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How to Know When It’s Time to Replace Your Boiler System

If your home feels colder than it used to… if your gas bill keeps climbing… or if you're constantly resetting the boiler — your system might be trying to tell you something.

At Project Heating and Plumbing, we get this question all the time from homeowners across Okotoks, the Foothills, and Calgary:

“How do I know when it’s time to replace my boiler?”

Here’s a professional breakdown of the warning signs — and what to do about them.

1. Your Boiler Is 15–20+ Years Old

Modern high-efficiency boilers are built to last around 15–20 years with proper maintenance. Beyond that, even well-installed units start to lose reliability and efficiency.

Red Flags:

  • It’s original to the home and you can’t find parts anymore
  • You’ve had multiple repairs in the past 2 years
  • You hear strange noises or see corrosion on piping

Pro Tip: If your system is approaching the 20-year mark, it may still “work” — but it’s not working efficiently or safely.

2. Your Heating Bills Keep Going Up

Older boilers — especially non-condensing models — can lose a significant amount of energy to flue gases, standby losses, and short cycling.

Signs of Inefficiency:

  • Rising utility bills even though usage hasn’t changed
  • Boiler runs constantly but the home still feels cool
  • Boiler short cycles (turns on and off repeatedly)

Modern condensing boilers are up to 96% efficient, compared to ~60–70% for many legacy systems.

3. Constant Repairs or Resetting the Unit

If you’ve memorized your boiler’s error codes, it might be time to move on.

Common issues in failing boilers:

  • Low pressure, leaks
  • Ignition failure or sensor faults
  • Pump or zone valve problems
  • Locked-out control boards

Every repair adds up — and you’re still stuck with an outdated, underperforming system.

4. Poor Heat Distribution or Cold Zones

If certain rooms in your home are always cold, or your in-floor zones barely get warm, it could be a system design issue — or the boiler just isn’t keeping up anymore.

Watch for:

  • Cold baseboards
  • Slab heat that won’t maintain temp
  • Zones that never shut off (or never turn on)

A proper upgrade includes system rebalancing — not just replacing the boiler, but correcting piping, zoning, and flow issues too.

5. You’re Renovating or Expanding Your Home

Planning an addition, new garage, or full home reno? Your existing boiler may be undersized or incompatible with your future layout.

Boiler replacements are the best time to:

  • Add radiant heat to new spaces
  • Upgrade to a combi boiler for hot water too
  • Install zoning controls and smart thermostats
  • Improve system design for long-term reliability

An upgraded boiler system increases home value and comfort — especially in Alberta’s climate.

What to Expect from a Proper Boiler Replacement

At Project Heating and Plumbing, we don’t just swap boxes. We:

  • Assess your home’s heat loss
  • Re-pipe with proper primary/secondary loops
  • Correct zone and pump sizing
  • Vent safely and to code
  • Install high-efficiency units from top brands (IBC, Navien, Viessmann, etc.)

We specialize in clean mechanical rooms, efficient layout, and long-term reliability — backed by expert support and maintenance.

Ready to Talk Boilers?

If you're unsure whether it's time to upgrade your boiler, we’ll take a look, run diagnostics, and give you an honest answer. No pressure, no upselling — just the facts.

📍 Based in Okotoks | Serving the Foothills and Calgary
📞 403-601-5387
💻 projectheating.ca

Project Heating and Plumbing — The Boiler Replacement Pros

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