If your house uses a boiler system for heating, you need to ensure it’s in a good condition before the icy winter months arrive. Boilers are often still in use in older houses and apartments.
They work by heating water, usually by using gas or fuel oil and turning it into steam. The steam then moves through pipes to the radiators, which warm the rooms in your home.
The steam then cools, condenses into water, and returns to the boiler where it’s heated again.
You need to get annual boiler service in Southern New Hampshire by professionals to make sure it is working efficiently and safely. Here are some benefits to regular boiler maintenance, and some tips if you plan to do some of it yourself.
Make sure your boiler is in good condition before winter arrives. Source
Benefits of Boiler Maintenance
Proper maintenance is needed if you want your system to keep on working efficiently. During yearly inspections, technicians will identify issues before they can become expensive problems. For example:
- The technician will check that your boiler is operating according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, and in a safe way. They will check that the exhaust pipes are venting properly and that carbon monoxide is venting properly.
- They will check for leaks, holes, and leaks.
- The technician will inspect the burner to see that its flame is consistent.
- The pressure gauge will be checked to make sure that it’s operating correctly.
- The technician will test the control valves and pressure relief valves to make sure the interlocks work correctly. The pressure relief valve will open automatically if the pressure inside your boiler gets too high.
- As part of the maintenance, the technician will also inspect the pressure tank and clean the heat exchanger.
- If your boiler is older than 20 years, it’s a good idea to replace it with a more recent model that uses the latest technology.
Kettling
A technician will also be able to identify kettling in your system. This refers to popping noises that can sound like a boiling kettle and is not always that noticeable.
Kettling can be caused by limescale building up or limescale deposits. It may cause your boiler to have to work harder and your energy bills will likely go up.
If limescale builds up on the heat exchanger, it makes it harder for that component to heat the water around it. If the heat exchanger overheats, the water around it becomes too hot and starts kettling.
Your boiler could also be overheating and the flow of water restricted, or the thermostat may not be working correctly.
If the water temperature setting is too high or the water pressure is low, this might also contribute to boiler noise.
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DIY Boiler Maintenance
There are also simple steps you can take at home to keep your boiler in a good condition.
- Check the air vents and flues to make sure there are no blockages. Remove any debris to allow air to flow freely.
- If your boiler’s water level dips below the recommended amount, it might indicate there’s a leak in your system. In this case, you will have to get assistance from a technician.
- The area around your boiler needs to be clear. Your boiler needs free-flowing air around it to work efficiently.
- You need to check your pilot light flame, which should be blue. If the flame is orange or yellow, you need to get help from a technician.
If you think your system needs repairs or there might be a serious problem, don’t try to repair mechanical issues yourself. Rather, contact an HVAC professional to assist you.
Safety Tips for Boilers
It’s a good idea to follow some important safety tips if you have a boiler in your house.
- Exposed pipes must be insulated for heat evacuation. You will save on your energy bill, but it’s also safer to use, as you won’t burn your hands if you touch the boiler by accident.
- It’s a good idea to have insurance for boiler breakdowns. Make sure you know the limit of your cover and its expiry date.
- Make sure there’s good ventilation in your house; you can keep some of your windows open for air circulation. Good ventilation will enable the boiler to work more effectively and you will save on your energy bills.
