Boiler Maintenance: A Seasonal Guide
A boiler can be a very efficient home heating option. However, it’s important to remember that your system is only going to be as efficient as possible if it receives regular maintenance. There are a few different things you’ll want to keep in mind when it comes to routine maintenance for your boiler.
Get Annual Service
Just as you would take your car into the shop to get it serviced, you need to provide your boiler with the same love. Scheduling an annual service appointment with a licensed professional is a must. They’ll not only be able to look over your entire boiler and clean it, but they’ll also be able to alert you of any issues while they’re small. This way, you can get them fixed before they turn into larger, costlier problems.
Ensure Adequate Space
As a homeowner, it’s not uncommon to use extra rooms like your boiler room as storage for your items over time. Unfortunately, the more items you jam-pack next to your boiler, the harder it’s going to be for it to function. You should make it a regular habit to inspect your boiler room and ensure that there is adequate ventilation around your system.
Get Your Radiators Bled
Over time, it’s not uncommon for air to start to get trapped inside of your radiators and the piping that runs to and from your boiler. These air pockets become pretty obvious as you’ll be able to hear the bubbling as your boiler turns on. The problem with excess air inside your boiler system is that it will prevent it from working at its full capacity. When you first hear those air bubbles, it’s best to call in a professional to get your radiators properly bled of air.
Power Flushing
If you’ve started to notice that your boiler isn’t working as efficiently as it used to, it may be a sign that you need to have it power flushed. This is the process of removing excess debris from inside your radiators. It’s not uncommon for sediment from the water used inside your boiler and rust from the inside of your radiator to create issues. Power flushing is a great tactic where your HVAC pro will use special chemicals to deep clean your entire boiler system. This will enhance its overall efficiency.
Ensure Adequate Pressure
Your boiler will have a gauge on it that will reveal the water pressure inside it. You’ll see the extremes of highs and lows marked by red, and typically, green is used for the good zone. You should make it a regular routine to check the pressure gauge on your boiler every month. If the arrow goes into the red, it’s time to call in a professional to remedy the problem. A boiler that has too low pressure won’t heat efficiently, and one with too high pressure can be dangerous.
Change the Battery in Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors
As your boiler burns fuel to create heat, it will emit carbon monoxide. When your system is working correctly, this carbon monoxide is vented to the outdoors. However, if there is a problem with the functioning of your system, it could cause carbon monoxide to stay indoors. This can be extremely dangerous. You should have carbon monoxide detectors located on every level of your home. Make it a habit to check their batteries every few months to ensure that they’re working properly.
Know Your Boiler’s Remaining Lifespan
Another important part of boiler maintenance that many homeowners overlook until it’s too late is adequately tracking the remaining lifespan of their boilers. The standard boiler will last between 15 and 20 years. When you have a professional come in for annual service, they should be able to give you a good idea of how many years your boiler has left. This is ideal for budgeting out your financial plan for investing in a new one. Additionally, you can ensure that you schedule the installation at a time that works best for you instead of scrambling when your boiler suddenly stops working.
Trust the Professionals
Guaranteed Comfort Heating & Cooling is happy to offer high-quality boiler maintenance services for Windsor and the surrounding areas. We can also help with all of your cooling, heating, heat pump, heat recovery ventilation system, air purification, ductless mini-split, and water heater needs. Simply contact our office today to get the professional assistance that you need for your home.