Winter is fast approaching here in Colorado Springs. When the leaves start to change, the heater turns on! Before you get nice and cozy in your heated home, you should inspect your boiler before winter arrives. Fall is the perfect time to evaluate your boiler system and make sure that it is fully prepared to heat its way through winter time, so you don’t have to worry about whether or not your home will be warm.
One of the most common questions that we hear at Jolly Plumbing and Heating is: “Should I replace my boiler or should I repair it?” That’s why we’ve put together a guide for you to fully evaluate the boiler in your house. Here’s what to look for:
Replace the Boiler if:
It is older than 10 years. Boilers start to show their age around the 10 year mark. If your boiler gets up to 15 years old, it has officially reached its maximum life capacity and should probably be replaced.
If you have done multiple repairs per year. At some point, the cost to repair a constantly malfunctioning boiler will outweigh the cost it takes to replace it. If you are having to repair your boiler 3-5 times a year, you might want to consider getting a new boiler installed.
If you detect a CO Leak. If there is a faint smell coming from your boiler and there are dark marks that surround the casing, this could indicate a CO leak, which is incredibly dangerous for you and your family. Get it inspected and replaced immediately if this is the case!
If you want something smaller in size and customizable options. Often times, an upgrade can make a huge difference on your personal satisfaction with the heating system in your house! If your boiler has aged, no longer has a good rating, and is an obstruction in your home, you can replace it with the best boilers in the industry.
Repair the Boiler if:
You hear any strange, re-occurring sounds, like booming, rumbling, boiling, or hissing. This could indicate many repairable issues, including overheating, scale build up, or a delayed ignition.
You notice uneven heating throughout your home. If you notice that your living room is exceptionally cold, but all the bedrooms have a warm temperature, this could indicate a problem with your boiler’s distribution of heat throughout your home.
You smell burning natural gas. This is a huge problem that requires your boiler to be inspected immediately. This could indicate a leak, or an electrical problem. If it is a CO leak, you need to get the boiler replaced immediately.
You see leaks coming from your boiler. Look for any pooling of water, any discoloration on the floor, or excessive condensation on the outside of the tank. Leaks could cause serious problems if not addressed immediately.
If you are unsure whether or not your boiler needs repaired or replaced, it is a good idea to get it inspected. In fact, annual maintenance on your boiler is one of the best ways to extend the life of your boiler, because it catches problems before they even start. Call in a local plumbing expert like Jolly Plumbing and Heating to fully inspect your boiler and make sure that it is functioning at its full potential this winter. Contact us today to schedule your Fall Boiler Inspection!