Your boiler is a crucial part of your heating or water heating system. When it stops working, it can cause problems in a big way. A malfunctioning boiler could increase your utility bills, decrease your employees’ comfort, and even endanger your employees’ health.Pay attention to these signs that your boiler needs repair.
1. Strange Sounds
Ordinarily, your boiler stays fairly quiet. If it starts to make a lot of noise, something is likely wrong. Clunking, whirring, and banging sounds could indicate that the pump or fan has worn down and requires replacement. On the other hand, whistling or gurgling sounds could mean that your boiler’s water pressure is too low. It could also mean that your boiler is kettling. Kettling occurs when salts and debris get trapped in the heat exchanger and the water begins to steam and boil. A professional can inspect your boiler to find the specific problem.
2. Foul Smell
A carbon monoxide leak not only affects your boiler’s functionality — it can also cause health problems for you and your employees. A common sign of a carbon monoxide leak is a slight foul smell. This smell isn’t the carbon monoxide itself, but it comes from your boiler failing to burn properly. Another sure way to know that your boiler is leaking carbon dioxide is if the boiler’s flame is yellow. A normal boiler should have a blue flame. Also, look for dark spots around your boiler’s casing. If you see any of these signs, call a repair company right away. If your boiler is leaking carbon monoxide, evacuate anyone in the building. Carbon monoxide can cause headaches, nausea, breathing problems, and even death.
3. Higher Heating Bill
If you’ve seen an increase in your heating bills, it’s likely not just a fluke. There may be a leak or another issue with your boiler that requires repair. If your boiler is more than 15 years old, replacing your boiler with a new, more energy-efficient model can help you save money on heating costs.
4. Cold Building
Whether you work at a school, a church, or a warehouse, you rely on your heating system to keep your employees and visitors comfortable. But what if takes your building a long time to heat up, or your building remains cold even when you’ve turned up the heat? There’s a good chance that something is wrong with your boiler. Since the cause of the problem can vary, make sure an experienced professional takes a close look at your boiler.
5. Leaks
Some people make the mistake of thinking that boiler leaks are fairly routine and can be ignored. However, a leak can quickly spread to your walls and floor and cause expensive water damage throughout your building. You should check your boiler routinely, and if you spot any leaks, call a repair professional immediately.
6. Lack of Hot Water
If you can’t get your water to get or stay hot, the issue could lie with the boiler. There may be a problem with the boiler’s thermostat, valve, airlock, or diaphragm. Call a boiler technician to determine which parts have malfunctioned and to replace any broken parts. Another common related problem is when your water comes out much colder or hotter than it should. In this case, you may be dealing with a problem with your boiler’s circulation. Your boiler isn’t warming the water evenly and needs professional attention. If you notice any of these issues, call a boiler repair professional right away. The faster you get your boiler repaired, the faster you can restore your building’s heating and hot water. Call Magnolia Plumbing, Heating & Cooling for rapid attention to your boiler issues.
