How to Avoid the 8 Most Common Boiler Problems
Many households rely on a hydronic heating system to remain warm and safe all winter long. Modern systems are sophisticated, and a lot can go wrong with them without proper care. Let’s explore some of the most common issues and how to avoid and deal with them.
1. Pilot Light Goes Out
The pilot light provides a fuel-burning boiler with a constant and consistent source of combustion. Seasonal boiler tune-ups are important because pilot lights get dirty over time. It’s also important to ensure that the fuel valve is open and in good condition and that the air-to-fuel mixture is correct. A pilot light going out from time to time isn’t unusual. If it happens, clear out the chamber, and relight it. Pilot lights should be relatively easy to light. If your pilot light isn’t lighting or goes out again, call for professional boiler service, as it may indicate a more serious issue.
2. Boiler Won’t Turn On
Routine maintenance is the best way to avoid a boiler that suddenly stops working. If this happens to you, first check the pilot light. Next, check the circuit breaker. Most fuel-burning boilers require some electricity. If it’s tripped, reset it once. If it trips again, don’t repeatedly reset it, as it could lead to electrical damage. You should also check the condensate drainage system. If it’s backed up, the wet switch trips and disables the system.
3. Increased Energy Consumption
Boilers can build up sediment and limescale in their tanks over time. It’s a top cause of inefficiency because scale accumulates on components and acts as an insulator. During a seasonal tune-up, our plumber will flush your tank to remove all sediment and scale. Another common issue is that your boiler is old. If that’s the case, consider replacing it. Modern boilers are much more efficient than those made 15 years ago due to various innovations.
4. Kettling and Other Odd Noises
A common issue is a boiler that sounds like a tea kettle, which indicates inefficient operation. If you haven’t serviced your boiler in a while, it’s likely limescale. It can also be high water pressure. Pressure in most modern systems should be somewhere between 1.0 and 1.5 bars. If your system is higher than that, you should stop using it and call in the pros.
5. Low Water Pressure
If the pressure is below 1.0, the system will struggle to distribute heat throughout the home. Low water pressure is usually due to insufficient water in the system. A major leak will be obvious, but even a small leak can undermine pressure. Another potential issue is that air has gotten into the system and is taking up space the water would otherwise occupy.
6. Air In the System
Air in the system is a prevalent problem with boilers. If there’s significant air, it can lead to low water pressure as discussed above. A far more common issue is that you experience air in the radiators. That creates cool spots that don’t provide any heat. Correcting the issue normally involves bleeding the radiators. Preventing it is simply a matter of maintenance. Airlock is much less of a concern in a clean system with tight connections.
7. Uneven Heating
Air trapped in the radiators is one reason you may experience inconsistent heating. Another is that sludge can build up in your radiators over time. If that happens, our plumber must clean the affected radiators to restore the full surface area.
8. Unpredictable Thermostat Control
Another potential cause of uneven heating is faulty thermostat control. There’s the thermostat in the home that you use to control the system. There are also one or two thermostats within the boiler itself. It’s important to clean and calibrate these devices every year. Even a small amount of dirt on the contacts can lead to inaccurate readings. That can cause higher costs, reduced comfort, and many other issues.
Local Boiler Service in Windsor
Guaranteed Comfort Heating & Cooling has served Windsor homeowners for over 35 years. Our technicians install, maintain, and repair all manner of hydronic heating systems. That includes hot water boilers, steam boilers, and radiant heating panels. Our team also peforms expert work on furnaces, heat pumps, air conditioners, and ductless mini-splits as well. We install and service heat recovery ventilation systems, whole-home air purifiers, and in-duct UV lamps. You can also count on us to install and service your tank or tankless water heater. Schedule service today by phone or online through our website.