Many homeowners in the Syracuse area have a boiler in their homes for winter heating. If you love the cozy, radiant heat that a boiler provides and know that you never want another type of heating system like a furnace or heat pump, you might be holding onto a boiler that is due to be replaced.
So how exactly do you know when you need boiler replacement? There are some obvious and less-than-obvious signs. Let’s go over when that old, faithful boiler should be upgraded and when it’s okay to let it go for a little longer.
The Age of the Boiler
This one is fairly simple. If your home’s boiler is more than 20 years old, it’s time to think about a replacement. Your boiler has had a good, long life, but it’s at an age where it can deteriorate rapidly.
The last thing you want is for it to fail completely during a cold snap when you’re looking at being without heat for a day or two until that replacement unit is installed. Or you could face a potentially costly repair estimate that’ll leave you wondering if it’s worth it (although we can always advise you when a repair on an old boiler is worth it).
The type of boiler you have can also tell you about its lifespan. Gas boilers can last for 15-20 years and electric boilers are more likely to last until the tail end of that lifespan. That’s because there are less complicated parts that are needed for combustion.
Signs of Corrosion or Leaks
You love your boiler so why not make a visual inspection of it every once in a while? If you want your boiler to last, check it occasionally for visual signs of leaks or corrosion. This is important because unfortunately, a boiler that is corroding from the inside or leaking should be replaced and is very unlikely to be fixable.
During your inspection, look for signs of rust, pitting, holes, and leaks. PItting is a localized form of corrosion and looks just like it sounds. Pitting usually happens before a hole develops. If you see any areas of concern on your boiler, give us a call for a more thorough inspection.
Low Home Comfort
You may love your old boiler, but does your boiler still love you? Is it providing the same levels of comfort that did five years or even a year ago? This could easily be the thing to consider when asking yourself if it’s time for a replacement.
A new, energy-efficient boiler will restore your home comfort to unprecedented levels of heating and warmth. Why keep paying utility bills for a boiler that just isn’t providing the comfort that you need?
The Bottom Line
Boilers will eventually succumb to age and need a replacement. Our technicians at Breathe Easy of CNY are glad to help get you a great replacement boiler.
Live a happier, healthier, and more comfortable life—trust Breathe Easy of CNY Heating & Cooling for your boiler replacement in Syracuse, NY! We are consumers too! Contact us today!