Few factors threaten your comfort during the coldest months of the year than a broken boiler. If you’re concerned that yours may require boiler repairs, it’s best to tackle the problem before temperatures drop. Here are three vital signs that indicate you should contact an HVAC contractor for assistance.

Signs You May Need Boiler Repairs

1. Lack of Efficiency

​​​​​​​Efficiency applies to more than the boiler’s functionality, although its ability to warm your home correctly is a crucial indicator of its overall condition. If it has to work especially hard to meet your desired temperature, then there’s likely a problem somewhere in the system. You’re most likely to notice the difference in your energy bills. If they were unusually high last season, it’s worth having a boiler repair technician take a look to assess its key components.

2. No Pilot Light

It’s not unusual for pilot lights to go out. They’re meant to burn beneath the boilers at all times. When the flame is extinguished, however, it could be a sign that there is a problem with the thermocouple. This is a heat sensor that connects the pilot light to the boiler’s gas valve. When the thermocouple fails, fuel supply is mostly blocked and the light goes out. If you begin to notice that your pilot light is consistently going out, contact a professional to evaluate the pilot light and its components.

3. Old Age

The average life expectancy of a standard gas boiler is anywhere from 10 to 15 years. This assumes normal use and regular maintenance from a qualified HVAC contractor, so if you do not maintain the boiler, then that number can be significantly lower. Once your system goes beyond the 15-year mark, you may find that it requires more frequent boiler repairs or doesn’t work as reliably as it once did. In this case, it’s usually more cost-effective to have your furnace installation technician replace the unit entirely.

Are you seeking a reliable HVAC contractor in Cincinnati, OH? Turn to the qualified team at Reading Heating & Air Conditioning. Offering over 70 years of experience, they can handle everything from boiler repairs and installations to central air maintenance. You can learn more about their services on their website, or give them a call at (513) 821-1633 to schedule an appointment.