Is your boiler showing signs of old age? Has it experienced leaks or outages? Or is your utility bill simply out of control and you are thinking of switching to a more energy-efficient unit? You may need to replace your commercial boiler. But how do you know when it makes sense to repair a boiler instead of replacing one?

Boiler components that can be repaired

While some boiler components can be repaired, some must be completely replaced. These parts may be able to be repaired or replaced without having to purchase a new commercial boiler.’

  • A pressure gauge indicates how the boiler is operating. If it’s broken, simply replacing the gauge could give your boiler a longer life. A professional should check that the pressure issue is a result of the gauge’not something else going on in the boiler. Maintenance staff should double-check areas where leaks occur, however. A leak indicates a major problem in the boiler that could mean complete replacement is a better solution.
  • Debris in a boiler can cause some serious issues, but if it can be cleaned out, that may resolve the issues and prevent the facility from having to purchase a brand new commercial boiler. Deposits can cause noise in the boiler, so if you hear clanging it could simply be a result of some debris or dirt in the system.
  • The thermostat of the boiler could break, which prevents the boiler from consistently distributing an equal temperature. This can lead to a spike in energy consumption, causing utility bills to soar. Check these mechanisms. Like the pressure gauge, they can often be replaced without having to purchase a new commercial boiler.

When to replace your boiler

When is the right time to throw in the towel, stop paying for frequent repairs and prevent more service interruptions? Here are a few signs that your boiler is at the end of its life and it’s time for a new one.

  • Worn electrical wiring can demonstrate that a commercial boiler is on its last limb. This poses a safety threat, and could lead to a fire. It is likely that ruined wiring in one section of the boiler could pop up in other areas. Depending on the situation, a wiring issue is cause to replace the entire boiler.
  • Rust is another issue that can indicate it is time for a new boiler. If you notice corrosion (which can simply come with time) in addition to larger problems such as leaks, the facility may be better served with a new boiler.
  • The age of the commercial boiler is ultimately a good indicator of whether or not it is the right time for replacement. Typically, commercial boilers should be replaced every 20 or so years. Oil boilers tend to wear out more quickly than gas boilers.

New boilers are more efficient and cost-effective, so switching to a new model can minimize interruptions and lower utility bills. In the short-term, the expense of buying a commercial boiler may be a hardship, but the long-term savings’and fewer repair bills’likely will make the financial outlay completely worth the investment.

Contact American Boiler Company for a thorough assessment of your commercial boiler. We can help you determine whether your boiler can benefit from a few repairs or a complete replacement, and prioritize your financial demands so everything fits within your budget.