5 Telltale Signs It’s Time to Replace an Old Boiler

The boiler in your home is a crucial part of your daily living. If you live in or around Colorado Springs in the winter, you’ll know how chilly the air can get.

Colorado winter weather can dip as low as 17 Degrees Fahrenheit, which is well below freezing. It’s still not as chilly as the other cities in Colorado, but it’s going to freeze your butt off.

An old boiler, however, is a ticking time bomb. It’s a danger to you and everyone in your home. Even then, when is the right time when replacing boilers?

Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Read on to discover 5 signs you need a new boiler:

How Does A Boiler Work?

Before anything else, we need to first understand how your boiler does its job. A boiler, in its most basic form, is a container that heats water. The cold-water pipes from its own separate connection may come from the main pipeline.

Different boilers use different types of fuel, from oil, gas, coal to even electricity. The more common is the natural gas boiler, which heats water up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

Whether it’s hot water or steam, this will then move to what we know as radiators. Radiators will use the heat from the boiler to increase the temperature in a certain room.

Radiators will circulate water back through a pipe and reuse as much of the water as possible. The continuous process of heating, cooling, and reheating can cause boiler wear. Even if you store it in cool, dark areas, consistent use can lead to eventual damage.

Unlike a sewer line issue repair, boiler issues are not obvious. So, what are the signs to look for when replacing boilers?

1. Your Boiler is Over 15 Years Old

The top reason to replace boiler parts or the entire unit is age. As we said, your boiler, through consistent use, can experience wear and tear. Heating the metal can cause warping that can compromise the structure of the boiler.

If your boiler is more than 15 years old, you likely need a new boiler.

A 15-year-old boiler has come through a lot of use over the years. There will be high levels of wear and tear as well. Performing a replacement can be a crucial step before a critical failure happens.

Older boilers will not only have warping, but compromised efficiency as well. They will lack safety features that keep everyone safe in your home.

Replacing boilers now can save you money. Unlike a toilet replacement that you can do any time, it’s best to get one before autumn and winter. Demand ramps during this season.

2. Your Boiler is Inefficient

Age should not be the only factor when replacing an old boiler. Another reason to replace it is when it starts to eat up more power or fuel.

A boiler is an efficient system that relies on consistent heat to keep a higher temperature in your home. If your boiler stays lukewarm or takes hours before it can heat your home, you need a new boiler as soon as possible. Why?

There are many different reasons for a boiler going tepid and inefficient. Dirty water with too many particulates is one of them, where the liquid changes in composition enough to create sludge. The sludge will then make the entire heating process worst.

There may also be a problem in the heating system of your boiler itself. Check if you can do maintenance or repair. If the problem keeps coming back, replace the boiler with a fresh unit.

3. Your Boiler Is Leaking

Do you have leaks in your boiler? Are you noticing that the area around your boiler has puddles? If your boiler is leaking, you might want to buy yourself a new one.

Leaking boilers tend to have a problem with the general structure of the entire boiler itself. This may come from the boiler itself or the pipes around it. Make sure to inspect the general area when the boiler is off.

If you can’t find the source of the leaks, it’s best to find a qualified plumber in your area. You would need them when replacing boilers.

4. Your Boiler Has A Funky Smell

A boiler’s entire process should not give off any type of odor. If you notice unfamiliar funky smells, you might want to put your boiler in for a repair. For problems that persist, you may need a new boiler.

So, why don’t you want smells in your boiler? First, you’re boiling water in your heating system. Much like how you do it in your kettle, you can expect to not smell anything weird.

The range of odors that you may get from your boiler can come from rust deposits to dirt and sludge from the radiators. You may smell something metallic, which is rust. Also, make sure to check and prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carbon monoxide is odorless and tasteless, but if you’re feeling ill out of nowhere, check if there’s a need for repairs.

5. Your Boiler Needs Frequent Repairs

When your boiler is getting more and more repairs, you might want to consider replacing it in full. A boiler that needs consistent replacements means there is an inherent issue in the system itself.

As boilers grow older as well, they get more and more expensive. Parts availability becomes an issue, until your total repairs may cost the same as a new boiler.

If your boiler is having continuous issues and is starting to need 3 or 4 major repairs, consider replacing the entire unit.

When Should You Replace Your Old Boiler?

When it comes to your old boiler, you need to replace it ASAP. Check if you are getting issues or it’s not as efficient as before. If so, it’s best to get a boiler replacement as soon as possible to prevent any type of critical failure.

If you’re looking to replace your heating systems or other plumbing at home, do it as soon as possible. For that, you need an expert that can help you with your plumbing emergencies.

Talmich Plumbing and Heating provides superior plumbing and heating support in and around Colorado Springs. You can’t go wrong with 30 years of plumbing experience. Talk to us to get started now.