Long Island winters can be frigid, and we depend on boilers and heating systems to remain comfortable and safe during the winter months. That’s why Aquamanz Plumbing & Heating offers expert boiler repair service in Massapequa, NY.
We want everyone in our community to know what they should do when they have problems with their boilers, especially during the late fall and early winter when dropping temperatures are a constant concern. It is never too early to consider whether you need a boiler repair and replacement.
If you have trouble with your boiler, don’t panic. Before contacting a boiler contractor, examine the situation and ask yourself the following questions. If you live in the Massapequa area and need help with your boiler, we will gladly help you work through these questions and develop a custom plan for repairing, replacing, or upgrading your boiler.
Have You Lost Heat Completely?
The most crucial factor for any boiler issue is whether the heat fails entirely. If your boiler shows any of these warning signs, you should consult a professional heating repair company:
- Your boiler makes unusual noises.
- Your energy bills are higher than usual.
- Your boiler struggles to keep your home consistently warm.
- Your boiler is nearing the end of its expected lifespan.
Other problems are emergencies, and you should address them immediately. These include:
- There is a complete loss of heat or hot water.
- Your boiler triggers your carbon monoxide detector.
- Your boiler produces the “rotten eggs” smell of natural gas from the gas line.
Any of these problems could lead to a dangerous situation.
For example, a gas leak could produce an explosion and start a fire. Meanwhile, heat loss could lead to burst pipes, hypothermia, and various health problems.
If your boiler poses an immediate safety hazard, call a boiler repair contractor like Aquamanz Plumbing & Heating, which has an emergency 24/7 phone line. In potentially dangerous situations, do not remain in the house until a professional has the opportunity to inspect your boiler and determine that it is safe.
What’s Wrong with Your Boiler?
Once you rule out a boiler emergency, take a look at your boiler and heating system. Note anything unusual in the behavior of your heating system that could help a repair technician diagnose the problem and determine its severity. The details you spot now could be instrumental in your choice between boiler repair and replacement later on.
Leaks
If you see any of the following, it could indicate a leak:
- Water in the vicinity of your boiler
- A crack in the outer surface of the boiler
- Water around the valves or seal
Leaks will degrade your boiler’s efficiency, encourage mold growth, and potentially damage anything around the boiler. Fix any boiler leaks you find as soon as possible, or call the experts to do it for you.
Corrosion
Rust on the outside of your boiler is a sign of damage to your boiler and the presence of water. Even if your boiler does not leak, corrosion could cause the integrity of your boiler to fail if you do not address the rust problem.
Hard Water Deposits
Many homes have hard water, meaning the water has mineral deposits that can form on surfaces. Elsewhere in your home, hard water causes spots on the silverware, reduces the effectiveness of your detergent, and clogs shower heads. In the water chamber of a boiler, mineral deposits cause noise, reduce the boiler’s efficiency, and shorten the system’s working life.
Pilot Light Issues
Your boiler might not be working correctly due to a problem with the pilot light or the systems that accompany the pilot light. For example:
- If the pilot light is dirty, it might not stay lit.
- If the thermocouple, a part of the boiler that detects temperature changes, is defective, it might shut off the pilot light too soon.
- Safety systems attached to the boiler could shut off the pilot light either because the system has a safety issue or because the safety systems themselves are malfunctioning.
We can fix many pilot light problems with a simple replacement part, while others require more extensive repairs.
If you encounter any of these issues in the Massapequa, NY, area, contact Aquamanz Plumbing & Heating to schedule boiler service. We will show up promptly to diagnose the problem and work with you to establish a boiler repair and replacement plan.
We have years of experience telling simple problems from those requiring more work to fix. Our technicians are always honest about what your system needs and will only suggest a replacement if it is the most cost-effective solution.
Is Your Boiler Providing Enough Hot Water to Heat Your Home?
Sometimes the problem with a boiler is not that it is broken but that it cannot keep up with your home’s heating demands. This can happen for several reasons, including:
- The original boiler is too small for the home.
- The home has increased in size since the contractor first installed the boiler.
- The family usage pattern has changed, perhaps because in-laws have moved in or new children joined the family.
Can You Fix Your Boiler Safely?
A boiler that sustains extensive damage might not be repairable in a way that meets existing building codes on Long Island. Repairing the boiler could be prohibitively expensive if many of its components are no longer functional. For example:
- A leaking heat exchanger could release carbon monoxide into the ductwork.
- A damaged combustion chamber could cause incomplete combustion, leading to the buildup of dangerous gases.
- Worn-out or defective valves could prevent the combustion chamber from getting the mixture of air and fuel that it needs.
How Much Is Your Repair Budget?
The decision to repair or replace a boiler is often a cost-benefit analysis. If you tell the technician that you are hoping to keep costs down by repairing the boiler, they will look for ways to keep your current unit working as well as possible without compromising safety or quality of life.
Some homeowners put off replacing their boiler, even if it could save them money because they don’t have cash on hand for a boiler replacement. If this is you, talk to Aquamanz Plumbing & Heating about financing. We work with homeowners to obtain financing for boiler repair and replacement at favorable terms because we believe everyone deserves a comfortable home.
Is It More Cost-Effective to Repair or Replace?
Upgrading your boiler to a new, more energy-efficient system can save you money on heating bills and potentially lengthen the life of other components in your central heating and air conditioning system. Even if your existing boiler still has a few years of life left in it, the financial benefits of a new boiler could outweigh the initial installation costs.
Discuss your options with the boiler experts at Aquamanz Plumbing & Heating before committing to any project. Boiler models vary, so compare the heating capacities and energy efficiencies of different models before selecting a replacement boiler.
How Long Do You Need Your Boiler to Last?
If you plan to sell your house within the next few years, your decision to repair or replace the boiler could relate to the anticipated resale value of your home in addition to the current benefits of getting a new boiler. A new boiler can be a draw for potential homebuyers because they won’t have to worry about replacing or repairing it after moving in.
Home values on Long Island have skyrocketed over the past few years, so you could still sell your home for an attractive price without a new boiler. However, installing a new boiler is a guaranteed way to get higher offers and make your listing stand out from the rest.
One reason to put off boiler repair and replacement is if you anticipate a change in how you use your home. For example, your heating needs will likely change if you plan to work from home or if your children are moving out. It could be prudent to wait until you know how much heating you require before you upgrade so you can choose the heating system that works best for your new lifestyle.
Fix Household Problems Hassle-Free with Aquamanz Plumbing & Heating
At Aquamanz Plumbing & Heating, we pride ourselves on our prompt and friendly service, in-person and over the phone. With our team by your side, you won’t have to worry whether your boiler will make it through another winter.
We take care of more than just boiler repair and replacement. Call us today at 516-613-2858 to discover our full range of services, including regular maintenance for boilers, furnaces, and other essential parts of your home.
Read our blog to know the signs that you should have your garbage disposal serviced and how our team can help boost your kitchen’s efficiency!
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