With all the appliances in our homes we may not do a great job at maintenance and only remember the significance of them when they break down on us. The boiler in your home may be one of those neglected appliances. Not only does a boiler breakdown on the coldest day suck, you probably haven’t put any money aside to have it fixed because you weren’t planning for it! Having to dish out your hard-earned money will have you wishing you had taken a little better care of it; especially if the damage could have been avoided. The best thing you can do is to have regular maintenance performed on your boiler by an experienced contractor and have it done once a year.
Boiler Inspection Procedure
• Make sure the shut off valves are working correctly.
• Look for water leakage. If you suspect a leak then perform a leak test.
• Look at the refractory to make sure it’s protecting the critical parts of the boiler. Repair any cracks or broken pieces.
• Check to make sure that all the functions, indicators, safety indicators are working properly. If any of them aren’t then the boiler is at risk for structural damage.
• Check the fuel feed system and the burners of the boiler and clean them if needed. Dirt causes inefficient combustion, heat transfer, less effective heating and increased energy bills. Replace dirty filters too.
• Lastly, look for any signs of corrosion, overheating, erosion, and leaks.
How Long Should a Boiler Last; Telltale Signs That You Need a New Heater
1. Boiler Age. Newer condensing boilers haven’t been around long enough to predict their longevity but with the right maintenance should last for at least 15 years. Older cast iron boilers last for 20 to 30 years and up to 50 with proper maintenance but will be less efficient than a newer one.
2. Increased Energy Cost. If you notice your energy bills are on the rise, your boiler might be the reason. More maintenance means a less efficient boiler.
3. Boiler Making Noise. If you notice that your unit has become noisy then you night need a new an upgrade.
4. Increased Boiler Failures. This means your boiler needs a massive overhaul or needs to be replaced entirely.
5. Gas Burner Discoloration. If the flames on the gas burner are yellow or there’s black soot on oil boilers then the fuel isn’t burning correctly and it may also be creating carbon monoxide.
6. Boiler Leaks. Costly floods or property damage can be caused by a boiler that leaks. A leaky boiler is a sign that your boiler may need to be replaced.
7. Uncomfortable Rooms. If you notice varying temperatures throughout the day or have some rooms that are colder or hotter than the others it could be the boilers inability to control the heat effectively.
Boiler Replacement Services & More in Manhattan, Flushing, Queens, Brooklyn & The Bronx, New York
You might want to consider a new boiler even if yours isn’t immediately failing because a newer, more efficient boiler has many benefits that include energy savings, comfort, reliable heating and increased property value. The maintenance of an older boiler and the energy savings could possibly pay for a new one within a year or two. Instead of waiting till the middle of winter only to face a heating emergency, contact Agape Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing to upgrade your boiler and start enjoying the savings.