When To Replace Your Boiler in Westwood, MA?

Numerous homeowners in Westwood, MA, depend on their boilers for space heating during the colder months of the year when temperatures dip to the low 20s. However, these units have a finite lifespan. Most people know they will have to replace theirs at some point. But when exactly? What are the signs you need to watch out for?

Pro Comfort Control, the premier provider of HVAC services in Westwood, MA, looks at when to replace your boiler.

When It’s Too Old

You should replace your boiler when it’s nearing the end of its lifespan. How old is too old, though? Well-maintained boiler systems last 10 to 20 years. Therefore, if your boiler is older than 15 years, you should be on the market for a replacement.

As with most appliances in this segment, the exact lifespan will come down to a number of factors, including the brand you’ve chosen and your maintenance habits.

When It Takes Too Long To Heat Water

Why does a boiler take ages to heat up water? Most units in excellent shape can heat up water in a few short minutes. That’s how they deliver a continuous supply of hot water whenever you need it. If you find that your boiler takes too long to heat water and repairs haven’t helped much, that’s the clearest sign that you should install a new unit.

When It’s Noisy While Working

Boilers in excellent shape don’t run completely quietly, but they don’t make more than the odd quiet whirring as the pump circulates water or the occasional clicking sounds from the thermostat.

If you’re thinking about when to replace your boiler, “when it gets too noisy” should be high on your list. But before you jump to the replacement, you should call in a technician to confirm the cause of the noise. Sometimes, bleeding the system and lowering the thermostat by a couple of degrees can reduce the noise.

When It Has Leaks Across Several Sections

A leaking boiler can cause a major headache. When it leaks in several sections, it’s an emergency. A severely leaky boiler can lead to costly structural damage. Additionally, water leaks can damage electrical parts of the system.

If your boiler system has leaks in several locations, it may be cheaper to replace the unit entirely. There’s no guarantee that a new leak won’t develop elsewhere after repairs.

When It Needs Frequent Repairs

It’s normal to repair parts of your boiler system occasionally as it ages. However, if you find yourself calling your HVAC company almost every month about the unit, then it’s time to schedule a replacement. Many people put off boiler replacement too long to avoid paying that upfront cost.

However, repair costs can add up quickly. Calculate how much you’ve spent on repairs in the last year, and you may find that you’ve already spent up to 50% of the cost of a new unit.

When the Parts Are Hard To Find

Are you thinking about when to replace your boiler because you can no longer readily find key parts on the market? The right answer is “right now.” Your technician may use all their connections and resources to find this one part this time, but you will have to go through it all over again if another part needs replacement.

You’re better off replacing the unit now so you won’t find yourself in need of emergency boiler replacement during the coldest days of the month here in Westwood, MA.

When Temperatures Are No Longer Consistent

A boiler in excellent shape will keep every part of your home warm and also deliver hot water consistently. If your system has issues with temperature consistency, then that’s your cue to start thinking about a replacement.

Of course, temperature issues aren’t always the final nail in the boiler’s coffin. An experienced technician might find a way to tackle the problem and improve system performance. However, if they’ve done their best to fix the issue without success, you should install a new boiler system.