When the leaves change colors, and the temperatures drop, most homeowners start to rely on their heating systems to keep their homes and families warm and comfortable. Ensuring that your system works properly before the cold winter months is critical to avoid costly repairs and emergency service.
While modern boilers tend to be very reliable and have fairly long lifespans, routine maintenance ensures that everything is running smoothly. A boiler is one of the most important pieces of equipment in a home, and it is often more convenient to let experienced professionals take care of any service it requires.
At some point, a boiler maintenance company will need to service your equipment, but until then, keep in mind this boiler maintenance checklist to keep your system up and running through the chilly winter months.
Boiler Maintenance Checklist
When it comes to maintaining your boiler on your own, there are plenty of things you can do to increase reliability, performance, and lifespan.
Although some of the maintenance is possible to do yourself, make sure to have a professional boiler maintenance company schedule an annual check to ensure that all of your equipment is in good shape.
Daily Tasks
These items don’t necessarily require daily checks, but the more often you inspect and maintain, the better:
- Ensure that the pressure readings are within range
- Verify that temperature readings are within range
- Listen carefully for any abnormal noises
- Check within the vicinity of your boiler for any potential water leaks
- Make sure that any openings are free of obstruction and that nothing else is coming in contact with your boiler
- Check the water level of the boiler to prevent damage from running with too little water
If you notice anything wrong during your daily checks, you should call an experienced boiler maintenance company right away. Putting off any issues could result in more expensive repairs or even a potential replacement.
Don’t bother searching for “boiler maintenance services near me” — call the professionals at Buric Heating and Air Conditioning.
Monthly Tasks
You should perform the checks listed in the previous section as often as possible because if any issues are discovered during those checks, it could signal a much larger problem that needs to be fixed quickly. Remember to work all these checks into your boiler maintenance schedule.
This next section outlines a monthly boiler maintenance plan that can help you identify any longer-term issues:
- Inspect the relief valve of your boiler and the relief valve discharge pipe and verify that there are no leaks
- Check all seals and gaskets to make sure that everything is fitting snugly
- Verify that the flue gas vent piping and combustion air piping are free of leaks, rusting, decay, or any potential blockages
- Visually inspect the drain system, condensate drain line, and all fittings to ensure there are no leaks, blockages, or loose items
The above monthly tasks are strictly visual, and any alarming issues should be noticeable upon inspection. If you notice anything awry, contact a professional right away.
Additional Maintenance
Throughout the year, it is also important to conduct additional checks on your boiler. You should occasionally verify that the boiler flame looks normal.
The flame should be blue. If you see a yellow, orange, or any other color flame, you should immediately call a service technician. This discoloration could be a sign of a faulty boiler and could also indicate a carbon monoxide leak.
Always keep the area around your boiler clear. Space allows the system to ventilate properly, prevents it from running hot, and ensures that all parts within the boiler can operate smoothly.
Annual Boiler Maintenance
All of the above items are simple strategies that you can do yourself to keep your boiler in tip-top shape. However, the most important tip for maintaining the longevity and functionality of your heater is an annual boiler maintenance procedure.
Certified technicians should service your boiler once per year. The annual check will include a thorough examination of the equipment to make sure that it is performing as well as possible while also making safety a priority.
What to Expect During an Annual Service
A certified technician should do the annual service. Boiler maintenance costs are trivial compared to replacement, so make sure to schedule your service routinely.
The main things a service technician will do during the annual service include:
- Physically verify that all joints and connections are fitting tightly
- Check all air intakes and vents to ensure there are no blockages and that they are free from obstruction
- Visually inspect burner assembly and disassemble and clean if necessary
- Check the PH levels of the water to ensure they are within the proper range
- Inspect and test all controls, including safety mechanisms, to confirm functionality
- Clean the condensate system
- Confirm correct boiler operation once all maintenance has been done
The certified technician will perform all of the above steps and more to keep your system running properly. Before they leave, they will make sure everything is working as it should, leaving you with a warm home and trouble-free boiler.
Choose Buric for All Your Heating Needs
Don’t waste any more time searching the internet for “boiler maintenance near me.” Buric Heating and Air Conditioning has been serving Ellicott City, Laurel, Columbia, and surrounding areas since 2000. We offer affordable annual maintenance plans that keep your HVAC system running smoothly.
With discounts, service reminders, and more, our maintenance plans will keep your boiler in great shape for years to come.Call Buric today to schedule your boiler maintenance service!
