You may have a boiler in your home as part of your heating or water heating systems. When your boiler shows signs of problems, it can impact your home and family. Utility bills may increase, and your comfort decreases. Plus, there are some boiler problems that are actually very dangerous.
The good news is, boiler problems usually come with signs that something is wrong. If you suspect that you need boiler repair in Chicago, our team can help. When you identify and fix problems early on, you can prevent additional damage. Keep reading to learn how to identify the top signs of boiler problems so that you can avoid an emergency.
Unusual Boiler Sounds
Your boiler is not completely silent, but it is a quiet appliance. If you begin to hear any unusual sounds, something is definitely wrong. Problematic sounds include banging, whirring, or clunking. It may be that the pump has worn out or a fan is bent and needs replacement. Sometimes even small parts like screws come loose and make very loud sounds as they knock around inside the system. But even a small part can cause a lot of damage.
Other sounds like whistling and gurgling can indicate that you’re having problems with your water pressure. If you have hard water, these same sounds can indicate that debris has built up in the heat exchanger and is knocking around when your water steam or boils. Our team of experts can inspect your boiler, determine the problem, and offer you a solution that fits your needs.
Bad Boiler Smells
If you have a carbon monoxide leak, your boiler may produce a smell. Keep in mind that carbon monoxide fumes don’t actually have a smell. Instead, the carbon monoxide leak leads to your boiler burning ineffectively from too much gas. As the gas burns, it damages your burner and leads to the system getting too hot. This is what actually causes the smell.
You can identify a carbon monoxide leak by checking the burner flame. It should burn bright blue. If it looks more yellow or orange, a carbon monoxide leak is possibly to blame. You should turn your burner off right away to eliminate additional carbon monoxide in your air and then give us a call for repair or replacement. Allowing the gas leak to continue can make your family very sick and also leaves you at risk for fire hazards.
Utility Bill Increases
If your water or energy bill begins to rise, it’s possible that your boiler is to blame. You may have a leak, or maybe your boiler has a problem that is causing it to work harder to produce the same results. If your boiler is 15 years or older, it may be time to replace it with a newer version. While some repairs can help you get back some of your boiler efficiency, there comes a time when it makes more sense to invest in a new unit. Sometimes the cost savings in your utility bills can make up for what you’re spending on a complete replacement.
Shavitz Heating and Air Conditioning is your trusted resource for Chicagoland area home services. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.