Have you ever noticed that your major appliances break when you need them the most? Air conditioners break during the hottest months, dryers break when you have a washer full of wet clothes, and boilers stop working in the dead of winter.
Luckily, each of these items has a way to help keep them running: maintenance!
Today, we’re going to focus in on boiler maintenance and what you can do to keep your system running while avoiding expensive repairs. Keep reading for more information!
Annual Boiler Maintenance
One of the easiest ways to keep your boiler functioning properly is to call a service technician for an annual inspection. This servicing won’t be free but it is one of the most important steps you can take.
During your appointment, the technician will check to ensure all components work properly and won’t cause major damage to your home. This includes checking all of the electrical components and wiring to prevent fires.
An annual appointment is especially important if you forget about other regular maintenance. You will learn of any potential issues and correct them before they get worse. Learn more about boiler repair here!
Weekly Tasks
To keep your home warm (and safe) throughout the winter, you will need to keep the oil and air filters clean. Forgetting to clean these two items may leave you with no hot air, lots of dust, high energy bills, and possibly even a fire hazard.
You also need to periodically drain the unit to check the low water cut-off and to remove sludge and impurities. Finally, walk around your home and look for water around the radiators–this often indicates a leak and the need for a repair.
Day-to-Day Maintenance
The daily maintenance of a boiler is less of a ‘checklist’ and more of a list of problems to watch out for.
If you do not have a carbon monoxide alarm in your home, you need to check your pilot light on a daily basis. Changes in pilot light flame color can denote that your system is emitting this gas and your family is at risk.
You should also notice if the temperature or pressure reading is in the correct range, any error codes, and look for debris that is blocking the vents/air openings. Take note of any strange noises or vibrations.
Determining Emergency Issues
When following your weekly and daily boiler maintenance checklists, you may find small issues with your unit. Not all issues are emergencies and emergency repairs will cost more than those done during normal business hours.
Emergency repairs are needed when you become uncomfortable due to lack of heat or carbon monoxide is detected. Strange noises, vibrations, and small water leaks do not mean an emergency but may mean your system needs a repair so call your repairman the next business day.
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