An average boiler can easily last for 20 years or more if it is properly maintained. There is no doubt that the more you pay attention to your boiler, the longer it will last. A more pertinent question is, what can be done to prolong the life of a boiler? Read on to discover how you can increase the lifespan of your boiler.
7 Ways to Increase Your Boiler’s Lifespan:
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Here are 7 ways to extend the life of your boiler, as well as a few things to look for to decide if it’s time to replace it. You can also find information on how to make your boiler last longer.
1. Invest in your boiler’s servicing
To extend your boiler’s lifespan, it is important you invest in annual servicing. Servicing allows identifying early issues before they can become irreparable. These expensive problems can be diagnosed and addressed well in time.
However, only a certified engineer should carry out the annual servicing. It is not a lay person’s job. In fact, according to the law, you cannot even detach the lid of the boiler unless you are registered with the Gas Safe Authority.
Make sure your hired engineer shows you his identification that you can verify online to check his registrations with the relevant authorities. If you wish for your manufacturer’s warranty to remain valid, it is compulsory to invest in annual servicing.
2. Bleed out the radiators
Over time, air can find its way into the heating system. However, the automatic air vent installed inside the boiler can release this air, there are still chances that air can go into the radiators and settle at the top.
You can easily sense if there is hot air on the lower end of your radiator and cold air on the upper end. To fix this, you will have to let your radiator bleed out. Get a radiator key that is easily available at any plumbing store.
Put the key on the bleed point present towards the upper end of your radiator. If you turn that radiator key, you can hear the excess air bleeding out.
3. Get a magnetic filter
The system filter is a plastic or metallic part that is installed on the returning pipes connecting to the central heating system. Inside this component, there is a strong magnet that performs the job of accumulating sludge as the boiler is used.
You can find this system filter on the returning pipework in close vicinity to the boiler. The main reason that the filter is connected close to the boiler is that it can accumulate the slide before it can hamper the system of the boiler and clog its pipes. This small component simply helps strengthen the durability of the boiler.
Another great thing is that you can easily clean this filter by hiring a certified boiler company every year during your annual boiler inspection and repair.
4. Install A System Inhibitor
An inhibitor is a special solution that prevents corrosion of the boiler and is attached to the central heating system. It actively reduces the accumulation of dirt and sludge inside the boilers increasing their lifespan.
At the same time, you must know that the anatomy of the heating system is designed in a way that it comprises different metals that have the potential to break and clog the components over time. An inhibitor prevents this from happening by forming a protective layer.
In case of a leak that you may not be able to identify, everything can go haywire. Hence, it is better to rely on a professional.
5. Use it during the summer season
You may wonder why use a central heating system during the scorching heat of the summers? What is the point? But most modern-day boilers come featured with a special setting for the summer which only requires hot water.
Moreover, a boiler is a complex piece of appliance compiled using multiple components, hence, it will practically become useless if left untouched for long stretches of time such as during the summers.
So make sure you run your boiler every now and then even during the off-season to make sure it remains functional when needed.
Another benefit of this practice is that unwanted particles and dirt will not accumulate on the radiator or other components. Make sure you turn on the heating feature frequently during the summertime, so that the hot water circulates in the pipes.
6. Do Not Forget To Insulate The Pipes
Ok, so this is one boiler maintenance tip you can do by yourself. Go to the market, get some good-quality pipe insulation from a plumbing contractor and install it on your own by watching any tutorial. It wouldn’t be a burden on your pocket as well.
7. Use power flush as a preventative measure
This is not a necessity for your boiler’s maintenance routine. It is not even mandatory as a preventative measure or something that every homeowner opts for. If you are using a brand new boiler that is well-maintained, you do not need to invest in a power flush.
The collection of different metals inside the boiler can lead to the accumulation of sludge. If the systems are poorly maintained, the sludge situation can get worse over time.
One sign of sludge accumulation is that the radiators will not reach the set temperature and the lower end will remain cold and your boiler will have to work extra hard to maintain the inside temperature of your home. The sludge can enter other components of the boiler affecting its efficiency and lifespan.
Using high-pressure water and a cleaning liquid, a power flushing device will remove the sludge and make the boiler as good as new.
FAQs
What is the average cost of a boiler?
The average cost of a boiler ranges from $3,500 to $8,000. It is a significant amount that can set off smoke alarms in your ears and cause frustration. In order to avoid such a hassle, great care and attention must be paid to our boilers.
What is the average lifespan of a boiler?
The average boiler lasts between 10 and 15 years. Commercial boilers are generally more expensive, but they are expected to last between 20 and 30 years. Consumers will need to replace their boilers within this time period, depending on how often they use them and how well they maintain them.
