Compared to other heating methods, boilers use fewer moving parts and are highly reliable. Wear and tear is generally low, and boilers can last for decades.
However, they aren’t perfect. Boiler problems can crop up, leaving you without heat when you need it most. Here’s how to spot boiler issues before they become boiler emergencies.
Your Boiler Is More Than 15 Years Old
This is the main issue and the one you can’t escape. Yes, boilers can last for as long as 30 years in some cases, but age eventually catches up with them. Repairing a boiler that’s entering its third decade isn’t a good plan since it’s close to the end of its life. A better plan is to purchase a new boiler that will be much more efficient anyway.
Your Boiler Smells
When odd odors begin permeating your home, your boiler could be the culprit. If you start to smell sulfur, or if normal odors take on a metallic tinge, it may mean your boiler is the source of a gas leak.
This issue needs to be dealt with right away, as a gas leak can be harmful or fatal. Contact a boiler specialist immediately and stay out of the house until the professional fixes the issue.
The Room Takes Too Long to Heat
Your boiler should be consistent in how much time it takes to heat up a room. As the boiler gets older, it can take longer. Repairing boilers past a certain age isn’t wise, but if a new boiler is experiencing this problem, there’s likely an issue that a certified tech can solve.
Electricity Bills Are Increasing
Older boilers will require more energy to provide the same level of heat. You may find that you have to run your boiler longer to warm up your house, which will eat into your power bills. Compare your monthly bills and look for a trend toward higher costs, as this can be attributed to an older, failing boiler.
Your Boiler Is Leaking
Boilers create steam, which produces heat. However, just because there’s water inside your boiler doesn’t mean there should ever be water outside your boiler.
Check around your boiler for puddles or drips. These are signs that the boiler’s closed system is now leaking. The longer a leak goes ignored, the more damage a boiler can suffer over time. This will make the necessary boiler repairs more extensive and costly.
Your Boiler Makes Strange Noises
Listen for odd sounds such as banging, gurgling, or rumbling. Banging can be from sediment that’s built up on the heat exchanger. When that sediment gets hotter, it will expand. This causes the metal in the boiler to expand, leading to a bang.
Gurgling can be from a blocked condensate trap. Rumbling, or “kettling,” can be caused by a buildup of mineral deposits in the pipe.
Get Fast, Expert Boiler Repairs From Endless Energy
When your boiler starts to give up, Endless Energy will be there to keep the heat flowing. Our expert team is ready to diagnose and repair your boiler problems so your home stays comfy all winter long.
If boiler repairs aren’t possible, then we’ll discuss your options for replacement. Don’t let your boiler ruin your indoor comfort — contact Endless Energy right away.
