Boilers are an excellent way to heat your home, but that doesn’t mean they’re without problems from time to time. The best way to stay ahead of boiler problems is to know what to look for so that you can identify the signs before things get too bad.
If you suspect that you need boiler repair in Winnetka, then give our team a call. We can schedule an appointment for boiler maintenance and figure out what is wrong with your boiler. In the meantime, you can keep reading to learn more about the five most common boiler repairs that we see and the signs of each one.
Leaks
We have a lot of customers who think leaks from a boiler are completely normal. After all, it is a water appliance. Isn’t it normal to see the presence of water? The short answer is no. Your boiler should be completely airtight and secured without any leaks.
Leaks are a sign that something is wrong. They can impact boiler performance and even shorten the lifespan of your appliance. Allowing the leak to continue can cost you money on your water bill, potentially damage your home, and even cause more problems in your boiler.
Kettling Sounds
It is also unusual to hear noises coming from your boiler. Of course, there are some sounds that you will hear as a part of normal operation. Boilers are not completely silent. But kettling or tapping sounds can indicate that you have minerals building up inside of your boiler due to hard water. You may hear these kettling sounds as the water moves through the boiler system. When the water moves, it stirs up the minerals that settle from hard water, causing them to make noises as they move around.
Low Pressure
If your boiler has unusually low pressure, this could be caused by a leak. But it’s also possible that a lack of pressure has to do with your boiler’s radiator. Either way, low pressure is an indication that you need to give our team a call to schedule service. You may be tempted to move the pressure gauge up higher for better results, but this can just leave your boiler working harder against an issue.
Frozen Condensate Drain Pipe
During the winter, we see a lot of boilers with frozen condensate pipes. The condensate line drains out water waste from your boiler. When temperatures drop below freezing, it is common for the water in this line to freeze and cause a blockage.
This can impact the pressurization of your boiler, leading to it turning off as a safety mechanism. Sure, frozen pipes can thaw out on their own, but you also run the risk of cracks due to the water freezing. It’s better to get your boiler checked out and be safe.
Thermostat Problems
And sometimes your boiler problems don’t even have anything to do with your boiler at all. It’s equally possible that your thermostat is the issue. If your thermostat is miscalibrated or the batteries run out, it cannot communicate with your boiler when to turn on and off for heating cycles. You may think that something is wrong with your boiler when really the thermostat is the problem.
Shavitz Heating and Air Conditioning is your trusted resource for Chicagoland area home services. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for boiler service!