Boilers are well known for being reliable and sturdy. Many of us have encountered that family member or neighbor who boasts about having a boiler that has “been kicking for fifty years!” Here’s the thing though—they aren’t made to do that. At least, they aren’t made to do that well.
That boiler may truly be fifty years old, but it certainly isn’t doing its job without trouble and likely is using way more energy than it should.
Chances are that you have a boiler that’s younger than fifty years old but is acting up. Don’t panic, it may just need a boiler service in Orange, VA. Here’s how to find out.
Indicators Your Boiler Needs Repairs
If you notice any of these warning signs, then it is a good idea to reach out to a professional technician for boiler repairs.
- The boiler makes strange noises while in use. The next time your boiler is running, we’d advise taking time to listen to any sounds it’s making. Is it a noise other than the sound of heating water? If you pick up on sounds like crackling, whistling, or hissing then you’ll want to have your boiler checked. These noises can indicate sediment buildup in the tank or even a problem with a pressure valve.
- It heats the house slowly or ineffectively. Your boiler provides heated water that runs through your radiant heating system to warm your home. This should be a process that occurs somewhat quickly. If you are finding yourself waiting for a half hour or more for any kind of temperature change, then you may want to get your boiler assessed to see if it needs repairs.
- You can see signs of a leak around the boiler. Leaks are always a problem, including when they affect your boiler. There may be leaks in the pipes connected to the boiler or the seals around the connection points. There may also be a leak in the tank of the boiler itself which could indicate the need for a replacement.
- Poor energy efficiency. Running your boiler heater is going to cost you energy but it shouldn’t cost you too much. Large spikes in your energy bills are an indicator that your boiler is struggling and may need repairs.
These are just some of the warning signs that you should watch for. If you have picked up on any other issues with your boiler, then it is a good idea to have it examined by a professional technician.
So … If My Boiler Is Fifty, Should I Replace It?
Let us be blunt: yes. As we said, these systems aren’t meant to be in use for that long. We also offer boiler replacements so please reach out to us if your system is this old. After a certain point, it costs more than it is worth and can be a safety hazard.
We can’t control the weather outside of your home, but we can control the weather inside your home. Contact Mack Morris Heating & Air Conditioning for your next boiler service.