Boiler systems are known for their incredible durability to the point where it’s become a bit of a running joke. You’ve probably seen boilers in cartoons or TV shows from back in the day, where it was coming up on its 20th, 30th, or even 40th birthday. It’s definitely true that a boiler can outlast a forced-air heating system, but there’s an important thing to consider when evaluating how long a boiler can last.
How long should your boiler system last?
Boilers can last well into their second decade most of the time, but this might not be a good economic decision for you and your family. Just because a boiler can last for multiple decades doesn’t mean it should, and you might be paying for it down the line. Let’s talk about why boiler replacement in Warsaw, IN might be better earlier than later.
Why Boilers Last So Long
First off, we need to talk about why a boiler might last longer than a furnace or other forced-air heating system. The truth is that boilers have fewer moving components since they mostly rely on water to do the trick when it comes to actually heating your home.
Think about it, a furnace requires a powerful blower fan to propel the heated air into your home. Years of working at high speeds with a lot of power can cause the system to break down in only 10 or 15 years. With a boiler, the only part that’s moving at high speeds is specifically the water in the pipes, and the rest of the system just monitors the temperature and pressure of the water. This allows the system to last a long time since it’s not really moving as much as a different type of heater, but it still provides adequate heat for your home.
How Long Can a Boiler Last?
Since there are fewer moving parts in a boiler than a forced-air heating system like a heat pump or a furnace, boilers can last up to 20 years doing diligent service for your home before you might want to consider retiring it. It’s true, a boiler can last longer than 20 years, but that leads to the next part.
How Long Should a Boiler Last?
Just because a boiler can last 30 years doesn’t mean it should. These systems can start to run up costs that you didn’t expect to pay for as they get older. Here are just three reasons to replace your boiler after 15 or 20 years of hard work.
- Efficiency levels. Newer boilers will run more efficiently than older ones, and this means less gas or electricity that you need to pay for to heat your home.
- Constant leaks. An older boiler suffers from wear and tear, corrosion, and other forces of nature, causing leaks to be more frequent.
- Sediment and pressure problems. Over time, sediment can settle in the pipes of your boiler system, and the system can also have trouble monitoring the pressure. Be sure to replace the boiler with one that can adequately keep the water at the right temperature and pressure.
Collier’s Heating & Air Conditioning can set you up with a boiler replacement today. Just schedule an appointment with a boiler specialist!
