Boiler repairs are expensive and inconvenient to say the least. Unfortunately, too many homeowners don’t take the time to make boiler maintenance a priority, and so find themselves out in the cold in the middle of a winter’s night.

The good news is, it doesn’t have to be this way. Professional maintenance and personal inspections can go a long way toward preventing the dreaded boiler breakdown.

Regarding the professional maintenance, this is best handled by an HVAC maintenance professional, scheduled semi-annually – first in the Fall after the long summer off and prior to its period of daily use activity, and second in the Spring after a long winter of performance and comfort.

Inspections Homeowners Can Do

Regarding the personal inspections, there are many checks that you can do yourself in between the service visits.

1. Check all connections, seams, bolts, and seams for any visible leaks. If any leaks are found, call a repairman right away so that they can replace or mend the leak. It is also prudent to check the fuel gauge to make sure that it is reading correctly.

2. Check for hard water buildup. If your water is hard, it causes the boiler unit to operate less efficiently. The calcium and other hard minerals can clog and weigh down your system and it will work much slower than designed. Adding an ion exchanger to your boiler unit will help to keep your water soft by blocking the deposit of the minerals.

3. Keep a written record of your boiler readings. Using consistent records, it will be easy to see if there are any abnormalities that require attention. Recording the gas and flue temperatures as well as fuel levels and consumption gives you something to compare to if the numbers suddenly seem to be too high or too low. Make sure to also jot down the operating temperatures and pressure of the oils that are on your system.

4. Take note of the color of the flame that is burning. This is another indicator of the condition of your unit. You are looking for a clean blue flame. Pale orange flames indicate incorrect airflow. Black smoke is bad, indicating incorrect oil or airflow.

5. Examine the motors and belts. Be sure to replace any worn belts and look into motors for strange sounds or heating inconsistencies.

A well-maintained boiler unit is critical for the comfort and enjoyment of your home. This simple appliance, though often ignored, is probably one of the most important (if not the most important) in your home. That’s why it’s important to go through and perform these simple checks and call a qualified HVAC professional to schedule semi-annual maintenance.

Contact B.M.C./Clower to schedule service maintenance and take care of your boiler today!