There’s a lot to love about boilers as heating systems. They provide cozy, comfortable, radiant heating that’s completely different from a forced-air heating system like a furnace. They’re incredibly energy efficient because water is a more effective heat transfer medium than air. They need fewer repairs and last much longer than furnaces or heat pumps.
But eventually, the day will come when you’ll need to decide if you either repair your boiler or opt for a boiler replacement. How do you know when an expensive repair bill is worth the cost? Let’s go over 6 things to consider when trying to make the decision.
Age of the Boiler
This is the first thing to consider when deciding whether to replace a boiler. The average lifespan of a boiler is 15-20 years. If you’re facing a costly repair on a boiler that’s within this age range, you’re better off replacing the boiler. Boilers can decline sharply when they’re in the tale end of this age range. You may also be experiencing poor performance along with high utility bills as your boiler struggles with efficiency due to its age.
Repair Frequency
You bought your boiler because you didn’t want to deal with frequent repairs. So when you have to repair your boiler 1-2 times a year, that’s a sign that it’s on the decline. Frequent repairs are not only costly, but they also indicate inefficiencies or potential safety hazards. Consult with one of our technicians if it seems like your boiler needs repair more often than it should. We can always help you determine if a repair is worth the expense or if replacement is a better option.
Corrosion
A boiler’s worst enemy is corrosion. Your boiler was designed to be airtight to resist corrosion, but even the most trustworthy boiler can eventually start to corrode. Corrosion occurs when metal within the boiler reacts with oxygen and moisture in the environment, leading to the gradual degradation of the boiler’s components. If you see rust or other signs of corrosion on the boiler tank, this is something that can’t be fixed and the boiler will need to be replaced.
Uneven Heat Distribution
A boiler is supposed to evenly radiate heat from the radiators and baseboard heaters throughout a room. When you find you are no longer receiving the even heating or heat levels you expect for comfort, the boiler may be dying. Call a technician to look at the system to see if it can be repaired, but if the boiler is old, be ready to hear that it’s time for a new system.
High Energy Bills
Of course, your energy bills are going to rise the more you use your boiler during the winter. However, if they’re a lot higher compared to what they’ve been in the last few months or a year ago, and you can’t account for this increase through usage, then your system is no longer working efficiently.
Call the friendly staff at Boehmer Heating & Cooling for exceptional customer service! Schedule boiler replacement in Pittsburgh with our team today