Tips for Boiler Maintenance

Boilers are expensive investments which can be costly to repair and quite expensive to replace, so it is a good idea to keep your existing boiler in top condition. Regular boiler maintenance will not only save you money in the long term but it can also save your life as a faulty boiler can be hazardous to say the least. It is also important to note that a healthy boiler is much more efficient and it can help you cut on your energy expenditure. Luckily for you, the following boiler maintenance tips can help you achieve just that.

Get Annual Service for Your Boiler

Make it a point to get your boiler serviced at least once a year by a professional HVAC technician, even if it is in working order. The technician will check all the parts and clean all the components which will make your system more efficient. A good time to arrange the annual service is before the winter strikes so that you can be sure your boiler can withstand the winter load.

Keep the Heating on

If they are not used regularly, boilers can seize up. Boiler maintenance experts recommend that you should turn your boiler’s heating on every now and then even during the summers, to keep the boiler in working condition for longer.

Check Pressure

Boilers lose pressure over time, which can cause them to run ineffectually and drain out energy. Check the pressure gauge on your boiler if you can and top it up if necessary. The manual that came with your boiler should give you instructions, or you can ask the technician you call over for service.

Check the Radiators

If the radiators of your boiler are colder at the bottom than they are at the top, there might be air trapped inside the system. You will be required to release the air from the radiators as if you do not do that the system will not be able to work efficiently and put extra load on the boiler which may cost you money. You will have to switch the heating off before bleeding the radiators and slot the key into the bleed valve.

Check for Warning Signs

Regularly check for any leaks, cracks, clunking noises or black, sooty marks which are all warning signs of a boiler problem. Therefore, check your boiler regularly and look out for all these warning signs. The sooner you detect a problem and repair it the better it is for your boiler.

Check for a Blue Flame

The flame in your boiler should be clear blue, if it appears to be yellow or smoky, there could be something wrong with your boiler and you should call a technician immediately.

Clear any Clutter

If your boiler device is in a cupboard or surrounded by something, it may be causing it to underperform. Boilers need ventilation to perform at their best so the space around the appliance should be kept free from all sorts of clutter. The boiler should also be relatively easy to access so that you can keep checking it regularly. Any technician you call upon for boiler maintenance NJ can advise you further regarding your boiler’s placement and ventilation.

Check Pipes

When temperatures drop below zero, the external condensate pipes of the boiler can freeze. If the pipes freeze, the boiler will cut out as a safety precaution. The ice in the frozen pipes can be melt by pouring warm water over the pipes. A long-term solution for this problem is to insulate the pipes and keep the heating on a constant low setting when temperatures are freezing cold.

Ensure Gas Safety

A faulty boiler can give out carbon monoxide, a gas that you can’t see, smell or taste. Carbon monoxide is a dangerous gas and it can be a killer. It is suggested to have a carbon monoxide detector, preferably with an alarm, placed near the boiler to stay safe.