Having a boiler that keeps turning itself off is a major hassle, especially when the weather gets cold. You’ll find it easier to troubleshoot the problem if you understand the typical causes.
Low Water Pressure
A boiler will automatically turn off to protect itself from harm if the pressure falls below a certain threshold. In most cases, you can verify this problem by looking at the water pressure indicator on your boiler. The safe operating pressure range for most units is 1.0 to 2.0 bars. If the pressure is too low, a professional or manual pressurization of the system may be necessary. Boilers often experience low pressure due to leaks or malfunctioning pressure-release valves.
Thermostat Issues
Incorrect thermostat settings can prevent the boiler from receiving the proper signal to activate or deactivate. As a result, there will be heating issues and unexpected shutdowns. Fixing this problem is usually as simple as readjusting the thermostat’s settings or changing the batteries. In older thermostats, the old wiring might cause connection issues between the thermostat and the boiler. If you upgrade to a smart thermostat, you’ll have to update the software regularly. Fortunately, many smart thermostats come with automatic software updates.
Blocked or Dirty Air Vents
Dirty or obstructed air vents will significantly reduce your boiler’s performance. This is because boilers can’t burn fuel effectively or keep the correct temperature without the correct airflow. Instead of overheating, the unit will just shut itself off. Cleaning the boiler’s ventilation is a great way to reduce dust throughout your home. This makes it easier to keep the air vents clean and ensures adequate airflow at all times. You’ll also need to regularly check that nothing is blocking the vents.
Faulty Pump
Boiler systems can’t circulate water if they don’t have a working pump. Consequently, the system can overheat and turn itself off. Uneven heating in your house and strange sounds like banging or grinding might be indications of a malfunctioning pump. Repairing or replacing this part of a boiler system requires the expertise of a trained specialist. Things that increase the likelihood of pump failure include debris in the system and low water levels.
Tripped Safety Switch or Fuse
Boilers have safety switches and fuses that cut power in the event of an emergency. For example, if the temperature inside the boiler rises over a certain threshold, the high-limit temperature fuse will shut the system down. If the internal pressure becomes too high, the pressure relief valve can turn the unit off. Similarly, the flame sensor will trigger a shutdown if it detects any abnormalities in the burner or flame ignition. You should call an electrician to check the system if you’re experiencing recurrent shutdowns due to blown or tripped fuses.
Frozen Condensate Pipe
The condensate pipeline transports the boiler’s condensation to a nearby outside drain. If the pipe freezes, the boiler will not function. In such a situation, the boiler would usually turn off to avoid further damage. Insulating the condensate pipeline is a great way to prevent freezing. You can use warm water or a heated towel to defrost the pipe if it has already frozen.
Blocked Flue or Chimney
A boiler’s flue is responsible for removing carbon monoxide and other harmful gases from the system. When these gases accumulate in the flue due to debris, bird nests or snow, the system may shut down. Checking the flue for blockages regularly is key to the boiler’s safe operation. You should also get carbon monoxide detectors to make sure that dangerous gases aren’t building up in your house.
Sensor Malfunctions
Boilers use multiple sensors to keep an eye on the water level, pressure and temperature. Your unit might accidentally turn off if one of these sensors fails. Incorrect readings sent to the control system by faulty sensors can also cause a shutdown. The best way to detect faults with these sensors before they escalate is to have an expert test them regularly.
How to Know When to Upgrade Your Boiler
You’ll avoid costly repairs and maintenance headaches by keeping track of when your boiler needs an upgrade. Boilers typically last between 10 and 15 years. Both the energy efficiency and reliability of older boilers are subpar, and they break down more often. A new boiler may be the best option if you’re constantly fixing things or if your energy costs are going up. Boilers nowadays are more dependable than ever before thanks to modern technology like smart controls and enhanced safety measures.
It might also be time for an upgrade if you’re trying to live a greener lifestyle. Upgrading your boiler with a more energy-efficient one is a great way to lend a hand to Mother Nature. Modern versions are more efficient and produce fewer pollutants since they are built to meet stringent environmental regulations. It’s a good idea to get an expert’s opinion on your present system when upgrading a boiler.
What to Expect During a Boiler Upgrade
There are a number of precautions to take during a boiler upgrade to make sure everything goes according to plan. A qualified expert will first determine your home’s heating requirements and then suggest a boiler that meets those criteria. Doing so will guarantee that your new boiler can handle all of your heating and hot water needs.
Installing the boiler equipment is the next step. In most cases, this entails taking out the old boiler, checking and maybe improving the current pipes and then setting up the new system. The total time required to complete the installation ranges from one to three days, depending on its intricacy. The project will likely involve temporarily turning off the water and heating, so you should be ready for some inconvenience.
The expert will check the boiler’s functionality after installation. They will also provide maintenance advice and demonstrate how to utilize the updated controls. If you have a smart boiler system installed, you’ll be able to operate it from anywhere using a smartphone. Other unique features of smart boilers include energy usage tracking and automatic diagnostic alerts. You can get the most out of your boiler if you take time to learn how these features function.
How to Extend the Lifespan of Your New Boiler
Preventative maintenance is key to your new boiler lasting as long as possible. Get a professional technician to check the system once a year to see if anything is wrong and make sure it’s running well. Overheating may occur if dust and other particles collect around the boiler and prevent ventilation.
Boiler heating systems require regular bleeding of their radiators, typically once or twice a year. This releases trapped air, which ensures even heat distribution and prevents inefficiencies. Maintaining the water pressure within the specified range is another important step in protecting the internal components from harm. Last but not least, if you live in an area with hard water, use a water softener to decrease mineral accumulation.
Joyce Cooling & Heating Inc. is here to perform your next boiler upgrade. We also work on all heating systems and cooling systems, including heat pumps, air conditioners, high velocity systems, Wi-Fi thermostats, oil-to-gas conversions and water heaters. Call us now to schedule a boiler installation in Nashua or Canterbury, NH.
