BOILER SYSTEM - COST FOR REPLACEMENT?

Question

I have never had to replace a boiler system. Per a plumbing contractor who was at the rental property to replace a leaking boiler valve, he stated that his fear in replacing the valve is needing to shut the system down. Since we don't believe the system has been serviced in years....if ever, he doesn't think it will fire back up. Can any boiler experts out there give me an estimate as to how much a new system may end up costing if it does in fact need to be replaced? It is a 2bd/1ba on a crawl (800sf). TIA!

John Warren · Answer

@Cindy Mastin I would get multiple opinions on something like this. I have a boiler in a 9 unit building in Berwyn, IL, and I had four different contractors through. Three of them told me to replace the boiler as well as all of the hot water tanks. There were a lot of fear tactics being used, and some big numbers thrown around (20-25k). One of the guys recommended by some local land lords recommended replacing circulator pumps and doing a lot of maintenance. It ended up costing around 2k, and the boiler had no issues during the cold months when Chicago weather dropped to -40.

I would imagine for a small system like yours that the all in cost won't be more than 5k. The big thing people miss with boilers is that the actual boiler rarely dies. It is normally the pumps, switches and auxiliary pieces that need to be replaced.

Hip Rodriguez · Answer

@Cindy Mastin I had to replace my nearly 30 year old boiler last winter because of a flood. Estimates ranged anywhere from $4,000 to $7,500. Home is about 2300 square ft. These things last forever if you maintain  them.

Cindy Mastin · Answer

Thank you all so much! All the info is greatly appreciated! 😊

Marc Winter · Answer

The guy you had out sounds like he's either just trying to cover his plumber's crack or trying to take advantage of you.  Of course you must shut down a boiler to service it.  Not start back up?  Boilers don't run continuously--when the thermostat calls for heat, the boiler fires up.  When that temp is reached, it shuts down.

On a small 2/1 house, depending if you have natural gas or oil available, @John Warren is right--$4--5K.  However, if the boiler is still running, have it serviced and cleaned regularly along with a good chimney cleaning and they will last many years.

When it does need replacement, you might consider a split system/heat pump, like Mitsubishi, Fujitsu or Frigidair.  Very efficient and cost effective.

Colleen F. · Answer

You imply it is on.  Is it an oil fired system?  Have the burner serviced before his pump replacement.  Did you just buy it because the burners should be serviced yearly. We have replaced lots of circulator pumps and controlers no problem restarting if the burner is serviced/cleaned. Believe me you don't service the furnace you can get a house full of soot.

Cindy Mastin · Answer

@JohnWarren Thank you so much for sharing such great info and all the details for this boiler system novice. 😊

BOILER SYSTEM - COST FOR REPLACEMENT?

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