Your future self will thank you for noticing these now...

Winter is the worst time to deal with a boiler breakdown, so if it is happening to you, it's important to recognise that there's a problem right away so that it can be solved.

Helpfully, your boiler will give you warning if it's experiencing issues. Here are six signs that your boiler is broken and how to go about finding a replacement.

If your radiators are taking ages to warm up when they used to blast out the heat, it may be a sign you need to update your boiler. But before you press the panic button, it's worth bleeding them first to check there isn't a build-up or blockage in your system that's causing the cold patches. In fact, bleeding your radiators a couple of times a year will not only keep your boiler happy, it will stop you constantly having to turn your thermostat up, helping to lower your energy bill at the same time.

Odd noises coming from your boiler should never be ignored and are usually a sign of wear-and-tear. If your pipes or unit are making a tapping sound, this could be down to a sludge build-up and means you probably need a power flush. Other sounds such as humming can point to issues within the overall system.

The safest bet? If you can hear it, report it to an engineer. And if your boiler is older than 10 years, it may be worth considering a replacement.

If you do decide you want to replace your boiler, whether it's just in need of an upgrade or you've suffered a total breakdown, help is on hand. Shell Energy has partnered with HomeServe to offer a convenient boiler replacement service. If you give them a call, they will book you in for a survey and provide you with a free replacement quote. They offer a choice of top boiler brands that come with a standard manufacturer warranty, and they'll even dispose of your old boiler for you.

Your boiler should never leak water. If it does, it's probably down to a loose seal or valve, or corrosion due to age.

Leaving a leak unfixed could lead to an electrical short-circuit or costly structural damage to your home, so it's important to get it checked out by an engineer, who will hopefully be able to fix the leak without you having to replace your boiler. If it keeps happening, however, it could be a sign that you're in need of an upgrade.

A boiler that isn't working efficiently will cost you more money to run. So, if your energy bills are sneaking up, it could be a sign your boiler needs an upgrade — and it will save you in the long run. Changing to an A-rated energy efficient boiler with Shell Energy in partnership with HomeServe, for example, could save £200 on your annual energy bill.

It's important to give your boiler a regular once-over. You're checking for several things: to ensure there are no visible damp patches, which could be signs of a leak; to keep an eye on the pressure gauge; and to check the colour of the flame. Flames should always be blue, not yellow or smoky. If your boiler's flame has changed colour, switch it off and call a Gas Safe engineer to take a look.

Who likes weak water pressure? No one! If you've noticed your water isn't flowing as well as it used to, it could be a sign that your boiler pressure is low. This may mean there's a water leak somewhere within the system. If you're experiencing low pressure, call an engineer to find out what needs to be replaced or serviced.

If you find you need a replacement boiler, Shell Energy, in partnership with HomeServe, can help. You can get a boiler consultation either over the phone or by video call, and then arrange for a HomeServe expert to install your new boiler on a date that suits you. So you can get back to enjoying those boxsets...

Shell Energy has partnered with HomeServe to offer you a convenient boiler replacement service. Whether your boiler is broken and you need a new one, or it's simply time for an upgrade, they'll replace it hassle-free. Visit Shell Energy to find out more