If you moved into a home that is heated with a boiler, you need to take care it to keep the boiler running. This is especially true if the boiler is older, as it will start to have problems over time. You also do not know how well the boiler was taken care of by the previous home owner. To ensure your home stays warm for you, below are tips on how you can keep the boiler running, as well as how to know if the boiler needs to be repaired.
Boiler Maintenance
The best way to keep your boiler running well is to have regular maintenance done to it. Hire a boiler company to provide you with this maintenance. A contractor will check many things. For example, they will check all internal components. The contractor will also check the pilot light. Some of things the contractor will inspect include:
- Inspect for leaks under and around the boiler.
- Check for anything that may be obstructing the boiler, such as materials close to it.
- Check all pressure and temperature readings to ensure they are set correctly.
- Look at the control panel for any error or service codes.
- Check vents and combustion air openings to see if they are blocked by things like snow, ice, or debris.
- Listen to the boiler for any noises or vibrations.
The contractor may provide you with a maintenance checklist of things you can do on your own as part of the maintenance.
Common Problems
There are may ways to know if your boiler is having problems. The most obvious is that your home is not as warm as it normally is. The cause of this depends on if you have a gas or a hot water broiler. For gas, do not do anything on your own but instead hire a professional. Working with gas is dangerous, especially if you do not know what you are doing. For a hot water heater, this is generally due to the pressure gages not being set correctly.
Another problem you may find is the boiler has leaks or is dropping water or gas. If you have a gas boiler, turn it off immediately and call a professional.
If you have a water boiler, the problem is likely due to a pressure valve or pump seal. If you see water coming from the pressure valve, the pressure is likely set too high. If water is leaking around the pump seal, this seal needs to be replaced.
Talk with the boiler repair company you hire to learn more information about your boiler.
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