Winter is coming up, and if you haven’t already turned on your boiler for heating, you soon will. Like most homes in Suffolk County, you probably only use your boiler for a few months of the year, which means that some problems can go unnoticed until it’s too late.
You can try starting your boiler today and look for three crucial signs that it’s time for a boiler replacement. Soundview HVAC is your local heating and cooling contractor, ready to assist with any of your winter heating needs.
01: Your Boiler is Knocking, Rumbling, or Whistling Like a Kettle
Unusual sounds from an old boiler can indicate that it’s approaching the end of its lifespan.
The most common causes of knocking and other boiler noises include:
- Severe limescale buildup.
- Sludge buildup.
Blockages in the boiler force it to overheat and boil, which puts immense stress on the system. This lowers efficiency and increases the risk of a fracture. A boiler contractor can evaluate the system and perform a flush. However, some buildup causes irreversible damage that a simple flush won’t fix.
02: There’s a Severe Leak When You Start Your Boiler
Visible leaks or signs of rust and mineral stains indicate that your boiler could have damaged seals or, in the worst case, a fracture. Repairing seals is straightforward, but a fracture is often uneconomical to repair. Don’t ignore leaks because they typically worsen with time.
Soundview HVAC can inspect your boiler to evaluate the leak and offer a potential boiler repair or recommend a boiler replacement. There’s a simple calculation you can apply in this case. If the repair costs more than 50% of a replacement, or if your boiler is near replacement age, then it’s best to start fresh with a new boiler installation.
03: Your Boiler is Over 15 Years Old
Boilers are dependable, but they eventually break down to a point where a new boiler installation is more economical. It’s time to consider a replacement if your boiler is over 15+ years old.
- Your Boiler Loses Efficiency with Time: Less efficiency means higher heating bills. Older boilers often run at around 60% to 80% efficiency, meaning that as much as 40% of your energy spending is lost.
- There’s an Increased Breakdown Risk: Components like the pump, control panels, and heat exchanger are much more likely to fail with age. If you want reliable home heating all winter, you should talk to an HVAC contractor about a potential boiler replacement.
- Consider Repair History: Did you call a Suffolk County boiler technician for repairs last year, and maybe the year before, and a couple of years before that? As repair frequency increases, you will pay more to maintain your boiler rather than simply replacing it.
Soundview HVAC offers a range of boilers to protect your home and family from Long Island’s frigid winter temperatures.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Efficient are Modern Boilers?
Modern condensing boilers can reach efficiency levels above 90%, meaning that almost no energy is wasted when converted to heat. High-efficiency boilers cost more, but they can generate impressive savings over an expected lifespan of 15 to 20 years.
Does Soundview HVAC Install Energy Star Boilers?
Yes, we install Energy Star-rated boilers from America’s leading manufacturers. We will provide a range of options based on your budget and heating needs.
Suffolk County’s Best Heating Professionals Can Help with Boiler Repair and Replacement
Soundview HVAC has served Suffolk County since 2000. We are licensed to service all types of domestic boilers. We will provide a detailed service to ensure you get the most cost-efficient solution when your boiler isn’t working.
- We will recommend boiler repairs whenever they are economical and practical.
- We only recommend new boiler installations in cases where the boiler is damaged beyond repair, too expensive to repair, or when there’s a high risk of continued breakdowns and loss of heating.
Installing a new boiler will ensure your home is comfortable this winter and for many winters to come. There are also added benefits like a new manufacturer’s warranty, and coverage from our Peace of Mind Guarantees, including an Installation Workmanship Guarantee, and a 24-Hour Service Guarantee to ensure help is available whenever you have heating concerns.
Do you suspect that your boiler is about to fail? Book a detailed inspection or 24/7 boiler repair service by calling Soundview HVAC at 631-209-1744 today.
