The boiler Printed Circuit Board or PCB is a vital component in every boiler, working hard to organise the communication of the boiler running so that your boiler doesn’t stop working.
If your PCB does develop a fault, then you will need to get a Gas Safe engineer out to fix it. Take a moment to read our handy PCB guide to get the information you need so that you can arrange the right repair as quickly as possible.
What Does the PCB Actually Do?
Every boiler is made up of a number of different components that all need to work together in harmony to help provide you with heat and hot water. If a part fails to work properly or stops altogether, then a signal is sent to the PCB, which then signals the whole system to stop working and displays an error code. Many people get frustrated that the PCB does this, but the reason why it is a vital part of your boiler system is to ensure that you and your loved ones are kept safe from toxic fumes, dangerous electrics and leaks wherever possible.
How Do I Know if My PCB is Faulty?
If you think that your PCB is faulty, then you may be inclined to take a look for yourself, but this would require you to take your boiler apart, invalidating your warranty and risking even bigger problems. A simple rule to remember is that if you need to take the boiler apart, including removing the boiler casing, then the job needs to be done by a Gas Safe engineer.
Still worried about your PCB? We’ve listed some of the most common signs and symptoms below that may confirm your suspicions:
- Your Display Panel Operation is Not Working Properly – as the PCB works by interconnecting with all your boiler electrics, it will stop working properly if there is a fault with one of them. Look for flickering, not flashing lights to confirm that there may be a problem that needs to be fixed.
- You’re Getting ‘No Power’ on Your Display – another hint that your PCB may be faulty is when ‘No Power’ is displayed on the boiler. Your engineer can check the power going through the PCB to diagnose it properly or source the issue if the PCB is fine.
- Your Boiler Smells Like Burning – if you are noticing a sporadic burning smell coming from your boiler, then your PCB may have burned out and will need to be replaced before further damage is done to the system.
- Your Boiler Doesn’t Always Work – if your boiler starts and stops working without any notice or obvious cause, then this could signal a PCB issue. The main reasons for this are that the PCB is no longer communicating messages effectively or that it is relaying the wrong messages and causing the system to stop.
The problem with all of these issues is that they can be incredibly difficult to diagnose definitively without the support of a Gas Safe engineer. This is because the symptoms of a faulty PCB are also common symptoms of other issues.
How an Engineer Will Find Your Fault
As we’ve explained, when it comes to PCBs, it is always wise to get an engineer out to diagnose and source the fault. They will do this by running a range of tests and looking at your boiler to see what the issue could be before offering the best course of action. Some of the main things they will look for include:
- Leaks that are coming from pipes, pumps or from inside the boiler itself. A leaking boiler can be incredibly damaging to other components and can cause the PCB to fail if water gets to it. If leaks are the problem, then your engineer will need to find them and fix them before they can get to work replacing your PCB and other damaged components.
- Cracked PCB that is either very old or has just malfunctioned. If your PCB is damaged, then the only solution is for it to be replaced by the engineer to ensure that your system can start running properly again.
- Soldering issues that have given way or deteriorated, causing your PCB to stop working properly. Your engineer may be able to re-solder it, but typically you will need to have the entire PCB replaced instead.
Each of these repairs typically results in needing a new PCB which can be expensive. Before you go ahead with any repairs, take the time to consider whether you are better off replacing the entire boiler instead.
How Much Will a Replacement PCB Cost?
In 99% of cases, it is always better to replace your faulty PCB than to have it repaired, but this can be expensive and is often the sign of bigger problems that are best resolved by replacing the entire boiler. Plus, when you total the cost of repairs to the PCB, you will find that they are usually within the same ballpark as a replacement anyway, making it the logical choice to opt for a replacement.
The cost of replacing your PCB will be around £300 – £550, depending on your boiler and the problem that is being fixed. In addition to the replacement costs, you will also need to pay for a Gas Safe engineer to complete the work, which varies depending on the time it takes and where you are located in the country. PCBs take around three hours to diagnose and replace, which can mean a big labour bill from your engineer.
When Should I Replace My Boiler?
Sometimes replacing your boiler is the best option, especially when your system is out of warranty and you will have to cover all the costs of the repair yourself. It’s worth remembering that when the PCB goes, more often than not, it is a sign of a bigger problem that will result in your boiling failing and needing to be completely replaced. Take your time to weigh up your options, and always get a number of quotes before agreeing to any work being completed.
At Boilers Prices, we take pride in offering a service that provides you with impartial support and offers you a no-obligation quote service to help you find the right solution for your boiler troubles. Head over to our website today and let us guide you through the process of repairs or replacements.