When your HVAC system goes down, there’s no time to lose — especially in the Delaware Valley cold weather. For this Bensalem, Pa. homeowner, the leak in his system meant he was losing both heat and hot water in the middle of winter -- something that needed an immediate solution!

In this case study, we’ll briefly go over the signs of a leaking boiler and the benefits of a tankless water heater.  We'll also talk about how our homeowner’s years of maintenance kept his system running for a very long time and how it also led to a quick, easy replacement for him. 

PROBLEM: Our long-time customer noticed a leak coming from his boiler. He didn’t want to go long without heat and hot water. 

SOLUTION: ECI Comfort installed a new boiler and water heater within a day.

Signs of a Leaking Boiler

Spotting water is an obvious sign that an oil boiler has sprung a leak, but things aren’t always that obvious. In this case, there was only a tiny, slow drip, meaning it was probably leaking for a little while. Rather than a big leak, our homeowner noticed a little bit of water on the ground and saw some rust on the unit. It was a sign that there was excess moisture somewhere.

Upon checking the unit, we noticed more moisture underneath the unit. After a more thorough inspection, we confirmed the bad news: the old boiler was leaking and needed replacement. 

Our homeowner was of course displeased to hear this information; the replacement would be a significant expense. However, he was happy he noticed the leak before it got any worse. Eventually, f the hole got big enough, they could be dealing with a flooded basement, too. Fortunately, it never went that far. 

Benefits of Regular Oil Heater Maintenance

Regular maintenance can add years to the life of your oil heater. When you regularly have it serviced, a technician cleans it out, does an inspection, and replaces any broken or worn-out parts before they cause further damage. This way, the system is less likely to break down and lasts longer.

Thanks to regular maintenance, our homeowner went much longer with his unit than most people/ The average lifespan of an oil heater is somewhere between 15 and 20 years -- the unit in this home was almost 25 years old. So, while no one wants the expense of replacing a boiler, at least our homeowner felt that he got his money’s worth. Plus, that regular maintenance played a role in a fast replacement process. 

Why You Should Have a Trusted HVAC Company

Having an HVAC company you trust means not wasting time in an emergency trying to find a reputable contractor. And, you won’t be left wondering if you got ripped off. 

Since our Bensalem homeowner had used ECI for years, he didn’t hesitate to call us the moment he noticed a problem. As we mentioned before, timing is important in a case like this. If you let a small leak go for too long, eventually it will get much worse and cause a lot of damage. 

Over the years, he’d grown to trust ECI for maintenance and small repairs. So, when it came time for a big job, he knew he could trust us to give him the best price and do the work right the first time. By the next evening, his home — and his water — were warm again. 

Don’t wait until you have an emergency to call a local HVAC company. Instead, reach out to ECI today and find out about our service plans and regular maintenance.