Keeping the energy bills down to a reasonable rate is a top priority of most homeowners.
The month to month utility bills are an expense that can be controlled, and homeowners who have lived in homes with and without a boiler understand what a difference this system can make in keeping expenses low. When an old system is on its last legs, quick action is needed so the boiler replacement process is as smooth and seamlessly as possible.
Warning Signs To Watch Out For
While a solid boiler system can provide exceptional warmth in the home, even the best built ones are going to wear out and need maintenance or outright replacement over time. There are some clear warning signs that will tell a homeowner that he/she needs to call a local plumbing specialist to start considering replacement options.
The first potential warning size is simply the age. Even when well kept up, most warranties end in 10 years (at the most), and they begin suffering from serious efficiency loss at the 15 to 20 year mark. Better to get ahead of the replacement game before the boiler breaks completely.
Other common signs include anything that is a bit out of the ordinary. Have leaks begun to appear? Are the utility bills slowly climbing as the boiler is becoming less effective in creating energy? Have you noticed any discoloration that might hint at leaking or outside condensation? These are all clear potential hints that a homeowner should consider an upgrade or replacement.
Finding A Boiler Replacement & Installation Expert
While boiler work falls under plumbing, not every local plumber is going to have the knowledge or skill to work specifically with boilers. While contacting local plumbing specialists, make sure to ask up front if they specialize in replacing a boiler. A plumber who isn’t familiar with boiler work is not going to take a chance with faking it, which makes it easier to narrow the list of potential professional service providers up front.
Word of mouth recommendations are always a great way to go, but don’t underestimate online ratings and local directories as a way to find the right professionals who know how to handle every single detail of a replacement project.
What’s The Average Cost?
The average cost for replacement can vary immensely based on a variety of factors including (but not limited to): location, labor costs, type/brand of new boiler, amount of hours/labor that go into the project. Generally speaking, the average costs for homeowners tend to fall between $3,200 and $7,200 with a few cases of extremes appearing on both sides. The average cost in 2016 was $5,127 although once again, this is a cost that is heavily dependent on area, the professionals hired to oversee the boiler change, and the amount of labor involved with removing the old system to replace it with a new one.
This is one home improvement expense that is well worth it, however. Boilers are an efficient, green friendly energy solution that helps keep cash in the pocket book, as well. That’s a pretty good deal all around.