It’s not easy to keep up with the cold in Schaumburg, IL. With excellent versatility and a lengthy service life, a boiler is one of the better ways to stay warm. Unfortunately, no boiler lasts forever. If you’re ready for a new boiler replacement, here are a couple essential things to know.
Consider Your Size and Fuel Options
If you’re in the market for a boiler upgrade, there are plenty of options from which to choose. One of the most important decisions is selecting a fuel type. The three main options are natural gas, oil, and liquid propane. Gas boilers are most common, but they aren’t right for every situation. Your fuel choice depends on prices in your area, availability of fuel access, and other factors.
It’s also imperative that you select a boiler that’s correctly sized for your home. Choosing a unit that’s too big may lead to short-cycling, giving you poor heating performance and higher energy costs. Too small of a boiler may need to work excessively hard, wasting too much fuel and leading to frequent calls for HVAC services. An HVAC professional can help walk you through all of these factors and make the best choices.
Weigh Your Efficiency Gains
One of the greatest benefits of upgrading to a new boiler is the potential for major efficiency gains. You’re most likely to realize these savings if your boiler is over 10 to 15 years old. You can see your expected gains by comparing your boiler’s Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating with a new system. The AFUE rating represents the percentage of fuel that a unit converts to usable heat. Older systems often have AFUE ratings of just 60 to 70 percent. In comparison, many new systems deliver impressive efficiencies of 80 to 95 percent.
A new, high-efficiency boiler replacement is an investment that can really pay off. It’s a great way to reduce your energy costs and avoid the need for frequent repairs and other HVAC services. If now is the right time for you, check out Ray’s HVAC’s selection of new boiler systems or call 847-637-5287.
