Your home boiler is crucial to keeping your house warm and comfortable, especially during the colder months. Like any other household appliance exposed to continued use over time, the boiler is prone to damage. Your boiler, the unsung winter warmth hero, may not have a voice, but if you listen closely enough, you realize it communicates.
Have you noticed some signs that have gradually started showing on your boiler that were not there initially? This may be the voice your boiler is using to communicate its need for professional repair services. Urgently heeding these signs will help prevent potential breakdowns. Pay attention to these seven signs that your boiler needs professional repair services.
1. Unusual Sounds in the Boiler
Your home is a haven of comfort and serenity, and the last thing you want is a noisy boiler. This distraction is hard to ignore and thus, this is often the first easy-to-spot sign that your boiler needs professional repair services. So, has the normal peaceful humming of your boiler been interrupted by banging, rattling, or other unusual sounds?
Banging and rattling noises in the boiler are due to the buildup of limescale or sediments in the system. Over time, these sediments can cause hot spots and disruptive sounds. A whistling or hissing sound is a sign of kettling caused by limescale buildup on the heat exchanger. Regardless of the boiler’s noise, it is time to call in a professional if it is unusual.
2. Fluctuating or No Heat
A reliable boiler is a source of comfort and peace of mind. You are assured that it covers you whenever the cold season sets in. But what happens when your reliable appliance suddenly falters? A complete heating blackout or heat fluctuations could signal various issues, from a malfunctioning thermostat to more complex problems with the pump or water pressure.
Low pressure can hinder the proper circulation of water in the system, resulting in uneven heating or, in extreme cases, no heat at all. Also, airlocks can prevent the smooth flow of the heating system. When this happens, the radiator may stay cold while the heater overworks. You may not expertly diagnose the cause of the heat fluctuations or loss, but when the boiler loses its heat, it is a sign that you need to call a professional.
3. Leakage
The last thing you should find is water leakage in the quiet corners of your home where your boiler dutifully does its work. When the boiler starts weeping or shedding tears and forming a puddle at its feet, do not turn a blind eye. This highlights an underlying problem in the system. Corrosion compromises the structural strength of your boiler’s internal components, creating pathways for water to seep through.
The leaking could also be due to a faulty pressure release valve. Every boiler is installed with an inbuilt safety mechanism, but with time, it could malfunction, resulting in water leakage from the system. Also, the leakage may result from loose joints and connections. They may experience wear and tear with time, allowing water to leak through. The seals and gaskets that make the joints and connections watertight may also deteriorate with time, failing to provide the required tightness.
4. Pilot Light Issues
The pilot light is a seemingly small flame but is important in your boiler operation. The pilot light is a steady flame and burns in a blue color. When it changes nature and starts dancing and flickering, it could indicate problems with the thermocouple, which senses the flame’s heat. Also, when the pilot flame turns its color from a steady blue to yellow, it indicates incomplete gas combustion, probably due to insufficient oxygen or a gas supply issue.
A dramatic scenario may arise when the pilot light delays igniting. This will result in a mini explosion, heard as booming sounds. This is a serious safety concern that demands immediate professional repair services. There are other signs that the pilot light can express, such as constant extinguishing and soot or deposit formation around the pilot light. All these alert you that something is wrong with your boiler and it’s time to call in professional repair services.
5. Increased Energy Bills
Closely monitoring your energy bills weekly or monthly is an important practice every house owner should embrace. It will be easy to notice when your energy bills unexpectedly leap. This surge is a financial inconvenience and a sign that your boiler might be silently urging professional attention. An aging or malfunctioning boiler will operate less efficiently, increasing energy consumption.
The thermostat may contribute to high energy use. If it isn’t accurately controlling the temperature, your boiler may be overworking and using more energy than necessary. Mechanical components, such as pumps, valves, or heat exchangers, can wear down over time. When they struggle to perform, your boiler compensates by consuming more energy. Having a professional inspection is the surest way of knowing whether your boiler is the culprit responsible for the increased energy consumption.
6. Strange Smells
What is that weird odor that wafts through your room whenever the boiler starts running? New boilers have a smell, but it quickly diminishes with time. However, when musty, damp, or burning odors fill your room when the boiler runs, don’t grab the air fresheners. Call your professional repair services provider instead.
The unmistakable scent of gas is not to be ignored. A gas leak poses an immediate safety hazard, and if you catch a whiff of gas near your boiler, consider it an emergency. Burning odors could be due to your system overheating, electric issues, or debris near the burner. Musty smells will signal water leakage in the boiler that supports mold growth. These changes in the smell of your boiler could be the signal it sends to show it needs professional repair services.
7. Age of the Boiler
How long have you had your boiler in use? Did you know that with age, the boiler gradually develops problems? Recognizing the age of your boiler as a sign of professional attention is a key aspect of ensuring its continued efficiency and reliability. Just like all other machines, the boiler’s efficiency reduces with age. Components will wear out and the overall performance may not be as high as when it was new. Also, with time, the boiler is prone to more repairs that signal it might be on its last feet.
Older boilers may lack the technological advancements in energy efficiency and have higher energy consumption. The replacement parts may also be a challenge when acquiring. Now, aging gracefully is admirable, but when it comes to your boiler, the older it is, the more keen your eyes must be to note when it is time to call a professional repair expert. A professional will help you navigate the options and make an informed decision.
Have you noticed one or more of these signs with your boiler? Now is the time to promptly seek the help of a professional HVAC technician. At Joyce Cooling & Heating Inc., we offer a comprehensive range of HVAC, air quality, and water heating services to residents of Nashua, NH and its surrounding areas. Our company has grown since 1995 to become the leading HVAC service provider, owing to our reputable and unparalleled excellence in every service we offer. Contact Joyce Cooling & Heating Inc. today and let us ensure that your heating and cooling system needs are professionally catered for.
