Imagine waking up on a frigid January morning. Your radiator is cold. There is no hot water for the shower. Your old boiler has finally quit. This could be avoided if you keep an eye on its age and replace it before it breaks down.
At Max Sr. and Paul Schoenwalder Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, we have 109 years of home heating experience. This includes providing boiler service in Kenilworth, New Jersey. We believe it is better to prevent a problem than to fix an emergency problem. Here are a few tips to help you identify the age of your boiler and determine when it might be time to replace it.
Average Lifespan of a Boiler
Most of the time boilers sit in the basement living life unnoticed. Unlike other household appliances, boilers can last a long time. This is why people forget to keep track of their age.
Boilers can last 20 years from the date of manufacture. They last longer than furnaces and heat pumps, but they still need to be replaced after two decades.
We have all heard the stories from friends of boilers that have lasted generations. These tales lead homeowners to think boilers can last much longer than they do. A replacement can sometimes be a cost-effective solution for an aging boiler. Especially if you already have the piping in place.
How to Check the Age of Your Boiler?
If you are not the first owner of the home you may not know the age of your boiler. On the boiler, you should find a plate. The plate should have the year of manufacture. If the year of manufacture is not listed on the plate look for the serial number. You can also call the manufacturer. The manufacturer should be able to tell you the year the boiler was made based on the serial number.
Replace Your Boiler Before It Reaches the End of Its Life
Consider replacing your boiler if it is approaching 20 years old. You can then avoid an emergency replacement. This allows you to schedule the service at a time of your convenience. It also allows you to avoid the winter months when heating repair and installer businesses are at their busiest.
Is the price of your fuel source stable but your heating costs are rising? This might be a signal to evaluate the age of your boiler. Leaks or increased CO2 emissions are also signals to check on the age of your boiler and consider a replacement.
Replacing may also mean upgrading. Upgrading could help you save on your heating bill. Your technician can explain the differences between gas hydronic (hot water), steam boilers, oil-to-gas conversions, and gas condensing boilers. Even old oil heating systems can be upgraded to modern technology.
Established in 1912, Max Sr & Paul Schoenwalder Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, A Corp. is your trusted resource for reliable boiler service in Kenilworth and beyond. Reach out to us today.