiler when theirs starts to slow down or cost more. However, quite the answer is that the entire heating system needs to be cleaned rather than replaced.Power flushing can free your system from debris, which could be causing it to slow
down. It will help you save money and time, as well as offer many more benefits. On that note, here are the benefits of power flushing your central heating system.
No need for a new boiler
Keep the temperature low as well as the costs
No more cold spots
Which boiler is right for my home?
Conventional boilers
Combi-boilers
System boilers
The Benefits of Smart Controls in Your Home
Extend The Life of Your Boiler
Save Money
Be More Energy Efficient
Choosing The Right Boiler For Your Home
Capacity
Location
Type Of Boiler
Knowing the capacity, the price, and even where you will install the new boiler is a good start, but none of that will help if you can’t decide between a combi boiler and a conventional one. Look at the differences between the two, such as how fast the water will heat, how much they cost to run, and what kind of water pressure they need.
For the ultimate advice, please speak to our expert heating engineers. With many years’ experience in advising on and installing boilers in people’s homes, we have all the answers you need. Book an appointment with us today.
My boiler is leaking, what do I do?
Be safe
Locate the leak
Clean the area
Call a qualified heating engineer
You need a professional heating engineer who can safely repair the boiler or offer a replacement option. Sometimes older boilers just need to be replaced as the fix to cure the problem may only be one expense before another bigger problem occurs.
Contact us today for a call back from one of our technicians or you can call us today, on 01372 879 787.
Worcester Bosch Greenstar Lifestyle 8000
Is your current boiler outdated or showing signs of wear and tear? Do you want to upgrade to a more energy-efficient model? Are you looking for a boiler that can offer enhanced performance? If so, the Worcester Bosch Greenstar Lifestyle 8000 could be perfect for your property.
Ideally suited to larger homes, it offers a maximum power output of 50kW. If you have one or more bathrooms or a high demand for hot water and heating, the Lifestyle 8000 will provide all the power you need.
Despite this, it uses an excessive amount of energy in order to deliver a high level of power. In fact, it’s been given an A ErP rating for both heating and hot water, which means it’s highly efficient.
As part of the well-known Worcester Bosch Greenstar range, the Lifestyle 8000 is a gas combi boiler that’s trusted by millions of homeowners. With an optional Intelligent Filling System, you can simplify the plumbing in your property and optimise its operation. By doing so, you’ll benefit from seamless performance and enhanced functionality.
The easy-to-read full-colour display makes adjustments easier than ever, while its compatibility with the Bosch EasyControl thermostat enables you to incorporate heating and hot water into your home’s smart system.
Available in black or white, the stylish design of the Worcester Bosch Greenstar Style 8000 even makes it a chic and sophisticated addition to your interior design!
The difference between hard and soft water
Hard water
Soft water
Why your home might not stay as warm as it used to
What you can do
- Bleeding your radiators
- Draught-proofing
- Use a hot water bottle at night instead of leaving the heating on.
- Checking your thermostat
- Maximising insulation
What professionals can do
- Clogged radiators
- Leaking pipes
- Faulty boiler parts
- Performance issues
What to Do If Your Water Pipes Freeze
Preparing your home for the colder months is a step to prevent any freezing pipe surprises. However, when such a problem occurs, it is important to prevent them from causing further damage. Read on to learn a few tips you can adopt when your water pipes freeze.
When experiencing a frozen pipe, the first step is to open your taps if they are closed and switch the main water supply to the home off. Doing this would prevent water damages such as a leak, or water from building up in the pipes when the ice has thawed.
Next, you would want to apply heat to the frozen pipe by wrapping it with an electric heating pad. You can also wrap the frozen pipe with towels soaked in heated water. Whatever approach you adopt, avoid using a blowtorch, propane, kerosene or any open fire device.
Continue applying the heat until your water pressure is completely restored. In case you can’t locate the part of the frozen pipe, or that area is just not accessible, thawing your pipe may be impossible. At this point, you will need to seek expert support to prevent bursting your pipes and ensure you and your home are safe.
A robust plumbing plan will save you from frozen pipes. But in case your pipes do freeze, the smart approach is to manage and figure out how to fix them. If it’s an emergency repair, help is just a call away. Contact us via telephone at 01372 879 787 or visit for more info.
How to save money on your gas bill
- Turn down your thermostat. Lowering the temperature by just one degree can save energy and money, without changing how warm you feel.
- Don’t dry clothes on the radiators. Covering them lowers how much heat the radiator can release. This causes your boiler to run for longer just to heat the room to the same temperature, using up more fuel.
