Regular boiler maintenance is a valuable investment that saves you money in the long run. We recommend having your boiler serviced once a year to ensure that any minor problems are caught early and keep it running at its best.
What a Boiler Maintenance Appointment Includes
Checking Condensate Line/Exhaust Vent
High-efficiency boilers produce H2O as part of the combustion exhaust, and this exits your house in the form of both steam and water in two ways:
- Through an exhaust vent that terminates outside your home; and
- Via a condensate line that drains the water into the main drain inside your house.
These both need to be regularly checked and maintained to make sure they are not blocked and are functioning properly. Ensuring clear condensate lines and exhaust vents helps prevent blockages that could lead to more serious problems and costly repairs in the future.
Cleaning Internal Filters
High-efficiency boilers often have filters that need to be cleaned regularly. These can include:
- Magnetic separator – removes metal particles from the circulating water to prevent it from damaging the heat exchanger
- Condensate neutralizer – lowers the pH of the acidic exhaust steam/water created from combustion, This needs to be cleaned regularly and the limestone pellets inside need to be changed from time to time.
Your boiler may also have water inlet and or combustion air filters that need to be kept clean and free of debris that could choke the boiler. Your boiler maintenance technician can determine what type of filters your boiler has, clean them, and walk you through how to clean them yourself if needed.
Inspecting & Cleaning the Heat Exchanger
The heat exchanger is the heart of the boiler, and it is essential to keep it in good working order if you want to maintain your boiler’s health. Minerals and debris in the water can corrode the metal, causing cracks or pinholes which render the heat exchanger unusable. Having the heat exchanger cleaned during maintenance appointments will get rid of any minerals and prevent them from building up and causing corrosion.
Checking the Gas Pressure
Proper gas pressure is essential to optimal boiler functioning. Too much gas will make the boiler fire too hot, and too little can choke the boiler, making it work harder or not at all. A technician will use a manometer to test the pressure to make sure that it has not gotten out of calibration over time, and adjust it when necessary.
Inspecting the Venting
Your technician will do a thorough inspection of the boiler’s venting, looking for any deterioration, cracks, or separation, which could cause exhaust leaks. Catching and fixing issues with the venting early can prevent more serious problems down the road.
Testing for Gas Leaks
Over time, piping can develop small gas leaks, gas regulators external to the boiler can fail, or the gas valve inside the boiler can malfunction. All of these items should be leak tested regularly to ensure safety.
Testing for Carbon Monoxide
When the heat exchanger or venting deteriorates, even the slightest crack or pinhole is dangerous, as the exhaust which contains carbon monoxide can escape into the house. Gas appliances are perfectly safe when used and maintained properly, but this is perhaps the most important reason to get all gas equipment serviced annually, just like you would your car.
H2: “Heating Equipment is Not Cheap – Protect Your Investment!”
You paid a lot of money for your boiler, and having annual maintenance done is the best way to get the most value out of your investment. Proper maintenance extends the longevity of your boiler and ensures that it functions dependably, preventing unexpected breakdowns and saving you the cost of emergency repairs. Get in touch today to book your annual boiler maintenance service appointment!
