Owning a home means dealing with maintenance dilemmas from time to time. Sometimes you have to decide if you should repair or replace certain components. This is especially true regarding boiler systems, which can be costly to attend to. Your boiler takes care of heating your home, and it's essential to keeping you warm, so making the right choice is important. Read on to better understand how to choose whether boiler repair or replacement makes more sense.

Cost

The primary factor to consider when deciding if boiler repair or replacement is best for your home is cost. Boiler repair costs depend on a variety of factors, including the type of boiler you have, how long it's been in place, and the extent of any damage or malfunction. In general, newer boiler systems are more expensive than older ones, at least when it comes to upfront costs. However, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, older boiler systems only operate at 56% to 70% efficiency. Modern systems, on the other hand, offer up to 98.5% efficiency, converting nearly all the fuel to useful heat for your home. In other words, a boiler replacement is a worthwhile investment if you can afford it.

Efficiency

A boiler that is more than 10 years old may be operating far below its original efficiency. In such cases, boiler repair may not be enough to restore the system to good working order. An inefficient boiler can cost a lot to operate. Boiler replacement is the best way to make sure you're getting maximum efficiency and lower energy bills.

Safety

Regular boiler maintenance is essential for the safety of you and your family. If you ignore damage and neglect to invest in boiler repair when you need it, it can lead to accidents. For example, boiler corrosion may lead to problems like explosions and water leakage. Regular boiler repair and maintenance will prevent these accidents from taking place.

Leaks

Speaking of boiler leaks, boiler repair is often sufficient if you catch a leak early on. However, be mindful of constant leaks. Leaks can result in high energy bills due to water loss, and constant leaks may signal that a boiler is beyond repair or that replacement would be a better solution. If your boiler has a major leak when you are away, you may come back to a flooded floor. That, of course, can lead to extensive water damage, which costs even more money to repair.

Convenience

Your boiler works hard to keep your home warm. If you're not confident that boiler repair will provide the results you need, replacement is the best option for peace of mind and convenience. With boiler replacement, you can be sure that your boiler is operating at maximum efficiency and will last for a long time.

Sanitation

If boiler repair fails to fix a problem, you may have a sanitation issue. You need access to hot water to properly clean your dishes and clothes. Your boiler may be the source of bacteria in the water that can lead to health problems. While a cold shower may be refreshing in intense summer months, a hot shower or bath is the standard way to clean the body. Of course, you must also be able to wash your hands throughout the day; this is even more vital in a pandemic. Boiler repair may be able to fix these issues at first. However, if your boiler keeps breaking down and increasing downtime without hot water access, replacement is the wise solution.

Preparing for Move-Out

If you're preparing to move out of your current home, boiler replacement is a good way to increase the value and appeal of your property. A boiler in good working condition is essential for buyers who want a reliable system that will keep their families warm and comfortable.

Deciding between boiler repair or replacement can be a difficult task. It depends on the age and condition of your boiler, as well as how much you can afford to spend. Consider the efficiency, safety, and cost of boiler repair versus boiler replacement. A boiler technician can provide you with more information to help you make the best decision for your home. The HVAC professionals at NorthStar Services are experts at maintaining, upgrading, and replacing boilers. Give us a call today so we can make sure your home always has safe and reliable access to hot water!