A boiler is a truly fantastic way to heat your home. These systems have been around for centuries for good reason! Did you know that a home heating boiler can last thirty years, as long as it receives regular maintenance? And did you know that in all that time, it will probably require very few repairs?
The problem is that when you’re accustomed to having your boiler work perfectly year in and year out for decades, it’s easy to forget to pay attention to it. Maintenance might slip your mind. And you may not even know what the signs are that your boiler needs repair! To refresh your memory, here are the clues to watch for.
Rumbles and Rattles
Boilers are very quiet heating systems compared to forced-air furnaces. If they start to get noisy, it’s a sign that repairs are needed. Rattling could be the circulator pump, which can shake around if it malfunctions. Prompt repair could be the difference between having the pump fixed and having to get a whole new one, so don’t delay!
Rumbles are common with boilers which haven’t been receiving maintenance. During maintenance, the tank is flushed of sediment or mineral scaling that has accumulated. If these substances remain, the water gets extra-hot in some pockets and then bubbles through the sediment, making a sound like a rapidly boiling kettle. Sediment and scaling can lead to all sorts of issues like clogs, uneven heating, and pressure issues.
Leaks
You definitely don’t want to see a puddle below your boiler! A small amount of water could indicate a pressure or temperature issue, forcing the pressure release valve to allow some water out. A large puddle is more likely to be a serious leak. Either way, your boiler needs professional attention.
Odors
Any smells like melting plastic, scorched metal, or fish—yes, fish!—is an indicator of an electrical issue. Turn the system off and get urgent repairs. If you smell an eggy, sulfur smell, that’s a gas leak. Get out of your house and call the emergency number of your natural gas provider from a safe distance!
Uneven or Slow Heat
Your boiler should be able to keep you very, very cozy and comfortable, and that comfort should extend throughout your whole house. Problems with your temperature are likely due to the circulator pump not keeping the hot water moving properly. This is one of the only mechanical systems with moving parts that a boiler has, so when there’s a breakdown, this is where it will happen.
Rising Utility Bills
With routine annual maintenance, your boiler should not become any less efficient for many, many years. If your bills are rising, it’s a clue that something is wrong, and your boiler is working harder for some reason. Don’t keep paying for it every month! Get it sorted out right away.
To schedule maintenance or boiler repair in Washington, DC, reach out to our team of experts.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment or ask any questions you have about your boiler.