If you live in the St. Louis Park area of Minnesota, you know how cold the winters can get. That means your boiler is an important part of your daily life — so making sure that your boiler is maintained and working properly is essential. Further, a malfunctioning boiler can be a danger in your home.

Once you understand how a boiler works, there are some signs you can look that may indicate you need a new boiler.

How Does a Boiler Work?

Let’s look at how exactly a boiling system works. A boiler is primarily a large container that heats water. The boiler is connected to your home’s plumbing which feeds it cold water. Different boilers use different types of fuel to heat the water, including gas, oil, coal and electricity. The most common of these are gas boilers.

Once the water is heated, the boiling system sends the water to your home’s radiators. Radiators use the boiling water to produce heat into your home. Radiators circulate the water back to the boiler to reuse much of the water.

This continuous use can cause wear and tear to your boiler and boiling system over the years. But what are the signs you need a new boiler?

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Boiler

Whether due to faulty parts or systems, wear and tear or age, boilers can malfunction or need to be replaced. Replacing a boiler now before there’s a major malfunction can save you a lot of money in the long run.

Your Boiler is Leaking

If you are noticing leaking from your boiler or puddles of water on the ground surrounding it, you may need to replace the boiler. The leaking could be coming from the boiler itself — which could be a major problem — or from the pipes that connect to and from the boiler. Call a certified plumber to inspect your boiling system in order to be sure.

Your Boiler Smells Weird

Boilers and boiling systems should not produce any odors. If you’re noticing a weird smell coming from your boiler or radiators, it may indicate a problem. If the smell is metallic, it could mean there’s rust in the boiler or pipes which could lead to further problems. Other smells may mean there’s sludge in the system from the radiators or other contaminants.

Your Boiler Breaks Down Frequently

If your boiler is breaking down frequently, it’s probably better to invest in a new one. Every boiler needs regular maintenance, but your home’s boiler shouldn’t be breaking down. Besides the annoyance of having unreliable heat in your home, you’re also wasting money on frequent service calls to have the boiler fixed.

How Do I Replace My Boiler?

Boilers need to be replaced by a certified plumber. If you decide to replace your home’s boiler or need to have your boiling system inspected, contact one of the certified plumbers at Northern's One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning®. Our plumbing professionals are here day and night for any heating or plumbing emergency. Call One Hour Heating & Air today at (763) 284-8639.