Signs of a Boiler in Need of Maintenance
Many homeowners and business owners have no idea what the signs of a boiler in need of maintenance are. It is not always easy to tell, but there are some things you should be looking for that could indicate your heating system may need repairs or replacement soon. In this blog post, we will go over 11 common signs of a boiler in need of repair and how to keep your boiler running efficiently for years!
During the winters, it is not uncommon for boiler systems to take a hit from low temperatures and high demand. Heating, hot water production, and other essential services all need extra attention during these colder months.
Smell, Noise, or the heating not up to the mark, if any of these signs are present in your heating system then call a professional HVAC technician that provides top boiler repair services immediately.
Signs of Boiler Repair
You need to stay vigilant and ready for boiler repairs. You may notice that your home or office is not as warm anymore, the boiler never shuts off after running for a while, it starts to make unusual noises (including hissing and rattling), or you start noticing an odor coming from the vents.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common boiler repair signs:
Boiler Is Noisy or Rattling
For some homeowners, the boiler may start to produce a rumbling sound when it’s running or producing steam. This noise can be caused by loose insulation that has fallen down around the appliance and is vibrating against metal parts of your system. It could also be because there are air pockets in the pipes which cause them to make noises.
These air pockets need to be cleared, or the noise will persist.
The Boiler Is Leaking Water or Steam
If the boiler is leaking water or steam, there’s a good chance it has sprung a leak. A boiler technician will need to take a look at the unit in order to fix this problem and you may also want to have them check your pipes and radiators for damage as well.
Leaks can be caused by anything from age-related wear & tear on components like valves and joints.
The Heating System Doesn’t Work At All
If the boiler isn’t turning on, it could be due to a lack of electricity. Heating systems need power in order to operate so if you notice there’s no gas coming out but everything else is working – like lights or your oven – then this likely means that something has tripped the circuit breaker for the boiler.
This can be fixed by checking the circuit breaker panel in the basement and resetting it or by calling an electrician.
It Smells Like Gas When the Boiler’s On
When the boiler is turned on, you should not smell any gas. Heating systems produce natural gas and this is what burns in the confines of the boiler to create heat for your home.
If there’s a strong odor coming from the vents or it smells like leaking fuel -like gasoline- then something is wrong with either your burners or condensate drain. Contact an HVAC professional as soon as possible.
You Can See Rust in the Pipes behind Your Furnace
There are two types of rust that can be seen in the pipes. The first is ferrous, which contains iron and comes from water or condensation flowing through a pipe with metal parts. This type of rust requires an HVAC contractor to replace the part(s) of the piping involved. The second type is non-ferrous, this typically requires much more work to repair and is usually seen in older homes.
Drip pans should be checked for leaks, if they have any rust then it’s time for a replacement. Heating coils can also develop hairline fractures which will need replacing and this may not just involve the coil but other parts of the system including motors or valves too.
Burner Turns Off Unexpectedly
If the burner turns off unexpectedly, it could indicate that the thermostat is not working correctly. The first thing to check would be whether there are any loose wires leading up to or near the heating system. Heating coils can also develop hairline fractures which will need replacing and this may not just involve the coil but other parts of the system including motors or the radiator.
How to Find Good Boiler Repair Services?
We know that it’s not always easy to find a reliable HVAC technician, which is why we offer the best boiler repair services in town. Whether you need routine maintenance or emergency service on your heating system, our team of experts can get the job done right and quickly so you don’t have to suffer from an out-of-date heater any longer. Contact us today for your free quote!