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What is furnace maintenance and why should it be done?
What is boiler maintenance and why should it be done?
Boiler maintenance is when a mechanically certified technician performs a series of tests on your boiler to find out what parts are functioning up to the manufacturer’s specifications, and what parts are not. Each boiler maintenance includes a 25 point inspection on all components of the boiler. To see each component we test, please reference the checklist below. We offer the most comprehensive maintenance in Colorado!
- Check t-stat operation and wiring
- Check system for operation
- Check piping for leaks
- Inspect pump for leaks
- Verify zone valves operational
- Check zone control box
- Check air elimination
- Check expansion tank
- Check fill and back flow device
- Verify gas shut off operable
- Inspect for gas leaks
- Verify gas valve operational
- Inspect and test all internal high limits
- Visually inspect all internal wiring
- Check or clean burner assembly
- Check ignition system
- Check vent damper operational
- Verify venting intact and meets code
- Verify proper combustion air
- Inspect electrical circuit (fuse, size, dedicted line, etc.)
- Inspect heat exchanger for areas of concern
- Test for carbon monoxide
- Check temperature/pressure gauge operational
- Check gas manifold pressure
Importance of keeping your boiler clean
The evaporator is the system component that contacts the air being recirculated by the blower in your furnace. It is the cooling coil that performs the work on the air by lowering its temperature and moisture content (humidity). As the refrigerant flows through the evaporator, heat is transferred from the air passing over the coil to the refrigerant flowing inside the coil. Evaporator tubing is enhanced with spiral scoring on the interior tube walls. If the fins on your evaporator coil are clogged, your coil cannot efficiently remove heat from the air.
Have you or someone you know ever had your evaporator coil turn into a huge block of ice? This can happen for many reasons, such as a clogged coil or neglecting to change your filter. You may notice water dripping from your evaporator coil, flooding into your furnace and surrounding area as a clue to what is going on. If this is your current situation, turn off your AC (to begin melting the ice block) and call to schedule with us today.
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How often should you schedule maintenance for your boiler?
Boiler maintenance should be done twice a year minimum. At Jump HVAC we prefer to do a pre-season and mid-season check of the boilers. In the pre-season check, we check all the safety controls and test the combustion flue gases to see if they are close to the proper fuel to air ratio settings. In the mid-season test, we test all the safety controls and perform the combustion analysis and adjustment. This is because the boiler and burner will operate longer to allow proper setup and adjustment. To properly adjust the fuel to air ratio of a burner, the burner should operate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flame to stabilize before any adjustments are made. If this is done in the fall at the preseason test, the boiler will most likely shut off on temperature and may take several hours to complete the test.
How can you tell if you need maintenance performed on your boiler?
There are many different signs you need to schedule boiler maintenance. If you experience any of the following things, please call us to schedule maintenance.
Smell: When combustion appliances are not venting or firing properly, there will be a sour smell from the flue gases in the boiler room or basement. It’s difficult to describe but will feel like it burns your nose and eyes. If you notice a natural gas smell, please call and schedule an appointment right away.
Boiler room temperatures: Extremely hot or cool boiler room temperatures can indicate a malfunction.
Water: Water on the boiler room floor may indicate a leaking pipe or boiler. This could indicate that the pressure is excessive, the relief valve is getting weak, the piping to the expansion tank is plugged, or the expansion tank is flooded.
Strange noises: Water dripping or leaking. Electrical arcing may mean a short or bare wire. Hissing like steam or gas escaping. Loud ticking may be excessive scale buildup or a low water condition in the boiler. A banging noise may indicate a boiler malfunction (especially metallic banging). Gurgling can mean air in the hydronic piping. A popcorn or rice krispies sound can be excessive scale or low water condition. Excessive vibration could indicate a pump or motor malfunction. Loud humming can mean a bound motor or pump.
Things homeowners can do on their own to help maintain their boiler.
One thing you can do to help maintain your boiler is to make sure your emitters (or radiators) are clean and not being blocked by furniture or other household items. A simple way to clean your emitters is carefully vacuum them, being sure to not bend the fins. Or you can carefully wipe them down with a cloth, but keep in mind if your boiler is running the will be warm. If the emitters are covered in particulates, they will be unable to radiate heat into your home as efficiently as they could be.
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