What To Expect With Boiler Repair In An Old House

If you live in an old house, you know that things are going to need to be repaired from time to time. One of the most important things to keep up with is your boiler. A boiler is essential for heating your home, and if it breaks down, you could be in for a lot of trouble. Unfortunately, outdated boiler systems in vintage homes are notorious for developing issues that require attention from a boiler repair technician. Here are a few things you can expect when you have to repair a boiler in an old house.

The repair can be more costly than standard heat system repair 

Boiler repairs are not usually as affordable as repairs for more modern HVAC systems, especially if you have an old house. The cost of the repair will depend on the extent of the damage and the exact problem. However, sourcing parts for a vintage boiler can take time, and the repair process may be more labor-intensive. Therefore, it is best to discuss the costs before committing to hiring a certain technician for the job. 

The repair will take time and may involve using an alternate heat source 

Boiler repairs can take several days, or even weeks, to complete. This is because the boiler often needs to be completely or at least partially disassembled in order to be repaired. Once the repair is complete, the boiler will need to be reassembled and tested to make sure it is working properly. Likewise, it can take some time for parts to come in if they have to be ordered. If your boiler breaks down during the winter, this can be a major inconvenience in a cold climate. Therefore, most technicians will recommend an alternative heat source until repairs can be completed. 

You may need to replace your outdated boiler

In some cases, the repair may be so expensive or extensive on a severely dated boiler that it is more cost-effective to replace the boiler altogether. This is a decision that you will need to make with your heating contractor, who can guide you on choosing the most updated unit or replacing it with a more modern heating system.

You can prevent future repairs by maintaining your boiler

The best way to avoid expensive boiler repairs is to maintain your boiler regularly. This includes having it serviced by a qualified technician every year. Regular boiler maintenance—even an outdated model—can help to negate potential problems before they get bad. When a technician comes to your home for repairs, be sure to ask them for advice about properly maintaining your older unit.  

For more info about boiler repair, contact a local company.