There are many types of heating options available for customers to choose from, far more than there were a few decades ago. However, most people still rely on a furnace or a boiler as their main source of heat, especially in homes that were built fifty or sixty years ago. According to the US Department of Energy, “Most U.S. homes are heated with either furnaces or boilers. Furnaces heat air and distribute the heated air through the house using ducts. Boilers heat water, and provide either hot water or steam for heating.”
Standard boilers can last around 20 years or so before needing to be replaced, but if you’ve lived in your home for several years already and aren’t sure how old your boiler is then keep an eye out for the following tips. Now that the weather is getting colder, you’ll want to make sure that your boiler is in excellent working order and that it won’t leave you in a tight spot by breaking down in the middle of winter.
1. Energy Consumption
The first sign that there may be an issue in regards to your boiler is if your Kent home’s energy consumption increases dramatically. If you’ve noticed that your utility meter is much higher or if there’s been an unexpected increase in your monthly energy bill, then this could be an indication that your boiler is on its way out the door. Newer boilers have the added benefit of being more efficient overall, so a replacement boiler is all but guaranteed to save you some money utility-wise.
2. Leaks
If your boiler is leaking water, then that could also be a sign that you need a new and improved boiler. Leaks from a boiler tend to be a clue that the rest of the appliance is not functioning properly and that something inside has either worn down or become disconnected.
3. Foul Smell
Strange or foul smells present near your boiler are never a good thing. Carbon monoxide and other gases can escape from a boiler if the connections have become damaged so it’s always best to call a professional for help if you’re worried about gas leaks.
4. Unfamiliar Noises
Appliances typically don’t make loud or unfamiliar sounds out of the blue. If your boiler starts making strange noises, most likely it is the boiler letting you know that there’s an issue.
5. No Heat
Another big clue that it may be time for a new boiler is if there’s no heat when you turn it on. An older boiler may take longer to get up and running, especially in the winter, but if you notice that there’s no heat coming out of your vents or that the hot water doesn’t seem to be working, then you’ll either need to replace or repair it.
Replacing your boiler can be a real pain, especially if it happens smack dab in the middle of Winter, but it doesn’t have to be. Green City Heating & Air has a tremendous amount of experience when it comes to helping our customers in Kent and King County make an informed decision about which heating solution is right for them. Give us a call today and inquire about our boiler installation, repair, and maintenance services.
