When the weather turns bitterly cold, your home comfort depends on the reliability of your heating equipment, so you need peace of mind that it's up to the challenge. If your boiler is becoming unreliable, you probably know a replacement is on the horizon, but how do you judge exactly when to upgrade? Instead of waiting until a sudden failure leaves you without heat and hot water in the middle of winter, watch for these telltale signs that it's due for replacement:
- Advancing age. Boilers have an expected lifespan of roughly 15 years. If yours is approaching that age or older, replacing it before serious problems develop may be the smartest choice.
- An increase in repair bills. As heating equipment ages, it becomes more prone to breakdowns. If you're paying repeated repair bills, you'll need to decide whether it's worthwhile to keep pumping money into older equipment, or wiser to invest in a new model that's covered under a manufacturer's warranty.
- A decrease in heating capabilities. If your home never seems warm enough even when you dial up the thermostat, and the water coming from the faucets isn't as hot as it used to be, it's a clear indicator that your boiler's heating capabilities are on the decline.
- Steadily rising energy bills. If your utility bills are trending upward with each passing winter, a gradual drop in your boiler's energy efficiency is the most likely cause. Boilers on the market today are much more efficient than older models. Depending on your choice of new equipment, your operating costs can decrease by as much as 40 percent.
When you decide to upgrade your home's boiler, a trustworthy HVAC contractor is your best source of advice about your replacement options to help you choose the most efficient model within your budget. An experienced pro will also make sure the new equipment is sized accurately so you can enjoy optimal comfort, maximum energy efficiency and reliable performance.
If you need help determining if it's time to upgrade the boiler in your northwest Chicago suburbs home, contact us at Ibbotson Heating & Air Conditioning.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Chicago, Illinois about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about boilers and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 847-603-2233.
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