Top 7 Signs That It’s Time To Replace Your Boiler

While regular maintenance can help prevent any sudden damage to your boiler systems from happening, it’s important to be aware that eventually boilers do wear out overtime. If you’re unsure whether or not it’s time for your next boiler replacement, check out these seven telltale signs from Weil McLain company and our experts at InterCounty Supply:

Age: Condensing boilers haven’t been on the market for a long time and therefore it is hard to predict their longevity. With proper maintenance, they are expected to last at least 15 years or longer. Cast iron boilers, on the other hand, should be considered for replacement if they have been operating for more than 20 or 30 years. Some of these boilers can last even up to 50 years or longer, but even with decent annual maintenance, their efficiencies are much lower than today’s cast iron boilers. Often times, the energy savings from a new boiler replacement alone practically pays for the cost itself within a year or two.

Energy Expenditures: Be mindful of any increases in energy expenses. If energy bills are slowly rising it may be due not only to the age of the boiler but also due to increasing costs of the boiler maintenance. If a boiler requires constant servicing, the system has likely become less efficient. One should consider upgrading to a more reliable, durable unit such as a cast iron unit. Additionally, a noisy unit also may be a sign that it’s time for an upgrade.

Increased frequency of failures: This is a clear indicator that the unit is due for either a major overhaul or replacement.

Discoloration: Yellow flames on gas burners and black soot on oil boilers indicate that the fuel is not burning properly and is creating carbon monoxide. It is highly recommended that property owners install carbon monoxide detectors.

Leaks: A boiler that leaks or requires additional make-up water could be nearing the end of its lifecycle. By replacing the existing unit, the building manager or owner can avoid costly floods and critical boiler or property damage.

Comfort: If you notice that some rooms in a building are too hot or too cold or have varying temperatures throughout the day, it’s possible that the unit and its controls are no longer effective or the facility may benefit from more efficient controls.

Quality: From the longevity of a standard efficiency boiler to the long-term energy savings from a high efficiency boiler, there are effective and quality solutions for any application from leading manufacturers such as Weil McLain and Navien. Additionally, homeowners should be aware that most utilities are offering SIGNIFICANT rebates for higher efficiency heating systems.