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Boiler Replacement in Port Huron
Let Us Install Your New Boiler in Port Huron or Fort Gratiot
Plenty of homeowners in the Port Huron area rely on boilers to keep themselves comfortable through our bitter winters. Unfortunately—and often at the worst possible time—these water-based systems can fail. And, when that happens, you and your family are left to fend off the cold. When help does arrive, you could find out your old boiler is past its prime and in desperate need of an upgrade or a replacement.
Making decisions about such a large expense can be frightening. Fortunately, you have Vincent's Heating & Plumbing’s boiler experts around to recommend the proper system and ease the pain of the boiler installation process.
Signs it’s time to replace your boiler
A well-made, cast-iron boiler can last more than twice as long as a forced air furnace under the right conditions. However, like all things, a boiler will wear out or become obsolete. Here are some reasons besides age why it might be time to consider replacing your boiler.
Lack of Safety Devices
There are many things that can go wrong with boilers. If it tries to run with low water, the shell might crack causing irreparable damage to the boiler. If the chimney is blocked, it may put exhaust into a living space. If the water temperature control stops working, it might heat the water uncontrollably causing an unsafe, or even catastrophic situation. Safety devices to prevent these types of events have become requirements in the last 15-20 years. However, boilers older than this may be lacking some or all of these safety features.
Odd Noises
Sometimes you will hear a “percolating” noise coming from boilers. This noise is called “kettling” or “popcorning” because of its similarity to the sound of popcorn being cooked. “Kettling” is caused by pockets of sediment that may build up inside the boiler over time if new water is added into the boiler too frequently. As the sediment heats up, pockets of air that are trapped in the sediment will burst and cause a popping noise. This sediment sits in the bottom of the boiler near the flame, and it prevents efficient heat transfer from the flame to water making the boiler lose efficiency. It can also cause the water to heat unevenly, causing hot spots on the heat exchanger that will eventually cause it to crack and leak. If this wasn’t bad enough, sediment is virtually impossible to clean out once it has built up inside your boiler. If you hear “kettling” when your boiler runs, you are nearing the eventual replacement of your boiler.
Lack of Maintenance
When boilers are not maintained, they can experience accelerated aging. This can be caused by leaks that go unnoticed causing enhanced oxidization in and around the boiler. Or it may be due to failing components that put strain on other systems inside the boiler. It is not uncommon that by the time a homeowner notices an issue with their boiler, there are multiple problems that must be addressed.
Advanced in technology
Boilers have been around for a long time, and the technology has not changed much over the years. You can get a new boiler that is almost the same as what was installed 50 years ago. However, there is newer technology available as well. If you are interested in higher efficiency, more safety, and even a boiler that can give you an endless hot shower, you can get a boiler that has all of these features. And there are usually some decent utility rebates for upgrading to higher efficiency boilers, as well.
Why a Professional Boiler Installation in Port Huron is Key
Boilers may seem similar to other appliances; however, they are quite different. Boilers are specialized pieces of equipment. They operate at hotter temperatures than water heaters and are more intricate than forced air furnaces. They must be sized properly to deliver the right amount of heat through your pipes, or they could damage the system or cause other issues. They also need to be designed in such a way that the air can be easily purged from the pipes when they need to be services. An installer needs to keep in mind whether there are radiators, baseboard, or monoflow baseboard as all of these can affect how the installation of the boiler.
The easiest way to make sure that this is done is by hiring a professional boiler service company to install your new system. With Vincent's Heating & Plumbing, you can rest assured that we will take care of all of these considerations. We have decades of experience installing and servicing boilers.
The Best Way to Protect Your Boiler Investment
Regular boiler maintenance is the best way to ensure your new system works as intended. Having it checked once a year by a professional is the best way to prevent breakdown and maximize its efficiency. Between these annual calls, however, there are things homeowners can do to protect their boiler from early failure. These items include:
- System Bleeds: If you have a problem heating your home evenly, you should try bleeding the system. You can visit this page for information on doing this correctly.
- Check Air Vents: Regularly check your vents and flues for signs of dirt and blockage. If you notice any obstructions, remove them. This will ensure air flows freely throughout your system. You should also avoid laying items on your radiators.
- Check for Water Leaks: If you see your new boiler has a water level below the manufacturer’s recommendation, it can be a sign you have a leak. Check the surrounding area for any signs of dampness. Operating your system at a water deficit can lead to irreparable damage.
- Keep the Surrounding Area Clear: Boxes, bags, and other stored items should not be stored around your boiler. These obstructions can make your boiler work harder to do its job.
When It Comes to Installing a New Boiler in Port Huron, Trust Our HVAC Pros
Vincent's Heating & Plumbing is an experienced boiler installation company that’s proud to serve the Port Huron area and has been doing so for over 65 years. We are locally owned and wholly committed to promoting the comfort of people in the towns we service. In addition to boiler replacement, we provide boiler repair and maintenance services. To learn more about our maintenance programs—or to get a quote on installing a new boiler—we invite you to reach out to us at 810.985.7103. Our staff looks forward to making you smile and adding you to our long list of happy customers in the Port Huron area.