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It happens every year: the temperature drops, the heating kicks in, and suddenly, half of Nottingham is calling for an emergency engineer. For homeowners in Radcliffe on Trent and across the wider Nottingham area, the last thing you want this winter is a cold house and an expensive, unplanned repair bill.

At We Fix It All, we firmly believe in prevention over cure. Getting your boiler serviced before the deep chill arrives can save you money, stress, and a lot of shivering.

Here are the 5 critical signs that your boiler is shouting for attention and needs a professional service immediately

1. Your Boiler is Making Strange Noises

Boilers are rarely silent, but you should know your boiler's "normal" humming sound. If you start hearing anything new—such as banging, gurgling, kettling (a sound like water boiling), or consistent clicking—it's a serious warning sign.

• What it means: Banging or kettling is often caused by a build-up of limescale and sludge in your heat exchanger, a problem known as "boiler scaling." This forces your unit to work harder, reducing efficiency and eventually causing a breakdown

2. Cold Spots on Your Radiators (Even When the Heating is On)

If the top of your radiator is hot but the bottom is stone cold, it often means trapped air or a build-up of sludge. While you might try bleeding a radiator yourself, persistent cold spots across multiple radiators can be a sign of poor system circulation or a bigger issue within the boiler itself.

• What it means: Your boiler is using energy but not effectively heating your home. A service will check your system pressure and identify if a power flush or chemical clean is necessary to restore efficiency.

3. Your Pilot Light is Yellow, Not Blue (or Modern Boiler Warning Codes)

For older boilers, a healthy pilot light should always burn with a strong, crisp blue flame. A flickering, weak, or distinctly yellow/orange flame is a major safety concern.

• What it means: A yellow flame indicates incomplete combustion, which can produce dangerous Carbon Monoxide. If you see this, turn your boiler off immediately and call a professional. For modern units, look for flashing fault codes or error messages on the display—don't ignore them!

4. You Are Constantly Topping Up the Pressure

Is the pressure gauge on your boiler consistently dropping into the red zone? While it’s normal to top it up occasionally, having to do it every few weeks or days suggests a leak in the system or a faulty pressure relief valve.

• What it means: You have a small but consistent problem that is costing you in water and energy. A service can pinpoint the source of the leak, which might be in the boiler itself or elsewhere in your system.

5. Your Boiler is Over 10 Years Old

The average lifespan of a boiler is around 10–15 years. If your unit is approaching or past that decade mark, it’s not just about breakdowns—it’s about efficiency.

• What it means: Modern boilers are significantly more energy-efficient than older models. While a service can keep an old boiler running, we can also provide a free, no-obligation quote on a new A-rated Worcester or Vaillant model to save you hundreds on your energy bills in the long run.

The Non-Negotiable Safety Check: Use a Gas Safe Engineer

This is the most important message: Never attempt to service or repair your gas boiler yourself.

Any work carried out on a gas appliance must be done by a Gas Safe Registered Engineer—it’s the law, and it's vital for your family's safety.

At We Fix It All, our heating engineers are all Gas Safe registered and locally based in the Nottingham area. We provide transparent pricing and reliable service to ensure your system is safe, efficient, and ready to face the coldest months.

Don't leave your boiler service until the next emergency—the time to act is now.

Ready to book your pre-winter service?

Call us today on 0115 8711815 or

We Fix It All | Your Local, Trusted Heating Experts

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