- Use a hot water bottle at night instead of leaving the heating on.
- Change to a different supplier. You could be able to find a cheaper option, especially if you’ve used the same supplier for more than three years. You could also use this lower price to negotiate a deal with your current supplier.
- Move your furniture away from your radiators. The foam in upholstered furniture like your sofa will work as an insulator, stopping the warmth from getting into the room.
- Use the sun. This is the cheapest and most readily available source of heat. Even in Winter, when the sun comes out, make the most of it by opening doors inside and letting the warm air move around the house.
- Draw the curtains at night to keep warmth in and cold out.
What to Do If Your Water Pipes Freeze
Preparing your home for the colder months is a step to prevent any freezing pipe surprises. However, when such a problem occurs, it is important to prevent them from causing further damage. Read on to learn a few tips you can adopt when your water pipes freeze.
When experiencing a frozen pipe, the first step is to open your taps if they are closed and switch the main water supply to the home off. Doing this would prevent water damages such as a leak, or water from building up in the pipes when the ice has thawed.
Next, you would want to apply heat to the frozen pipe by wrapping it with an electric heating pad. You can also wrap the frozen pipe with towels soaked in heated water. Whatever approach you adopt, avoid using a blowtorch, propane, kerosene or any open fire device.
Continue applying the heat until your water pressure is completely restored. In case you can’t locate the part of the frozen pipe, or that area is just not accessible, thawing your pipe may be impossible. At this point, you will need to seek expert support to prevent bursting your pipes and ensure you and your home are safe.
A robust plumbing plan will save you from frozen pipes. But in case your pipes do freeze, the smart approach is to manage and figure out how to fix them. If it’s an emergency repair, help is just a call away. Contact us via telephone at 01372 879 787 or visit for more info.
How to save money on your gas bill
- Turn down your thermostat. Lowering the temperature by just one degree can save energy and money, without changing how warm you feel.
- Don’t dry clothes on the radiators. Covering them lowers how much heat the radiator can release. This causes your boiler to run for longer just to heat the room to the same temperature, using up more fuel.
- Use a hot water bottle at night instead of leaving the heating on.
- Change to a different supplier. You could be able to find a cheaper option, especially if you’ve used the same supplier for more than three years. You could also use this lower price to negotiate a deal with your current supplier.
- Move your furniture away from your radiators. The foam in upholstered furniture like your sofa will work as an insulator, stopping the warmth from getting into the room.
- Use the sun. This is the cheapest and most readily available source of heat. Even in Winter, when the sun comes out, make the most of it by opening doors inside and letting the warm air move around the house.
- Draw the curtains at night to keep warmth in and cold out.
Signs you may need to replace your boiler
Boiler breakdowns can be disastrous. No hot water can mean chilly bedrooms, no baths or showers, leaks, floods, and in the worst cases, they can be dangerous. It makes sense then to replace your boiler before this could occur. There are some key signs to look out for to let you know it might be time to replace your boiler.
If a boiler has been in your home for several years, it may be less efficient than the newer models. The cost of a new boiler may bring down your bills, which could outweigh the rising cost of an inefficient boiler. Always check to see how expensive your bills are getting against the cost of a new boiler.
If you have to continually get your boiler repaired, then this cost can mount up too. Ask the specialist to diagnose your boiler and assess whether a new model may be a better option for the future. Specialists will be able to test your boiler’s efficiency and advise on the likelihood of it breaking down in the near future. The other factor a specialist can advise upon is the ease of getting parts for your model. As manufacturers update their stock, parts for older models can become scarce and costly.
Finally, if you notice that you continually have to adjust the pressure gauge or that some parts of your home are no longer getting fully heated despite your thermostat being at a steady temperature.
Signs you need a power flush
- Radiators that have cold spots
- A boiler that is making a banging or knocking noise
- A boiler that keeps breaking down
- A boiler that keeps switching on and off
- Radiators that take a while to heat up
- Reduction of your energy bills but 25%
- It can make your boiler quieter
- Radiator heat is a significantly increased
- It will improve the efficiency of your system overall
- Increased circulation throughout your central heating system
- Extend the lifespan of your central heating system
- It is a quick and simple process that will give you peace of mind
- The circulation throughout your system will become slow, and radiators will begin to take a long time to heat up, as well as having cold patches when they do
- Your central heating at the system will become much less efficient, and you will notice this in your monthly fuel bills
- You might find that you are paying an increased amount when it comes to repairing costs for your boiler and radiator system when a power flush will have helped the issue