Heating Boiler Troubleshooting: What To Check And When It's Time For A Replacement

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Heating Boiler Troubleshooting: What To Check And When It's Time For A Replacement

15 September 2017
 Categories: Industrial & Manufacturing, Blog

A heating boiler is a type of heating method found in residences and some businesses. The boiler will heat up water which is then turned to steam for heating or hot water that is pumped through pipes throughout the house to steam radiators. Hot water can also be pumped to baseboard radiators, coils, or floor systems. It takes a lot more heat to create steam for steam boilers, but both require a great deal of heat in order to work. When your heating boiler stops working, your property will no longer keep warm which can be a big deal during winter months. Learn the signs of a failing heating boiler and when it may be time for a replacement:

What are the common reasons a boiler breaks down?

There are multiple reasons that a boiler will break down or stop being as efficient as it should. Some of the common reasons are:

  • Age: The age of a boiler is one of the biggest reasons why the boiler will quit working. Brand new boilers are expected to last for approximately 15 years with proper maintenance. If your boiler is past this time, it may be why it's malfunctioning.

  • Leaks: A leaky boiler can lead to a lot of trouble. If you notice leaks around the boiler, it may be time for a replacement.

  • Energy: If you notice a rise in your energy bill, it could be linked to a faulty boiler.

  • Temperature: When your home isn't as warm as it should be or it's suddenly a lot warmer than usual, the controls on the unit may be broken.

What type of troubleshooting can be done at home?

If you wish to troubleshoot the boiler before seeking professional help, here are some of the steps you can take:

  1. Check the thermostat on the boiler. The temperature on the thermostat should be above room temperature. If it appears broken or wrong, consider replacing it.

  2. Locate the circulator pump and check to see that it is running. Test the motor with your hand. If it is hot, it is working. If it feels cool, then the pump has stopped running. Sometimes the pump will feel hotter than it should and that is a sign that it is overheated, which means there is a problem with the run capacitor or the pump locked up.

  3. Make sure the vent dampers are open all the way, then check to see if the pilot light is on. If it is on but won't stay lit, you may need to replace the thermocouple on the boiler.

Conclusion

These are only a few steps you can take to troubleshoot the boiler. If you feel that your boiler needs to be replaced, you should call a professional to handle the installation of a new one. They may even introduce you to a more efficient way of heating your home. Contact a heating boiler repair service for more information and assistance.