Everything in your house will, ultimately, have a limited lifespan. While items such as light bulbs will obviously last longer than your water pump, eventually you’ll need to replace a wide range of items in your home once they’re no longer functioning optimally. Radiators aren’t immune to wearing out, and eventually, you’ll need to get new ones. Here’s how to know whether it’s time to repair or replace those parts of your heating system.
What kind of condition is it in?
While you obviously can’t tell everything about the radiator’s condition just by looking at it, a visual inspection is a good start. Take a look at how old it is, whether it’s corroded or a little beaten up, and how well it’s functioning. After all, an old radiator can still function perfectly well, even if the paint has started to come off a bit and the metal is a tiny bit dented. If the radiator still works well and function is all you really care about, then that will probably be the deciding factor.
Do you care about aesthetics?
While old radiators can work quite well, they are prominent objects in most people’s homes, and as a result, you’ll likely be thinking about what the radiator looks like. If you can afford a new radiator, and you’re currently restyling your home, then go for it. While you’re at it, you can try to find an option that’s more efficient, then get it installed by a team from somewhere like Able Plumbing.
What kind of radiator is it?
Certain kinds of radiators have stood the test of time a lot better than others. For example, many people still buy old vintage cast iron radiators because they look amazing, and hardly lose any performance as time goes by. If you’re not sure what kind of radiator you’ve got, and whether or not it’s still a good model, then it’s probably worth getting a plumber to come around and take a look to get their professional opinion.
Are you having repeated problems?
While you can probably get someone to keep on fixing old radiators, if you’re constantly having issues and keep on having to get a plumber round, it’s probably time for a new one. At this point, it becomes a false economy to keep on fixing your existing radiators, and you’ll likely save money (and a lot of bother) by just getting a new radiator that works properly. They have a long lifespan, and if you buy a high-quality option, you likely won’t need to replace it again for many years to come.
At the end of the day, whether it’s time to repair or replace your radiator comes down to a few simple issues – functionality, budget, and aesthetics. If you want a new radiator to create a new look and can afford it, then go for it. If, however, your plumber reckons that you can still get a few more years of life out of your existing ones, and you’re happy with how they look, then you’re probably ok to wait it out and get them fixed. At the end of the day, you’ll probably need to consult a professional, to know what kind of condition your radiators are truly in, not just how they look.
