A good boiler will generously heat your home for a very long time. They are efficient, effective, and easy to maintain. However, boilers have a finite lifespan. They are signs you’ll notice when your system is on its last legs. Here’s a guide on how to know when it is time to replace your boiler.
The Lifespan of a Boiler
The life expectancy varies depending on the type. Electric boilers will last 8 to 10 years before their heating elements finally give out. Condensing boilers (also known as high-efficiency gas boilers, which are one of the most efficient types) can serve for 15 to 20 years. This is because they are designed with a second heat exchanger that captures and utilizes heat from the exhaust gases, thus minimizing the exposure of combustion gas to the metal components. In simpler terms, the heating elements take much longer to corrode compared to traditional boilers.
Standard gas hot water boilers last an average of 10 to 15 years. They may last a few more seasons, but at this point, the risk of breakdowns and inefficiency increases significantly. Propane boilers last longer than their gas counterparts (15 to 20 years) because they have fewer moving parts and a more efficient combustion process.
6 Signs Your Boiler Is on Its Last Legs
Before your boiler gives out, it will exhibit several warning signs indicating its imminent failure. The top ones include:
1. Inconsistent Heating
Most people install boilers over forced air systems (such as furnaces and heat pumps) because of their radiant heating capabilities. Radiant heat warms the room gently and slowly, creating a more consistent and comfortable feel without drafts or sudden temperature changes. You shouldn’t experience any hot and cold spots inside your rooms.
However, if your boiler is taking too long to warm your room or heating poorly, it may be struggling to keep up with your heating demands. This could be due to low boiler pressure, faulty thermostat, sediment buildup, or trapped air inside the system.
Low pressure hinders the boiler’s ability to circulate hot water throughout your home. It is often caused by leaks, worn-out components, and faulty pressure relief valves. Repairs may work. However, if your system is older than 10 years, the issue might recur frequently.
Sediment buildup impedes heat transfer from the heating elements to the water. Flushing may temporarily improve performance; however, sediments that have hardened into scale are more challenging to remove and can lead to persistent inefficiencies.
Your boiler could also struggle to keep your home warm if it was improperly sized. Before installation, a technician must accurately calculate your energy demands, factoring in your home’s square footage and layout, insulation levels, the number of windows and doors, and your exposure to the sun and other weather elements. When new, a boiler may keep you warm although not efficiently. However, as it gets older and its critical components deteriorate, it will consume too much energy while barely keeping you comfortable.
A qualified technician can help you rule out a faulty thermostat and trapped air. It’s cheaper and more convenient to fix or replace the thermostat than the entire boiler system. Our technicians can also remove the air bubbles inside your system and address the source of the trapped air.
2. Your Boiler Is Making Weird Noises
When your boiler is running, it’s normal to hear a soft whirring sound from the pump as it circulates water around the burner, heat exchanger, and throughout your home. You may also notice gentle clicking as the boiler turns on and off during its heating cycles as well as a deep rumbling sound when you activate your gas heater. These sounds are all part of its regular operation.
However, banging, whistling, gurgling, and grinding noises are not normal. Banging (or kettling) sounds result when excessive limescale buildup on the heat exchanger restricts the flow of water in the boiler to a point where it overboils. Whistling noises can occur from trapped air in the system or friction between the moving parts.
Gurgling sounds can be caused by trapped air inside your boiler as well. It may also occur when the condensation pipe is frozen, blocking proper water circulation through the condenser. Finally, grinding noises result from a faulty boiler pump. Be sure to switch off your system, as it could overheat and break down completely.
3. Visible Corrosion
Visible corrosion is a serious issue that means the metallic parts of your boiler are deteriorating. This can lead to frequent leaks, decreased efficiency, and other safety hazards. As soon as you notice rust, call a professional technician to assess the extent of damage both to your system and home and to determine the best replacement option.
Modern boilers employ various methods and compounds to minimize corrosion, such as stainless steel or aluminum heat exchangers that resist decay. However, at high temperatures, the dissolved gases and minerals can still break through the protective layers and eat up the metal compounds. Depending on your home’s water quality, it might take over 10 years to notice signs.
4. Strange Smells
Weird boiler smells aren’t always a precursor to system replacement. However, if they are persistent, you should consider getting a new, safer unit.
The common odors include burning plastic, rotten eggs, a musty, and a dirt smell. Burning plastic odor often indicates electrical issues. The wires are either burning or melting. Turn off your system immediately and call a technician.
The rotten eggs smell is a strong indicator of a natural gas leak. Gas companies add a sulfur compound, known as mercaptan, which emits a rotten egg smell. Musty smells result from water leaks, condensation, or bacterial and mold growth in or around your boiler.
A burning dirt smell is normal when turning on your system after a long dormancy period. It indicates that the dust and debris accumulated within the combustion chamber burn off.
5. High Energy Bills
An old, worn-down boiler will consume a lot of energy. Its parts take longer to heat up and distribute water and maintain the desired temperatures. You’ll notice extended heating cycles, frequent circuit breaks, and insufficient warmth throughout your home. The system might even unexpectedly break down and refuse to turn back on.
6. Frequent Repairs
If your boiler constantly breaks down, either its parts are too worn out or your heating demands exceed its capacity. If your repair costs amount to over $1,000 per year, it would be more cost-effective to get a new system.
Benefits of a New Boiler
A new boiler will improve your comfort, energy efficiency, safety, and indoor quality. It will also come with advanced features, such as remote operation (you can control your system using a smartphone or tablet), compatibility with smart home systems like Amazon Echo, and energy-saving technologies.
Our Plumbing and HVAC Company
Our licensed and experienced team can help you find the best boiler replacement for your home. We can assess your current system and your house’s specific heating needs. We’ll provide expert recommendations and a personalized solution that ensures optimal comfort and energy efficiency. In addition to heating services, you can also reach out to us for all your plumbing and air conditioning solutions.
Call Bobby L. Greene Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Co. today for a boiler replacement in Shreveport, LA.