How long does a residential gas boiler last before replacement should be done? I have a Weil-McLain Type G gas boiler that was installed on 10/25/1957. I'm starting the process of getting estimates and want to have a life span understanding.

Wade Walsh
St. Paul, MN

If maintained a boiler can last almost forever. One that is as old as yours is not that energy efficient. Up grading to a new more efficient boiler will save you $$$ on your utility. You might consider the new style condensing boilers but in order for them to be real energy efficient your water temperature on the return leg has to be 130 degrees or less.

If your return water temp is higher than 130 degrees F then you will loose some of the efficiency of the new style boilers. Example if you run 190 degree water with a new style condensing boiler you will loose 10 to 15 % of the efficiency. So a 95 % boiler may only be able to get to 80 85 % efficiency.