Boiler systems are the primary heating source for many Boston homes, especially older properties. These appliances are designed to heat water before distributing it throughout radiators placed in various parts of the home. Gas is the most common fuel source for boilers although some alternatives do exist.
Unless you built a home from scratch, you might not be sure how much longer your boiler is supposed to last. To make sure your home’s heating remains intact, it’s important to learn some basics about boilers. Here, we’ll take a look at the average lifespan of a boiler system and how you can maximize it.
How many years does a boiler last?
Boston homeowners can expect their boilers to last anywhere between 10 to 15 years. That sounds pretty good, right? But it’s important to keep in mind that this isn’t a guarantee. The actual lifespan of your boiler is subject to a variety of factors. One of the most important is routine maintenance. Just like any other appliance in your home, boilers face common issues that require regular upkeep and attention.
How to extend the lifespan of your boiler
Make sure the boiler fits your home’s heating needs.
Every home has unique heating demands depending on its square footage, the number of people living there, and a host of other factors. A boiler that’s not powerful enough to heat your home will run up your energy bills and fall short of its life expectancy as it’s always trying to catch up to your home’s heating needs. It’s important to work with a professional to determine the perfect boiler capacity for your home to make sure your investment lasts.
Take care of boiler issues right away.
Even the highest-quality boilers experience issues from time to time. But it’s not something homeowners should ignore. To maximize the lifespan of your system, you should have these problems fixed right away. Small issues can add up over time and result in major damage to your boiler. Make sure you have a reputable professional on speed dial who can handle boiler repairs and maintenance in Boston whenever you need them.
Schedule routine assessments from a professional.
One of the most effective ways to extend the lifespan of your boiler is to have a professional routinely inspect your boiler system. It’s recommendable to schedule an assessment at least once per year although you can do more just to be safe. During these assessments, a boiler expert can detect problems that you might not have noticed and conduct the necessary repairs to make sure your boiler keeps running smoothly for a longer lifespan.
Signs your boiler is ready to go
Ideally, your boiler would last for well over a decade without any problems. But, in reality, the energy efficiency and performance of a boiler steadily decrease over time. A lack of maintenance and frequent use can all bring a boiler to a premature end. Plus, boilers can become really dangerous when not properly maintained. Luckily, there are some telltale signs that your boiler needs to be repaired or completely replaced. Here are some things Boston homeowners should look out for:
Abnormally high utility bills
If you’ve noticed an unexpected and unexplainable hike in your utility costs, a dying boiler might be to blame. When these systems become less efficient, they have to compensate by sucking up more energy. Make sure to get your boiler inspected whenever you see an increase in energy expenses.
Water leaking near radiators
Anytime you see more than a drop of water near your radiator, there’s definitely something wrong with your boiler. It could be an issue that’s easy to fix with a quick repair or a sign that your system is on its last leg. Either way, it’s imperative to call professionals right away to prevent water damage.
Changes in your home’s heating Sometimes, a problem with your boiler will be noticeable through minor yet unusual changes in your home’s heating. Maybe you’ve noticed your system underperforming or even producing too much heat compared to its setting. Getting your boiler to that 10-to-15-year finish line will depend on your ability to notice these issues early and report them to a professional.
If your home’s boiler system is nearing the end of its lifespan, the experts at Boston Standard Plumbing can help. We have years of experience installing boilers for satisfied homeowners throughout Boston. Contact us today to set up an appointment.
Categories:
Boilers
