We count on our home heating systems to keep our homes comfortable and last through many long Canadian winters. But did you know that you might have to replace your boiler sooner than you think? It’s true—neglecting regular maintenance or choosing improper installation might cut your HVAC system’s lifespan short. Want to avoid an expensive boiler replacement for as long as possible? Keep reading for three valuable tips to prevent premature boiler failure.
#1: Invest in Regular Maintenance
While this might seem self-explanatory, thousands of Canadians neglect their HVAC systems every single year. Even though delayed maintenance might seem like no big deal, we’ve found that regular yearly maintenance can help your boiler last 3-5 years longer than units that haven’t been cared for.
When you partner with DirectBuy Furnace, our annual 19-point boiler inspection includes the following:
- Combustion analysis
- Heat exchanger inspection
- Flue gas temperature check
- Safety control testing
- Condensate drain clearing
#2: Bleed Your Radiators
Over time, air can become trapped in your HVAC system, which creates cold spots and strain on your boiler. Quickly troubleshoot this problem by bleeding your radiators:
- Turn the system off and let it cool completely
- Insert the key, and slowly open the valve until the hissing stops
- Close when water drips steadily
If you don’t bleed your radiator, your system will generally be much less efficient. This means higher energy bills, costly repairs, and a shortened boiler lifespan. For more information about common problems with boilers, read our previous post: 5 Common Problems with Boilers.
#3: Check Your Boiler Pressure
Boilers need consistent pressure to function properly. While a professional can help with substantial boiler pressure issues, Lower Mainland homeowners can easily monitor their pressure with three simple steps. First, locate the pressure gauge. It is usually mounted to the front of your unit. Next, regularly check the pressure when in use. We recommend weekly checks during peak season. For most systems, your pressure should be between the 1 and 2 lines, which is 12-30 psi. Finally, contact a qualified HVAC professional to fix this issue if your boiler pressure is consistently too high or too low. If your boiler pressure is too high, this can lead to premature boiler failure, meaning you’ll have to replace your unit sooner than you’d like.
To Replace or to Repair?
Even if everything goes according to plan, sometimes replacing your boiler is the only option, especially for boilers over 10 years old. As a general rule of thumb, you should consider a boiler replacement if you are paying more than half a new system’s price. For example, if servicing the boiler in your Coquitlam home will cost $5000, but a new high-efficiency model will only cost $8000, we recommend exploring your options. For more information about when to replace your boiler, read our previous post: 4 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Boiler.
Trust DirectBuy Furnace for Boiler Replacement in Coquitlam, Richmond, and the Lower Mainland
With over 15 years of serving Coquitlam, Richmond, and Vancouver residents, DirectBuy Furnace is your go-to service provider for all things HVAC. Whether you need yearly maintenance on your Noritz boiler unit or want to explore replacing your home’s system altogether, our team is ready to help. Contact us today for a free quote and more information about our financing options!