Seasonal Boiler Maintenance Steps To Avoid Typical Problems
Posted by Paul Wadsworth on Mon, Jan 23, 2012 @ 09:01 AM
Seasonal boiler maintenance is imperative to long-term system efficiency, household energy savings, and even to the safety of your family. In fact, by having your boiler checked out regularly, you can also decrease future spending on unnecessary repairs and emergency replacements.
One of the most important aspects of seasonal boiler maintenance is flushing the boiler. Additionally, during the course of the year, soot and scale can build up, decreasing boiler efficiency, and leading to corrosion and unnecessary damage. Having a professional inspect your system and perform such maintenance on a regular basis can prevent excess buildup, extending system longevity while increasing heating efficiency.
Other important tasks that your technician will perform during seasonal boiler maintenance include:
- Checking water levels
- Inspecting ventilation system
- Cleansing components
- Evaluating damper operation
- Adjusting pilot assembly
- Checking pressure
- Replacing old gaskets where necessary
- Lubricating moving parts
- Ensuring adequacy of piping insulation
Two other major concerns include:
- Preventing your boiler from overheating
- Ensuring the safe release of pressure
To address the first problem, your technician will ensure that the low water fuel cut off is operating properly. This sensor reads the water level. When levels drop too low, the fuel cut off is triggered. This not only prevents unnecessary system damage, it also keeps your family safe. Home owners often become aware of this situation when the temperature drops in the home.
Pressure relief is provided by your boilers safety valves. When pressure rises too high, these spring-loaded valves are forced open, providing a safe relief of pressure. If these valves aren’t functioning properly, you could have trouble on your hands.
For more information on seasonal boiler maintenance, or to schedule a checkup, contact us at P.K. Wadsworth today. We’ve been serving the greater Cleveland area since 1936.
photo credit: jrvogt81
Paul Wadsworth is the President and Owner of P.K. Wadsworth Heating and Cooling. For 37 years, Paul has been providing heating and cooling services to the Greater Cleveland area. P.K. Wadsworth has been a trusted Cleveland HVAC service company for 75 years. The company understand the area's construction and local heating and air conditioning needs. Paul has an MBA from the University of Michigan and a B.S., Industrial Engineering from Purdue University. He's been President of the Cleveland Air Conditioning Contractors of America and a founding member of the local chapter. Paul was born and raised in Cleveland and has been active in the local community. He resides in Cleveland, Ohio with his wife and two sons.
The opinions and statements contained in this article are for general informational purposes only and are not instructions. Only trained, licensed and experienced personnel should attempt installation/repair. The author assumes no liability for the opinions/statements made in this article. Any individual attempting a repair or installation based on this article does so at their own risk of loss.
