A modern heating system is a decisive factor in saving energy and reducing costs. Also, a conscientious attitude towards heating can significantly affect energy consumption. Therefore, we will point out a few rules when it comes to heating – especially heating with a gas boiler. The biggest savings are when you combine both – a modern heating system and a conscientious attitude towards energy. We’ll help you with 5 tips on how to replace and maintain your gas boiler – and how to get ready for winter.
Gas Heating Systems And Their Advantage In Use
The basic step to reducing heating costs – is to invest in a modern gas condensing unit or boiler. These appliances save as much as 15% or even more energy, compared to other heating methods in the household. At the same time, they do not pollute the space in which you live – because they are insulated and they also have condensers for air purification. Besides, old devices are often poorly maintained, not tuned well, or have a clogged heat exchanger, etc. – this is further reducing their efficiency while consuming more energy or fuel. Therefore, switching to a gas boiler can bring you greater savings. It is recommended to replace the devices older than 15 years – because due to the savings, the investment will return in a maximum of 2 to 3 years.
In any case, gas installation is a good investment in the long run. However, replacements and regular boiler service are sometimes necessary. In this text, we will introduce you to the facts about when is the right time to replace a gas boiler – and what are the most common reasons for this. Of course, all this to prepare you in time for the upcoming winter season.
What Do We Need To Know About A Gas Heating System?
First and foremost, today there are many different systems which we use for heating. Moreover, there are more different types of fuel – and all of them have their advantages and disadvantages. That is why today more and more people decide to heat their homes through the gas installations. It used to be complicated, and this is especially true for residential buildings – because all the installation was connected via a central boiler supplied from the heating plant. Today it is different. Technology has advanced, and most systems have gas boilers and thermostats to regulate energy consumption. Therefore, regular maintenance of boilers and replacement as needed, in addition to savings, gives safety and security to your home.
Checkups Before The Winter Season
Although we are still cooling down because summer is underway, the heating season is approaching – so we need to make the appropriate preparations. It is still not the time to turn on the gas boiler, but it is certainly time for checkups and new purchase decisions. Especially if the boiler does not work properly. What is the biggest issue? You don’t need to make decisions too quickly! Buying new gas boilers should not be a decision in itself. You need to decide which boiler to take, check if the installation is correct, what kind of gas condensing boilers would be proper for you – and whether they are a profitable investment in your case.
Gas Boiler Replacement Tips To Get Ready For Winter
By no means, you shouldn’t do these things quickly and independently and without an expert’s help. According to NRM Plumbing and Heating, consulting an expert about buying and replacing a gas boiler is mandatory – because taking matters into your own hands can be dangerous and irresponsible. Certainly, a professional plumber-electrician will check the correctness of the boiler and installation – and bring the best solution to you. You should decide rationally. That is why we have singled out these 5 tips which will warn you that the old gas boiler should be replaced.
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1. Check The Age Of Your Boiler
If the boiler is over 15 years old, then you don’t even need to think. If nothing else, just by replacing some of the conventional, even better-condensing boilers – you’ll certainly save on the bills you pay for heating. If you don’t know how old the boiler is, just look at your gas stove. If it has a so-called pilot flame and heating is lower and the consumption is higher – then you probably have an old boiler. That means it’s time to change it because such devices have been banned in the European Union and the world for decades for consumption and safety. That means it’s absolutely time for a replacement.
2. Check The Efficiency Of The Old Boiler Before Replacement
Conduct one small experiment. Just before the heating season, while the days have just started to get colder – test your gas boiler by turning it on and letting it work. After a while, visit the room where the gas boiler is located. If the air or dust is heavy, the boiler is barely working, and the heat in the radiators is weak – that is a sign that you need a new boiler. If you experience something like this, you should consider buying a new boiler. Besides, try to remember how much money you spent on heating bills in the past period? If the costs were constantly rising, they are a signal that something may be wrong – and that professionals should be consulted. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean that every increase in accounts will require a replacement. Maybe it’s just a colder winter, some minor malfunction, gas leak, and the like. Try to remember how many times in the past few years you called a professional to repair your gas boiler. If it is more frequent than in all previous years – that is a good indicator that it needs to be changed.
3. Boiler Is Generating A Large Amount Of Carbon-Monoxide?
Let’s be clear, every combustion produces carbon monoxide, but there are certain regulations about which quantities are considered normal, and which limits we must not exceed. If you have a device for measuring the concentration of carbon monoxide, then check it out. If you don’t, just listen to your body because it will surely react to such an increase. For example, if you have frequent headaches, or you feel nausea, dizziness, etc. – then it can be a warning sign that combustion produces more carbon monoxide than it should. Therefore, this problem must be solved. Additional signs that carbon monoxide is increased is the color of the flame. If the flame is blue with occasional yellow and orange shades – then everything is fine. If it is yellow, orange, or red – it means that it produces much more carbon monoxide and that you need to call a professional and change the boiler.
4. Try To Notice Changes In The Operation Of The Old Boiler
Take this very seriously – you must not ignore strange sounds! Let’s face it, every boiler will create a certain amount of sound – but as soon as that sound becomes unbearable or strange, it’s time for a change! You must not play with this. Noise is a clear sign that something is wrong with the boiler and that you should call a professional – because the safety and security of you and your family come first. Experts will then assess on the spot whether it is more cost-effective to repair or replace it with a new boiler – but due to the risk, the boiler is generally replaced.
5. Check Room Heating
If the radiators are not equally warm, even though you increase and decrease the temperature on the boiler or thermostat – only instinct tells you that you should call the service. Experts will then assess what kind of fault it is and whether it should just be repaired – or completely replace the old gas boiler. And they will additionally check the functionality of the boiler that provides energy.
Conclusion
The replacement does not have to be expensive at all, and cost-effectiveness, savings, and safety come first. And so before the new winter season, check your gas boilers and heating system and be ready to enjoy the warmth of your home in the winter.