Most homeowners don't give a second thought to their boiler until it fails, leaving them chilled at the most inopportune time. Learn four warning signs it may be time to replace your boiler before it's too late.

1. You're already having the boiler fixed on a regular basis

A yearly service call is normal, but if you've had your boiler repaired a few times and something always seems to break, it's a red flag. If you continue the cycle of break-fix, you increase the overall amount of money you're putting into your boiler that could be put towards a new system. Most boilers are designed to last approximately 20-25 years depending on the type of boiler. While routine maintenance can extend the life of a boiler, if yours is close to the end of its life cycle, replacement is a better option. Wouldn't you rather pay for something efficient that works like it should than keep putting money into an aging boiler? 

2. You have to crank up the heat to get comfortable

When the boiler is operating normally, it heats your home to the desired temperature and responds quickly to temperature adjustments. When the boiler is not operating properly, your home may develop cold zones that never seem to warm up no matter how high you turn the thermostat. The boiler may not seem as responsive as it once did, now taking minutes rather than seconds to produce warmth. Finally, it may seem like your home never reaches the desired temperature. Things just aren't as warm as they should be. Not only does this make you less comfortable than you want to be, it's an expensive way to heat the home. Boilers aren't designed to be running all day, but as they age, that's exactly what happens. 

3. Your heating bills are going up

Sure, heating bills fluctuate with temperatures. If there's a major cold spell, you'll pay for it. Yet if things haven't been unusually cold and your heating bill gives you sticker shock, it's a sign your boiler is not operating efficiently. Have a technician out to inspect the system, but consider this your warning sign it's time to replace the boiler. 

4. Your boiler burns yellow instead of blue 

Boiler flames should always be blue. If the flame runs yellow, there could be a carbon monoxide problem. A buildup of black soot in an oil boiler is another indication of an underlying issue. Have a technician out immediately, since carbon monoxide exposure can be fatal. 

When you understand the warning signs of an old boiler, you can budget for and schedule the replacement before your existing unit fails. This will save you money on heating bills and the cost of an unanticipated emergency repair while helping you be more comfortable in the home.