Boilers are among the most efficient methods of home heating, keeping your home reliably warm through winter months.
There are a few ways you should check up on your boiler to look out for common issues. Servicing a boiler can be dangerous, so be cautious when handling your boiler and don’t hesitate to call on a trained professional. Heating systems can be challenging to diagnose on your own if you do find a problem.
Select Home Warranty offers home warranties for boilers, so that if you notice any mechanical issues when checking your boiler, you can call on us to cover the costs to repair or replace.
Do you have questions about heating system home warranties? Give us a call now: 860-288-4791
Do boilers need maintenance?
Yes, your boiler requires at least annual maintenance from a qualified technician.
How long is a boiler supposed to last?
Boilers have a life expectancy of up to 15 years depending on how heavily it is used and how often it is maintained.
5 Steps to Maintain the Boiler
Maintaining your boiler calls for you to run a visual inspection.
1. Check for leaking water. The heat exchanger may commonly leak, which may require replacement. The vent and chimney are often the first to breakdown, so be sure to check these parts for holes that may lead to a leak down the line.
2. Check that the temperature and pressure readings are within adequate levels, with most boilers requiring between 1 and 2 pressure bars to allow circulation between radiators. Your boiler shouldn’t reach any higher than 30 psi.
3. Take note of any unusual noises or vibrations that may indicate poor water flow or overheating. A range of noises could indicate a problem, such as banging, rattling or humming.
4. Consider cleaning the heat exchanger. Mineral deposits can affect the efficiency of your heat exchanger. This requires disassembly, and some parts in the heat exchanger are delicate, so exercise caution and consider discussing the heat exchanger with a qualified technician.
5. Consider flushing out the boiler to remove rust and sediment. Flushing the boiler can boost the boiler’s efficiency and help it last longer. This cleaning should be done at least every 5 years but may be recommended annually depending on minerals in your water supply. Consider calling on a technician to flush your boiler as part of your next annual maintenance routine.
Flushing the boiler requires you to shut off water and electricity to the boiler, wait for the water to cool, then open all radiator vents and connect a hose from the boiler’s drain. Once the hose is connected, wait for the dirty water to clear. Refilling the radiator will require you to close the radiator vents and turn your water supply back on.
In many cases, if you notice a problem while checking your boiler, you will want to call a service technician to further investigate. Don’t wait on a minor repair that could become more severe or a breakdown that may start to affect your home’s temperature.
Boiler Home Warranties
Boilers are complex systems with a very big task on hand – heating your home. Boilers can cost upwards of $7,000 and may leave your home uninhabitable when a breakdown occurs.
That’s why Select Home Warranty offers home warranty coverage on boilers, including all modules, components and parts necessary to the function of the heating system. This includes thermostats, heating elements, pressure switches, condensers, burner assemblies and more. When you place a claim, we’ll help coordinate sending a qualified technician to fix the problem.
Does the thought of a broken boiler stress you out? Gain peace of mind with a FREE QUOTE to start comparing home warranty coverage. Call today to learn more: 860-288-4791
