Efficiency Achieved: Updating Your Boiler

Do you know how old your boiler is? If it’s more than 10 years old, it may not be properly heating your home anymore. The reason is older units tend to waste more energy based off their annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating. This measures how much heat a boiler puts out in comparison to the total amount of fuel it consumes in a year.

The life expectancy of a boiler is between 15 and 30 years according to the U.S. Department of Energy. At Petri Plumbing and Heating, we know continual use from harsh Brooklyn winters can push a boiler to its limit. Older or heavily used boilers can have an AFUE rating of 50 percent meaning that half of the energy used to heat your home is completely wasted.

Modern boilers are much more efficient than the ones typically found in historic NYC homes. Some newer boilers can be as efficient as 98.5 percent, greatly decreasing your monthly utility bills. Before you jump the gun and buy the next new boiler you can find, it’s important to understand these top tips:

• Inspect your existing boiler: If your boiler is relatively new but isn’t as efficient as you’d like it to be, have a professional inspect it to determine if a retrofit could improve its performance. Boiler upgrades are fuel-specific and include vent dampers, intermittent ignition devices, and zone control for hot water systems.
• Replace your existing boiler: If a retrofit isn’t worth it, an entire boiler replacement can be an investment with a big return. By upgrading from a boiler with an AFUE rating in the 50s to one in the 90s, you can not only cut your utility bill (sometimes by half), but you can decrease your carbon footprint as well.
• Maintain your boiler: Whether or not you keep your existing boiler or buy a brand-new one, it’s important to maintain it by having it professionally serviced at least once a year. If you decide to replace your existing boiler, make sure it’s also installed correctly. A number of our service jobs involve correcting poorly installed boilers, which means you can save time and money by investing in a professional boiler installation the first time.

Updating your boiler means updating your home and today, every bit of energy saved is money back in your pocket. While boiler upgrades are a smart investment, updating them on your own can be outright dangerous. It’s best to get help from professional boiler experts, like Petri Plumbing and Heating. To find out more about energy efficient boilers, give us a call at 718-748-1254.