The Reasons Why Gas Boilers Need to Be Replaced

The old dependable gas boiler may have acquitted itself splendidly in its service to your family over the years. However, even the trusted workhorse has a lifespan and will eventually run its course, piling up maintenance costs. Reduced efficiency and the increased risk of gas leaks become apparent with age creating the need for replacement.

Preempting total breakdown before it happens will save you from a freezing night in the middle of winter and a costly unbudgeted replacement. Even when still resilient and operational, the gas boiler loses efficiency with age and consumes more in maintenance costs. Standards are also changing as carbon emission laws take effect requiring modern heating systems.

Old age

Gas boilers can work efficiently under the right conditions for over a decade. However, as they head beyond 15 years, the strain begins to show and structural integrity deteriorates. There comes a time when even the best maintenance will not yield efficiency and the best thing to do is complete replacement.

So, what will replace gas boilers for those considering change? Two options: you could retain the boiler system by switching from the common regular type to a sealed system boiler, or you could go electric for a more carbon-free alternative. An unvented cylinder system boiler has better fuel efficiency than the traditional gas boiler. Electric radiators by Best Electric Radiators, Haverland and Ecostrad are highly popular because of their smart features that lead to energy efficiency.

Increased maintenance costs

As the gas boiler ages, so does the maintenance cost escalate with frequent repairs. When you have to fix or replace components more frequently over a given period, it is a sign that the boiler is past its useful potential. Frequent component failure can also escalate the risk of gas leaks and explosions endangering the lives of loved ones.

Increased maintenance costs go side by side with fuel costs as the boiler fails to work optimally. Emergency repairs in winter can be a challenge with the heightened demand for technicians and you do not want to expose your family to freezing temperatures. Move fast and replace the old gas boiler to save on costs and protect your family.

Loss of potency

Generally, most gas boilers will lose efficiency beyond 15 years of operation. You notice that the boiler is not generating sufficient heat as it did before and the drop in temperature is noticeable. Sometimes you will also notice that some rooms or even parts of a room are not as warm as expected.

These are signs and reasons enough to convince you that it’s time to replace the gas boiler. At this stage in the lifespan of the boiler, it starts losing nearly 40% of the energy used for heating the home and water and it can only get worse. Loss of potency is a consequence of reduced efficiency and is a source of great discomfort in the home.

Signs of discoloration

Gas boilers use gas burners for combustion to generate the heat required and heat water as well. Ensure you constantly inspect your gas boiler installation to check for any signs that might indicate component failure. One such sign is discoloration seen as yellow flames on gas burners.

A yellow flame on your gas boiler’s burners is an indication that they are no longer combusting gas efficiently or completely. Unburned gas hovering around in your home is a potential disaster waiting to happen as this can ignite and set the property ablaze. Gas that is not completely combusted can cause carbon monoxide to build up in the home and lead to respiratory complications or even death. Don’t wait for the worst to happen, replace the gas boiler.

Frequent leaks

Gas boiler leaks are potentially dangerous if left unattended and can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning or explosion. Leaks also cause corrosion and rust to the piping that eventually compromises performance, while water leaks create dampness and weaken house structures. If these leaks cannot be stopped completely and they keep recurring, it is best to replace the gas boiler.

The likely causes for boiler leaks to look for include defects in the pump, damaged heat exchanger, extreme pressure and temperatures, and bad plumbing. Get a professional to undertake a technical assessment before deciding on repairs or replacement. Unless you want to rebuild your home, stay ahead of boiler leaks and replace them if necessary to avoid costly structural damage to the building.