Boilers are an essential component of your home’s heating and water heating systems. When your boiler shows signs of problems, it can have an impact on your home and family. Utility bills may increase, and your comfort level decreases. In some cases, there are even dangerous problems associated with boiler issues. The good news is, boiler problems usually come with signs that something is wrong. Identifying and fixing problems early can prevent additional damage. Keep reading to learn how to identify the top signs of boiler problems so that you can avoid an emergency.
Unusual Boiler Sounds
Boilers are typically quiet appliances, so when you begin to hear any unusual sounds, it means something is wrong. Problematic sounds include banging, whirring, or clunking. These sounds can indicate that the pump has worn out or that a fan is bent and needs replacement. Sometimes even small parts like screws can come loose and make very loud sounds as they knock around inside the system. But even a small part can cause a lot of damage.
Other sounds like whistling and gurgling can indicate that you’re having problems with your water pressure. If you have hard water, these same sounds can indicate that debris has built up in the heat exchanger and is knocking around when your water steam or boils. Our team of experts at Oria Heating and Cooling can inspect your boiler, determine the problem, and offer you a solution that fits your needs.
Bad Boiler Smells
If you have a carbon monoxide leak, your boiler may produce a smell. Keep in mind that carbon monoxide fumes don’t actually have a smell. Instead, the carbon monoxide leak leads to your boiler burning ineffectively from too much gas. As the gas burns, it damages your burner and leads to the system getting too hot. This is what actually causes the smell.
You can identify a carbon monoxide leak by checking the burner flame. It should burn bright blue. If it looks more yellow or orange, a carbon monoxide leak is possibly to blame. You should turn your burner off right away to eliminate additional carbon monoxide in your air and then give us a call for repair or replacement. Allowing the gas leak to continue can make your family very sick and also leaves you at risk for fire hazards.
Utility Bill Increases
If your water or energy bill begins to rise, it’s possible that your boiler is to blame. You may have a leak, or maybe your boiler has a problem that is causing it to work harder to produce the same results. If your boiler is 15 years or older, it may be time to replace it with a newer version. While some repairs can help you get back some of your boiler efficiency, there comes a time when it makes more sense to invest in a new unit. Sometimes the cost savings in your utility bills can make up for what you’re spending on a complete replacement.
The Importance of Regular Boiler Maintenance
In addition to identifying potential problems with your boiler, it is also important to maintain your boiler to prevent future problems. Regular maintenance will not only help prevent costly repairs, but it can also help increase the lifespan of your boiler. During regular maintenance, our technicians will inspect and clean the burner, heat exchanger, and combustion chamber. They will also check the flue for obstructions, test the safety controls, and make sure that the thermostat is functioning correctly. The best route to take is to hire a professional HVAC company in your area such as Oria Heating and Cooling to take on regular maintenance.
The Benefits of Professional Boiler Repair
Boiler repairs can be complicated, and it is important to hire a professional for these types of repairs. Professional boiler repair technicians have the tools and knowledge necessary to quickly diagnose and repair any problems with your boiler. They can also ensure that the repairs are made safely and effectively, which can help prevent future problems from occurring. Professional boiler repair technicians can also provide you with advice and recommendations.
At Oria Heating and Cooling, our technicians specialize in many different types of HVAC services ranging from heating, cooling, gas, and maintenance. We’re here to serve you 24/7 for any emergency repairs in the Ottawa area. Just call our hotline today and leave the stress to us! Call us at 613-866-1869 or visit our website for more information.