A properly running boiler is the difference between comforting warmth and shivering in your home during the winter. Although boilers tend to be very reliable and don’t require as much maintenance as a furnace, it is still important to ensure the system is clean and running properly.
Outside of regular maintenance that should be done by a professional, you should make sure your boiler is clean. A clean system will not only heat your home better, but it will make the system more efficient, saving you money in the long run.
Regularly cleaning your boiler can also prevent buildups in the system that may require expensive repairs to fix.
This article will look at a few simple steps you can take to clean your boiler and ensure it keeps running smoothly. If you are uncomfortable doing so or just don’t feel like it, give the Buric Heating and Air Conditioning experts a call.
Step 1: Gather the Tools Needed
Before you begin your cleaning, there are a few boiler cleaning tools you’ll need to make the job easy. While none are required, attempting to clean the boiler without these could make the job even messier.
Throw these supplies in your boiler cleaning kit, and you’ll be ready anytime a cleaning is needed. If you don’t have access to these tools, hiring a professional for a boiler cleaning solution makes sense.
Wrenches and Screwdrivers
These are needed to take apart pieces of your boiler and access areas to clean.
Brushes
A good boiler cleaning brush set will consist of nylon or wire brushes that are strong enough to remove soot.
Vacuum cleaner
A powerful vacuum cleaner is needed to clean the area after the removal of soot and buildup.
New filters
Replacing the filters when you clean will ensure that your boiler runs properly.
Step 2: Turn Your Boiler Off
Turn off your boiler and also disconnect its fuel source. If you forget to do this it could cause electrocution or even fires.
Once the boiler has been shut off, you need to allow it time to cool down. It may take several hours, but you need to wait until the unit is cool to the touch. Since boilers can be over 190 degrees, timing may vary.
Now that the boiler has cooled down, you can use your tools to remove the covers and vent stacks. Be mindful of where you place all parts, especially screws, as they can be easy to lose. You might be better off calling a professional if you have difficulty keeping track of many small parts.
Step 3: Clean the Boiler
The boiler has cooled down, and you now have access to the combustion chamber. Grab your wire brush and scrub! Scrub the walls and base of the combustion chamber. Over time, these areas become covered in soot, and it may require a bit of extra effort to get it all off.
At this time, you should also be brushing the vent and any other areas you can access. The soot can gravitate to even the smallest crevices and build up, so be very diligent. Cleaning an oil boiler involves the additional step of replacing the filter. Make sure you have these ready before you start cleaning.
Now, grab your vacuum and remove as much of the dust and soot as you can from the inside of the unit. Also, go around the outside of the unit, making sure to vacuum up any remaining debris. At the same time, clear any possible obstructions from the area to allow the boiler to run smoothly.
Step 4: Reassemble and Turn Back On
Now that you have a spotless boiler, it is time to reassemble the parts. Grab your covers, screws, and any other parts you may have removed. Replace the covers and tighten the nuts or screws, making sure that they fit snugly.
At this point, you can turn the fuel source and power to the unit back on. Make sure to leave the fuel valve open until the fuel starts flowing, allowing any potential air in the lines to escape.
Watch the system’s progress to ensure that the temperature returns to normal and that your home is heated properly.
Maintaining the Unit After Cleaning
Proper boiler cleaning is not all that needs to be done to keep it running properly. Someone must do routine maintenance to prevent any larger issues from popping up. Luckily, most of this is fairly straightforward.
- Check for any obstructions or blockages of air vents
- Regularly inspect for any potential drips or leaks from your system
- Maintain the water level — not doing so could cause a failure in your boiler
- Check the pressure and temperature readings routinely
While proper maintenance isn't a guarantee that nothing will go wrong, you are very likely to enjoy your boiler for years to come when done regularly, along with cleaning.
Let the Pros Help Out
We get it. Not everyone has the time or willpower to clean a boiler. Instead of searching “boiler cleaning near me,” let the professionally trained technicians at Buric Heating and Air Conditioning take care of it. Our boiler cleaning service and maintenance packages will keep money in your pocket and warm air in your home.
Give us a call today to schedule an appointment in Ellicott City, Laurel, Columbia, and surrounding areas . Our boiler cleaning cost is minimal, and it will save you the dirty hassle of attempting to learn how to clean an oil boiler yourself.
