3 Signs You're Due for a Boiler Upgrade

January 26, 2016

Hot water boilers are among the most efficient and durable home heating systems available today. If your boiler is maintained well and serviced annually, it can provide up to 20 years of reliable service. As the equipment ages, though, you'll start to see warning signs that it's approaching the end of its useful lifespan. If you're experiencing any of the following issues, now's the time to talk to your HVAC professional about replacement before you're left without hot water and heat in the middle of a cold Iowa winter.
  • An increasing number of necessary repairs. Boilers are like other types of mechanical equipment; as they get older, they become less reliable and break down more often. Minor repairs increase in frequency, and more serious problems start to crop up. If you're facing a repair bill that's more than a third of the cost of new equipment and your boiler is 10 to 15 years old, replacing it makes good sense.
  • A decline in heating efficiency. If you have to raise the thermostat setting frequently to maintain comfort, and the water arriving at your faucets is often lukewarm instead of hot, your boiler may be on its last legs.
  • Higher energy bills. A steady yearly increase in the amount you're paying to heat your home is a clear sign your boiler's efficiency is slowly eroding. Depending on its age, your boiler's original fuel efficiency may have been as low as 56 percent. New boilers offer annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) ratings as high as 95 percent, so you can expect to see significant savings on your yearly energy bills by upgrading.
If you're concerned about the reliability of your older boiler, an experienced HVAC contractor can assess its condition and advise you about efficiency ratings, features and control options for new models that match your budget. A knowledgeable professional will also size the equipment accurately, and make sure the system is installed properly and vented safely. For an expert help determining if the boiler in your Des Moines area home needs replacement, contact us today at Lozier Heating & Cooling. Our goal is to help educate our customers in the greater Des Moines, Iowa area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  Credit/Copyright Attribution: "stoonn/Shutterstock"