When Should I Replace My Boiler? A Michigan Tech Answers

Wondering if it’s time to invest in a new boiler?

The first thing you’ll want to consider is the age of your system. On average, boilers generally last anywhere from 15 to 20 years before they need to be replaced. If your boiler falls within that age range (or exceeds it), that’s the first sign you may need to replace your boiler soon.

However, just because your boiler is old doesn’t necessarily mean you need to replace it immediately—some boilers last a few years past the estimated expiration date. In addition to the age of your system, you should also look for the following signs that indicate you should replace your old boiler soon:

1. Higher-than-normal energy bills
2. Frequent repairs
3. Leaks in the body of the boiler
4. Increased discomfort in your home

We’ll explain each of these telltale signs in more detail below.

Need a new boiler? Call Thornton & Grooms today. Our Replacement Specialists can help you find the perfect boiler for your home and give you upfront, honest pricing for the job.

Have you noticed that your monthly energy bills have steadily increased over time, even though you haven’t used your boiler any differently?

If so, that’s usually a sign that your boiler is nearing the end of its lifespan. You see, as a boiler gets older, it gradually loses efficiency as parts wear out. As the efficiency of the boiler decreases, your monthly energy bills will increase.

The bad news is, if you find yourself in this situation, your boiler is only going downhill from here. It’s usually just a matter of time before it fails for good—and you’ll have to pay higher energy costs until it finally kicks the bucket.

We recommend replacing your old boiler sooner rather than later, that way you don’t have to waste money on expensive energy costs. Plus, new boilers have higher efficiency ratings compared to old boilers, which means you’ll enjoy even lower energy bills than you did when your old boiler was in its prime.

Has your boiler needed frequent repairs recently? If so, that’s usually a sign it needs to be replaced soon.

As boilers age, it’s not uncommon for its parts to break down and malfunction. While you can keep paying for repairs to keep your old boiler running for a few more years, it’s usually a better investment to put that money towards a new system.

When you purchase a new boiler, you don’t have to worry as much about repairs because the equipment is brand new. And in the rare event that a new part fails because of a manufacturing defect, the cost to replace or repair the broken part will be covered under the new warranty.

Over time, the body of a boiler can form cracks because of corrosion or stress fractures in the metal. If these cracks get to the point where they start leaking water, it means you’ll need to replace the boiler ASAP to avoid costly water damage.

Unfortunately, severe cracks cannot usually be repaired. And in the rare instance they can be repaired, a repair would usually be prohibitively expensive. In most cases, a professional will recommend replacing the boiler altogether, especially if the leaking unit is nearing the end of its lifespan.

Does your boiler take longer to heat up your home than it did in the past? Or do your room temperatures feel colder than they should?

These signs point to an aging system that is close to giving out. Simply put, if your old boiler isn’t keeping you comfortable any more, it’s time to replace it.

Our Replacement Specialists can help you choose the perfect boiler for your home, based on your heating needs and budget. When you work with Thornton & Grooms, you can count on honest recommendations and upfront pricing from our highly-trained heating experts.

To learn more about what to expect when you hire us, visit our boiler installation service page.