If you have a boiler in your home to provide heat, you may not be quite sure on how to maintain it. Just like any heating appliance, a boiler requires regular care and maintenance to work well. The following are some boiler mistakes that you must avoid if you want to avoid a premature replacement.
#1: Skipping the annual service call
The easiest way to prolong the life of your boiler and to prevent a breakdown is to have it serviced annually. Schedule a service call before the heating season begins or at least once a year. The boiler technician will verify that the heating elements are working properly and that there are no clogs in the fuel lines or that the wiring for an electric boiler is in good condition. They will also inspect the inside of the boiler tank and water lines for leaks or hard water deposits that require removal. Finally, all safety valves that help moderate temperature and pressure will also be tested to make sure everything works properly.
#2: Not fixing outside efficiency problems
Air leaks in other parts of the home allow heat to escape, which means your boiler has to work harder to keep the hot water flowing through your radiant heat systems. This can shorten the life of the boiler. Perform an inspection of your home and make sure that all windows and doors close tightly with no drafts. If you find a draft, applying fresh weather stripping will usually fix it. You may also want to increase the insulation in your home, especially in the attic where a lot of heat can be lost. Finally, make sure exposed radiators are kept free of dust since this can inhibit heat transfer.
#3: Ignoring trouble signs
Ignoring trouble won't allows you to avoid replacement or repair forever. In fact, the sooner you have a boiler problem looked at, the more likely that you will be able to have it repaired instead of having to pay for a more costly replacement. One major trouble sign is noise. If you your hear whining, hissing, or banging from the boiler or the pipes, have it checked. Sometimes mineral buildup is the cause, while in other cases a bad regulator is causing the boiler to overheat. Other signs of boiler issues include shaking, pressure regulation problems, or failure to heat sufficiently.
For more help, contact a boiler service in your area like Schweitzer Brothers Inc.
