Boilers are an essential part of any home, keeping things warm and snuggly all year long. However, despite their importance, many of these devices are neglected. Old boilers can become unreliable over time and can end up costing you a fortune in terms of energy bills and breakdowns. While replacing your boiler might seem like a costly spend, it might save you more money in the long run if you are constantly having to call out the boiler engineer and pay for repairs.
Knowing how old your boiler is can give you a better understanding of whether or not a replacement is needed. If you have ever wondered about the age of your boiler, then this guide is for you. The most important part of the process is finding the serial number. These are located on different parts of the boiler, depending on the make and model.
How To Find Serial Numbers For Your Boiler Brand
The easiest way to determine the age of your boiler is to look at the serial number. This number is a unique set of digits, usually reflected as a long sequence used to identify a particular product. Often these are numerical, but they might also contain letters. The serial number on a boiler is usually found outside the boiler and will likely resemble a barcode.
Different boilers will have other serial numbers, and these are unique to that particular device. A boiler’s serial number offers essential information about when the boiler was manufactured and can help you determine how old the boiler is. This information will help you determine if a replacement boiler is needed. You can also find the serial number in the installation manual if you still have it. However, if you move into a home with an old boiler system, this manual might be long gone.
How old is my Baxi boiler?
Baxi is one of Europe’s largest heating system manufacturers, and their serial numbers can be found on the front drop-down panel on the boiler’s exterior. Simply flip the board down, and you will find the serial number on a shiny sticker.
Baxi’s numbers are pretty straightforward and offer a lot of information. The first three digits provide the product code, and a series of numbers follow this. The following two showcase the year in which your boiler was made. So, if it says 04, it was made in 2004. Next up, you will see information on the week it was made and the country where it was manufactured. Serial numbers are pretty comprehensive indeed.
If you find these digits confusing, you give this number to Baxi; they can tell you exactly how old your boiler is. You can give them a call on 0330 678 0917.
How old is my Worcester Bosch boiler?
While the serial numbers of Baxi boilers can be easily found and understood by consumers, the Worcester Bosch boiler is a little more tricky to find. These serial numbers were created explicitly for employees to understand, and as such, it is virtually impossible to figure them out. You’ll have to get in touch with the company directly to determine the year it was made.
How old is my Vaillant boiler?
The number is often found on a sticker if you have a Valliant boiler, and this is located inside the front panel or on the existing boiler. The third and fourth numbers reflect the year in which the boiler was made. So, if it reads 15, it was made in 2015.
How old is my Ideal boiler?
Different Ideal boilers will have different serial numbers and placements. Usually, however, it’s located on the top of the boiler and can also be found within the manual. Ideal’s Classic, Logic, and Mini models have serial numbers in the following places:
Ideal Classic Boiler: Ideal Classic boilers have a long series of numbers grouped in four sets. The third set shows a group of four digits, and these reflect the year and week that the boiler was manufactured. So, if the numbers are 0703, the boiler was made in the third week of 2007.
Ideal Logic Boiler: The last six digits of an Ideal Logic boiler showcase the year in which it was made. Models that were manufactured prior to 2015 are in the format of year/month/date, and boilers after 2015 are formatted as date/month/year. So, if a boiler’s last number is 09/08/17, it was manufactured on the 9th of October 2017.
Ideal Mini Boiler: You can usually find the digit serial number on the barcode sticker located at the tip of the boiler. The last four digits reflect the month and year that your boiler was made. Knowing the production date will help to determine whether a replacement is imminent.
How Efficient Is My Old Boiler?
Boilers can run well for 10 to 15 years, even longer if they are regularly serviced, and annual maintenance schedules are upheld. However, as they age, they might struggle to heat up your home as they once did and their energy efficiency becomes compromised. If this happens, you will end up paying more for less heat. This is why it is a good idea to find out the age of your boiler. Some key signs that your boiler might need a replacement include:
- It breaks down often, and you need to pay an engineer to fix it
- Higher energy bills than usual
- Your radiators are making a strange sound
- Not all the radiators are heating up
- Replacement parts are trickier to find
Should I Buy A New Boiler?
If the points above ring true, it is probably time to start looking for a new boiler. Be sure to research different brands to find a model and make one that suits your budget and needs. Also, ask what is included in the boiler package and check the warranty on your chosen system.
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