Boilers are extremely effective heating systems and with regular maintenance, they can keep your home warm for twenty or even thirty years! Another benefit is that they typically require fewer repairs than other options such as furnaces or heat pumps. However, no system will run perfectly forever, and once in a while, your boiler will need repairs.
Because they’re different from furnaces and have unique components related to circulating the hot water through your home, the most common boiler repair needs are not quite the same as other heating repair needs. If problems are allowed to continue, they can lead to other damage and require larger repairs. We’ll be covering four of the most common issues we see with boilers and how you can spot them early to keep the repairs small.
Leaks
It’s probably obvious that a leak is bad news. If you notice any water dripping from or pooling below your boiler, it’s time for boiler repair in Albuquerque, NM. To keep your boiler functional and to avoid water damage which can be a costly and extremely inconvenient problem in itself, it’s important to address leaks as soon as possible. A professional technician can determine the source of the leak and resolve the issue for you.
Overheating
The first sign you’re likely to notice when your boiler is allowing the water temperature to get too high is a very distinctive noise. It’s called kettling and it sounds like a furiously boiling tea kettle, only much, much larger.
This overheating may be related to a problem with the water pressure, but it could be caused by a blockage in the system, mineral scaling on the heat exchanger, or a failing thermistor. A thermistor is like a thermostat that specifically regulates the temperature in the boiler.
Corrosion
Corrosion in the tank of a boiler is often the cause of a boiler’s demise. It takes quite a while for this to develop because the tank is specifically designed to withstand the risk of corrosion. However, when it does begin, it’s most likely to be spotted on parts that can be replaced, like the heat exchanger.
Caught early, corrosion can be addressed before it moves into the tank itself. If you spot corrosion anywhere on your boiler, call for repairs as soon as possible so you can try to avoid having to replace the boiler entirely.
Circulator Pump
If your boiler is heating, but your home stays cold, it could be a problem with the circulator pump. This is the component responsible for directing the hot water flow throughout your home’s system of radiators, registers, or piping for radiant floor heat.
If it fails, your boiler will keep trying to do its job, but the heat won’t be able to circulate throughout your home. Don’t panic at the loss of heat. The circulator pump can be repaired or replaced if necessary without having to replace the whole boiler.
Contact Roadrunner Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing today to ask any questions you have about your boiler or to schedule boiler repair.
