Your boiler is one of the most important devices in your home, and that piece of machinery is vital to your family’s comfort throughout the year. That is why you must always be on the lookout for any signs that it might be time to replace your boiler with a newer model.
Age
Even though modern boilers are incredibly durable and designed to run flawlessly for years, those devices have a finite lifespan. While every situation is slightly different, most homeowners should plan on replacing their boilers every 10 to 15 years. Proper maintenance could extend the lifespan of your boiler by a few years, but there will come a point when it needs to be completely replaced.
Unusual Sounds
When a boiler is nearing the end of its service life, you will most likely notice that it becomes much noisier than it used to be. Newer boilers tend to be relatively quiet, and the only sound that you should hear from them is a quiet hum. As the various components break down, you might hear loud banging or groaning noises whenever hot water is used in your home. Those noises typically occur when there is too much pressure, a leak, or some type of clog in the system.
Leaks
As soon as you notice any type of standing water or excess moisture around your boiler, you should immediately contact a company that offers boiler repair services. Boiler leaks can be very dangerous, and the excess moisture will increase your risk of a mold outbreak, pest infestations, and structural damage throughout your home. Luckily, boiler leaks can often be patched in a matter of hours as long as you catch the damage early on and contact an experienced contractor right away. That being said, if you notice your boiler getting constant leaks or if the leak is bad enough, it might be time to replace your boiler instead.
Increasing Cost of Upkeep
Older boilers will slowly become more inefficient, and that means you are going to notice some sudden changes to your monthly utility bills. As the device ages, you could end up paying hundreds of dollars a year in additional maintenance and increased monthly expenses. After you invest in a new boiler, you should immediately notice a decrease in those bills, and the upkeep is going to be relatively easy as long as you schedule regular service calls.
Replacing your boiler might seem like a major investment, but a new unit could have a huge impact on your family’s comfort as well as your monthly energy bills. Having a new boiler installed is also going to give you peace of mind knowing that you won’t constantly run out of hot water too fast during the coldest months of the year.