Financing Options are Available!

Learn More

How Long Does a Boiler Last?

A boiler plays an integral role in your house. It is a major investment, so it’s good to know how long you should expect it to last.  Of course that answer can vary significantly and is dependent on a few things. These include the kind of boiler that you have, if it has been properly maintained, what the weather conditions are, and some other factors.

For example, a cast iron water boiler last longer than a cast iron steam boiler. Boilers can be affected by things such as the water quality, radiators, and leaking water pipes. If there are corrosive water conditions, you need to make sure the water is properly conditioned.

Another good example would be a high efficiency, condensing gas boiler. These should last for about 15 years or longer, but it must be properly installed and maintained. Golden West’s HVAC team can help you make an informed decision about which kind of boiler works best for your specific needs.

Boiler Installation 

You should hire a licensed HVAC company to ensure that your boiler is properly installed. You want to make sure that you’re getting the maximum results and many years of quality service. A boiler is designed to create heat, but if there are mistakes made throughout the attached piping, then you may not get desirable results.

A professional heating contractor will be able to ensure there is correct placement of circulators, expansion tanks, zone valves, and venting so you will get the desired results and your boiler will live up to its expectations.

If the boiler and its components are not properly installed, then the boiler will not operate as intended. It will not live up to the manufacturer’s expectations. It has been reported that most repairs made to boilers are because of the improper installation of the boiler and/or its components.

Maintaining Your Boiler 

Many people think that if the boiler is properly installed there is nothing left to do. That is far from the truth. Annual maintenance should be done by a professional heating technician. When it comes to boiler maintenance, they must regularly clean the heat exchangers and that will require less energy to be needed for proper heating of the home.

The cleaner the unit’s heat exchanger, the more efficient the boiler will operate.  When the technician is servicing the home’s boiler, they also will check the system for leaks. Even the smallest of leaks can cause problems.

The boiler control should be checked annually for any errors. The technician will check to see that the boiler is running as it is intended.

Boiler Size And Quality 

Choosing the correct boiler size also plays a major role in the lifespan. Your professional heating technician will be able to help you assess your needs and determine what size boiler you need to keep your house comfortable.

Unfortunately, many people have boilers larger than they need installed. An oversized boiler is often caused by the installer not completing a comprehensive calculation of heat loss. If your boiler is too large, it will short cycle, which means that it will kick on and then shut off very frequently.

The frequent off and on processes are more damaging to the unit than running for a long time period. The frequent off and on will cause unnecessary wear and tear as well as permanent damage. Also, remember that you get what you pay for, so if you want to get the best results and the longest lifespan, you should choose a well-built, high-quality boiler.

It is also important to buy a boiler that is made from better parts with a higher level of attention to its manufacturing process. You  want to make sure you choose a well-trained boiler installer who understands how the process works and who will make sure that everything is done as it should be.

Affected By The Season 

The length of the colder months and the temperatures play a role in your boiler’s lifespan as well. For example, a boiler will be used more in Alaska than in Tennessee. The longer, colder winters are going to lead to more runtime.

If it is time for a new boiler, call Golden West Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning. We have worked on thousands of boilers over the years!

Skip to content