Many Massachusetts homes have boilers rather than furnaces installed. A boiler is a heating appliance that uses forced hot water, or steam, in order to heat the home. A furnace, by comparison, uses forced hot air. Given the fact that New England is prone to having long, harsh winters, it’s important for homeowners to be aware of the health of their current HVAC equipment and to know when it is time to upgrade to a new boiler.

Wondering if replacing your boiler might be the next best step for you? You might be surprised to find out that there are many benefits to buying a new boiler.

When is it Time to Replace My Boiler?

Obviously, no one wants to replace their existing boiler unnecessarily. Understanding the lifespan of your boiler and knowing the symptoms of an aging system will help you know when the time is right to buy a new boiler.

These are a few signs that you may want to be on the lookout for:

  • If your boiler is over 15 years old, it is likely time to replace it. The average boiler has a lifespan of about 15 years, and in addition, the latest models will be more effective and efficient when heating a home.
  • If your boiler does not have a good energy efficiency grade, then it may be time to consider upgrading. Each boiler is given a grade between A and G to determine its energy efficiency. A boiler with an A grade is 90 percent efficient, while one with a G grade is just 70 percent efficient. Older units are not as efficient as newer models.
  • If it is taking several minutes for your boiler to heat up, then it is time to replace your boiler. A functional boiler should be able to heat up within a matter of seconds.
  • If your rooms are no longer being heated evenly, then it may be time to replace your existing boiler. Often, this is the first sign that residents notice. They may find that one particular room is always cold, or that one area of a room never heats up properly.

Will Buying a New Boiler Reduce My Energy Costs?

For most people, purchasing a new boiler will reduce energy costs. This is due to the fact that the most modern boilers are more energy-efficient than older models, and they also are in better operating condition than a decades-old boiler.

It should be noted that the type of boiler that you purchase will have a significant impact on your energy cost savings. An experienced HVAC professional can recommend a boiler type and size that will heat your home effectively without using more energy than necessary.

For many in small residential homes with gas heat, a combi boiler is an excellent choice. This is a combination appliance that includes a boiler as well as hot water production. It works quickly and effectively and reduces energy costs significantly.

Are Service and Maintenance Plans Worth It?

Investing in a service and maintenance plan can help extend the lifespan of your new boiler and also provide you with peace of mind. HomeWorks Energy offers a preventative maintenance plan and a premier service plan for interested customers.

Find the Right HVAC Company to Install Your New Boiler

Finding the right HVAC company to install your new boiler is incredibly important. A qualified, local company is going to provide you with the information and recommendations that you need. They are not going to recommend that you replace your boiler if you do not actually need to do so.

Contacting HomeWorks Energy is a great place to start. Our team of local professionals will come to your home and complete a home energy assessment. We can determine where and how energy can be saved in the home, and we will evaluate your existing boiler in order to see if a replacement is necessary.

If you do decide to move forward with buying a new boiler, we will provide you with an estimate that is based on your own unique circumstances. For more information on replacing your boiler, contact us at HomeWorks Energy today.