You may not realize it, but you heavily rely on your boiler for day-to-day life. From the hot water for washing dishes to the steamy stream in your shower, your boiler provides many of your much-loved comforts.
Most of us don’t understand the importance of these appliances until they fail and we’re left with icy cold water.
Has this got you wondering: how long do boilers last? Well, there’s no concrete answer. However, we’ll tell you 8 signs that you need a new boiler.
1. It’s Older Than 10 Years Old
This is a general rule of thumb, so take it with a little grain of salt. On average, boilers should last 10 to 15 years.
However, there are so many factors that can affect your boiler’s lifespan, such as frequency of use, maintenance, and brand you’ve chosen. Even within brands, different boilers may have varying lifespans.
So if you’ve had your boiler for over a decade, that doesn’t necessarily mean you need to replace it just yet. It just means you need to keep a closer eye on it than you normally would.
Read on for more signs that you need to replace your old boiler.
2. It Takes Forever to Heat up Water
Normally, a boiler shouldn’t take very long to heat up water. Most models will do so within a few seconds, which ensures you continuously get hot water whenever you need it.
Take a close look at your boiler the next time it does its job. Instead of taking seconds, does it take minutes to heat up water? Have you had multiple repair jobs to fix this issue, yet it still takes forever to heat up water?
Then you may have to get a new boiler. This is especially true if you’ve already had it serviced many times.
3. Its Pilot Light Is Yellow, Not Blue
If your boiler uses a pilot light, you’ll want to examine the color of it. Usually, it should burn blue. This means it’s getting all the oxygen it needs to burn strongly.
Notice the pilot light’s yellow? Then that means you have a problem.
The first thing you should check is if there’s any debris or dirt blocking the air intake valve. Once you’ve cleaned it, check the color of the flame again.
If it’s still yellow, you may have an issue with a carbon monoxide leak. Black soot is also another sign you have this type of leak. If you have either, then you’ll need to turn off your boiler right away and call a professional.
4. It Makes Noises All the Time
For the most part, your boiler shouldn’t make many noises. If you notice it’s being much more vocal than usual, then have an HVAC professional take a look at it.
At this point, they can assess whether or not it’s worth it to do repairs. If this issue’s been ongoing and you’ve already had many repairs done, then they may suggest installing a new boiler to save you some time and money.
5. It’s Leaking
When your boiler’s leaking, it can cause a whole range of troubles. For one, it may flood the room it’s in and cause water damage. As a result, you may have to pitch in for pricey renovation costs.
Secondly, the water can get into electrical parts, which can then short circuit. Then, you’ll have to pay for even more repairs.
Leaky boilers can also cause carbon monoxide leaks. This is extremely dangerous and can have fatal consequences. It’s vital you call an HVAC company as soon as you notice any leaking.
6. It Needs Constant Servicing
Having parts repaired and replaced occasionally is normal, considering your boiler may go through quite a bit of wear and tear. However, there’s a major difference between calling HVAC companies once a week vs. once every few months.
The costs of a new boiler may seem like a lot, especially since it’s a large sum upfront. But you may be spending more on repairs and replacements than you think.
When you add up all the costs for service and parts, you may have already spent enough to purchase a new boiler that’s free of issues.
7. Your Utility Bills Have Been Rising Significantly
As time goes on, it’ll take more work for your boiler to maintain its internal temperature. A side effect of sign #2 on this list is your utility bills will skyrocket.
In this case, it’d be well worth replacing your water boiler. Technology’s made leaps and bounds in the last decade or so, meaning boilers are a lot more energy-efficient.
Your new boiler will pay for itself when you see how much you can save with a unit that has a better energy rating.
8. There’s No Consistency in Temperatures
Your boiler should be reliable when it comes to keeping temperatures consistent. For instance, maybe a certain room doesn’t get as hot as another. Or maybe your showers get cold in the middle.
If you notice signs like that, then it’d be worth it to get a new boiler. Not only will it keep your temperatures more stable, but it’ll also have better controls since it’d be a newer model.
How Long Do Boilers Last? It Depends
As you can see, there’s no set answer to the question: how long do boilers last?
The main things you need to do are to get regular maintenance done and to keep an eye on your boiler. If you notice any of the 8 signs above, then it may be time for you to get a replacement.
If you think your house needs a new boiler, then get in touch with us now for a free estimate.
