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(707) 539-4533 |  Sonoma Napa and Marin Counties

When your boiler stays in good condition, it will last a lot longer. Boiler repair becomes necessary at some point in time. The old “ounce of prevention” can save you a lot of cure down the road. As its winter time you will need your boiler to function at its best.

Check the Thermostat

boiler repairKeeping your thermostat in good working order is vital. Firstly, check to ensure it is perfectly level if it is not digital. In the case of digital units, you still need to inspect to make sure that any manual air vents are open. Be certain that you allow the system to heat up adequately before you check the temperature, as this takes time. In the case of digital units, it is wise to check any hard wiring at least once a year to ensure that it is intact. Rodents, dry rot and water intrusion can all become serious issues if you leave them unchecked. In the case of a battery-powered system, avoiding boiler repair on this end can be as simple as inspecting the condition and charge level of the batteries.

Water and Pilot Lighting

When your boiler’s water level becomes too low, it can cause your system to crack violently. This sudden release of pressure is both potentially expensive and potentially dangerous. In order to avoid this type of boiler repair and the overall damage a broken boiler can cause, check the water level every two weeks. In most cases, all you have to do is alter the setup to ensure that your plumbing lines are bringing enough water to keep the level reasonable. Another way you can avoid a future boiler repair is to ensure that your pilot light is still lit. Natural gas or excessive coldness can both cause their own types of damage if you forget to do this.

Flue Made Who?

Checking the flue passages above your boiler can do more than avoid a future boiler repair that could be costly. It can also maintain the health of everyone in your home or building. The flue carries away carbon monoxide, but it is also a useful barometer of how well the system is operating and can give you a heads up of problems that are still in their early stages. When your flue passages are covered in soot, you have what is called a “rich” burning system, which means too little air is coming in for clean burning. You want to have as little soot buildup as possible, as this can lead to a need for premature boiler repair or even replacement. You also want to ensure that there is no water or other moisture in your vent pipes, as this means the system is not heating up enough.

Another way you can nip boiler repair in the bud is to check for a white and powdery residue within the vent pipe. This condensation is not just a warning about the system being too cool — it is acidic enough to go through the pipe over time. From there, you may have carbon monoxide where people breathe it and become sick.

Filters, Fins and Flipping Dirt

Dirt is a natural part of operation, but cleaning up that dirt is vital to avoiding unnecessary boiler repair. If you find dirt on the fins of your fans or blowers, clean it off as thoroughly as you can. Change any air filters to be sure you’re blocking dirt and letting air through, so as not to over-stress the fan and blower motors. Contact us for more information.