In general, boilers are designed to be durable and long-lasting. However, despite technological advancements, the reality shows this isn’t the case as boilers aren’t built to last forever. Like all machines, they can fail without prior warning or signal. Once a boiler is nearing the end of its lifespan, you may start noticing some telltale signs that the system needs replacement.
Replacing a major household system can be costly; make no mistake. However, it becomes expedient to do so when the boiler starts showing signs of failure. Read on to discover three unmistakable signs you may need to replace the boiler in your home.
1. It breaks down frequently and requires repairs.
If your radiator takes a longer time to heat up, your boiler could be at fault. The good news is that a plumber or HVAC technician that provides boiler repair services can fix a faulty radiator. Sometimes, it’s simply a case of performing a power flush or bleeding the radiators. However, if the radiator continues to heat your water slowly after servicing, the boiler is likely due for replacement.
Whether it’s an air conditioning or heating system, HVAC system jobs should be left to professionals to handle. Let’s say you live in Tracy, San Joaquin County, California; if your boiler breaks down and requires repairs regularly, these are signs you may need to replace the boiler in your Tracy, CA home with a newer model. Ideally, a boiler should require one service inspection a year. If you are contacting an HVAC company or technician for boiler repair services more than once a year, you need to consider upgrading your boiler. Thankfully, modern boilers are built to be more energy-efficient, invariably saving you money on your utility bill.
2. It’s making lots of noise.
It’s normal for boilers to make noises when in operation as they work to send hot water around your residential property through water pipes. If you notice any banging, kettling, or gurgling sound whenever you open the hot water tap, it’s a telling sign that the system is due for replacement. Systems that are over 25 years old tend to make all sorts of noises during operation. Once a boiler exceeds its lifespan, it becomes prone to experiencing wear and tear.
Boiler technology has significantly evolved in the past decade, making it possible for home systems to last for longer periods, regardless of whether you live in a city or country home. Homeowners are expected to keep an eye out when their boilers become very noisy. Ignoring these sounds may prove counterproductive in the end. The fault may deteriorate further and result in the complete breakdown of the machine.
3. Reduced boiler performance.
A boiler’s energy performance is measured by its AFUE rating—Annualized Fuel Utilization Efficiency. AFUE refers to how efficient a boiler is in converting fuel to heat energy. Boilers with high AFUE ratings have greater energy with ratings of 90-97 percent. Boilers that have been in operation for several years tend to experience a significant drop in energy efficiency.
Nowadays, the AFUE rating of boilers is displayed on the packaging to help potential buyers compare the energy of different models. When looking to buy a new system, opt for one with a high ERP energy rating. Boilers with an A-rating are considered to be the most efficient, while those with a G-rating are considered less efficient. Also, note that it’s common for debris and dirt to find their way into a boiler system. This may interrupt the operation of the boiler, invariably leading to increased energy consumption and decreased energy efficiency.
Boilers that break down frequently are usually nearing the end of their lifecycle or were faulty from the start, so it helps to get regular servicing or a total replacement. Hopefully, the above-listed signs will help determine if a complete replacement is needed.