Schedule Boiler Service This Fall
Boilers are a great option for heating the home or business, but they require special considerations compared to furnaces. During the fall, homeowners should take some time to get to know their boiler and remember to perform a few tasks to ensure that it continues operating efficiently through the winter. Here is a quick guide from local experts to help boiler owners get the most from their heating systems.
Basics of Owning a Boiler
A central heating system uses ductwork to move heated air throughout the home. The air is heated in a heat exchanger, where a powerful burner burns fossil fuels to quickly heat the air passing over it.
Boilers take a different approach to keeping the home warm. Instead of moving heat by moving air around the home, boilers use hot water or steam that is moved through pipes. Radiators or baseboard heaters then release the heat from the water or steam and warm the room. Boilers are also popular options for subfloor heating.
Over the years, boilers have been improved to make them more appealing to consumers. First, modern boilers are much safer than their past counterparts. Most simply heat water instead of boiling it to produce steam. This makes the system simpler, making it less prone to failure.
Secondly, modern boilers are not the smoke-belching appliances they are perceived to be. Gas-fired boilers are required to meet EPA emissions standards, and they are available in high-efficiency models, helping homeowners achieve up to 96% efficiency from their units.
Common Boiler Problems
Boilers are less common than other forms of heating commonly found in homes and businesses. For many owners, they are a mystery, but understanding how they work and how to spot the signs of failure is critical to effectively heating with a boiler.
The most common boiler problem is leaks. Like hot water tanks, boilers, and their associated piping constantly expand and contract with the heat. Over time, this can cause joints to leak. Additionally, the extra pressure found inside boilers can weaken them over time.
Another sign of boiler problems is high energy bills. Boilers are comparable to furnaces in terms of heating costs, so when bills spike, it can be a sign that something is causing it to lose efficiency and drive up costs.
Get the Most From the Boiler
Just as with furnaces or any other piece of machinery, boilers thrive when they are properly maintained. Owners should take the time to familiarize themselves with their boilers and learn how to keep them maintained. Some tasks include:
- Watch the gauge glass or water level
- Observe for unusual sounds
- Look for leaks
- Check the sight glass for flame
- Monitor pressure levels
- Perform blowdowns as necessary
In addition to owner maintenance, the owners should remember professional boiler maintenance services. Professional service helps keep the burner clean and operating efficiently to keep bills under control. With routine maintenance every year, owners can keep costs low and improve the longevity of the unit.
About All Clear Plumbing
All Clear Plumbing offers superior boiler services, using its specialized plumbing and heating knowledge. They offer fair and flat rate pricing, licensed and insured technicians, and 24/7 emergency services. Call today for boiler services in Belleville, NJ.
