Boilers are still used today because they’re great ways to heat your home, but they run into problems from time to time. Just like other HVAC systems, your boiler will eventually hit a point of failure and break down. The trick is finding out about it before it happens, and that’s what we’re going to teach you today.
Before you need boiler repair in Winnetka, IL, you should know what to look for so that you can prevent these issues from springing up in the first place. Here’s how you can avoid those expensive repair bills.
It’s Just Getting Old
That may seem pretty head-on, but it’s the best way to tell if your boiler is starting to die out on you. As a general rule of thumb, a boiler will last for 15-20 years with proper maintenance and care. So if it’s pushing the higher end of that scale, it’s already likely to be on its last leg.
When your boiler is old, you run into repair requirements far more often. Eventually, it’s not worth it to keep repairing the same unit, and you have to look for a replacement. A new installation saves you money compared to what you’d pay in repairs just for your boiler to die in the next year or two anyway.
It Keeps Making Odd Noises Out of Nowhere
Your boiler makes a few sounds every now and again, but you’re used to those. We’re talking about sudden noises that seemed to stem from nowhere, ones that sound alarming.
These noises could be loud clanging or soft whistling noises. Either way, it needs to be checked out by a technician who knows what to look for and how to locate the problem quickly. If the sound is particularly loud, it may be a cause for an emergency repair call.
It’s Just Losing Efficiency
Your energy bills can go up steadily over time, and the reason could be a boiler that’s losing efficiency. If you get your boiler tuned up once a year and it’s still taking too long to heat your home, it means it’s expending extra energy. More than it’s supposed to, for sure.
The one way you’ll notice this is if it doesn’t shut off for a while during heating cycles. A usual boiler cycle doesn’t have to be 15-20 minutes: it may be longer or shorter depending on your boiler and how much pipe it has to work through. But if you time your boiler every now and again and record it, you’ll be able to tell when it’s taking too long in the future.
Know the Signs Before It’s Too Late
Your boiler could be in a bit of trouble, or it could just be a bit older and running towards the end of its lifespan, and maybe it’s not there yet. If any of these signs jumped out at you, it’s worth getting an inspection so a certified technician can see what the issue is.
Contact us today to schedule your boiler repair as soon as possible.