Telltale Signs Your Boiler May Need To Be Replaced

When a boiler fails, it’s always under less-than–apt circumstances and usually happens when it's most needed. More often than not, it’s also accompanied by costly emergency repairs. Sometimes this situation can be preventable, or perhaps even avertable, when homeowners take advantage of regularly scheduled inspections and maintenance programs performed by an experienced and qualified contracting company. The company should inspect the boiler systems at least once a year.

During these inspections, the following points should be observed:

1. Ensure the shut off valves are functioning properly, and check for any water leakage. If there are any signs of potential leakage, the technician should do a leak check.
2. Look for broken pieces or cracks on the refractory. You want to make certain the refractory maintains its integrity and is properly protecting critical parts of the boiler.


3. The pressure gauge, controls, safety devices, safety valves and indicators (including the low-water cutoffs and regulators), and the pressure release valve should all be carefully examined. If any of these are not functioning properly, the boiler could be at risk for major structural damage.

4. Inspection and cleaning of fuel feed system and burners, particularly if the boiler uses liquid fuels. Neglecting these items could result in higher fuel costs and less effective heating. Additionally, fuel filters should also be cleaned or replaced to support effective fuel flow and avoid damage to the unit.


5. Clean boiler heat transfer surfaces routinely to remove buildup. With an oil-fired boiler, there may be soot residue. Soot will insulate and undermine the efficiency of the heat transfer between combustion gas and steam or hot water generation. 

If you’ve already missed a few regularly scheduled inspections and annual maintenance, here are a few points to consider when it’s time to replace your boiler:

1.  Age and warranties. While some older boilers fare well with routine inspections and maintenance programs, the efficiency of such units may be much lower than today’s boilers. Often, the energy savings alone can pay for the cost of a new boiler replacement within a year or two.
2. Energy expenditures. Be mindful of increasing energy bills and the costs of boiler preservation. As the boiler becomes less efficient, the bills will rise and more servicing will be required. 
3.  Increased Unreliability. This is a clear indication that it is time to think about upgrading your system.
4. Carbon Monoxide. Fuel may not be burning properly and may be creating carbon monoxide if the flames are yellow on gas burners, or if there is black soot on oil boilers. It is recommended that CO2 detectors be installed. 
5.  Leaks. A boiler nearing the end of its lifecycle will require additional make-up water or leak. This could lead to a costly flood or critical damage to your boiler and/or property.
6. It’s possible that the unit and its controls are no longer effective, if room temperatures seem to vary between too hot or too cold throughout the day.
7. Seek out a reputable, licensed and insured contracting company, like Stashluk, that offers annual safety inspections and boiler maintenance services. Stashluk has proudly been serving our community for over 6 decades and has the knowledge and experience to replace, upgrade or install your new boiler. There are many reliable, effective and quality system options out there. Please contact us on (908) 277-6200 to purchase an inspection plan, schedule maintenance or book an appointment for an estimate and let us make some recommendations.

Even if a boiler still has some life to it, it may not be the worst idea to start thinking about an upgrade to a newer, more efficient system. By planning ahead, you may be able to reap the benefits of energy savings, efficiency and comfort. You may also avoid a ‘no-heat’ situation during the winter months and a costly emergency replacement.