Boiler Maintenance is the most crucial part of a house. When the winter is at its peak, you need the boiler to work at peak efficiency as well. Any depreciation in its work quality will result in the living atmosphere converting into an ice age. As is the case with every machine, boilers can break down as well. In those times, you need a reliable boiler breakdown and repair Sydenham for boiler maintenance.
Even if you are installing a brand-new boiler, it pays to know how your boiler works and what to do if it stops working.
In this post, we’ll see
- A short introduction to boilers
- Types of boilers
- Common boiler problems and their solutions
What do you mean Boiler Maintenance? A Brief Description
A boiler is one of the household appliances used in residences to provide central heating to the house using hot water.
The process consists of storing the water inside a tank first. The boiler heats this stored water and then distributes this water (or steam) to every nook and corner of the house through pipes, radiators, and radiant floor heating systems.
After the water has cooled down to a temperature where it cannot dissipate any more heat, it is sent back to the boiler to be heated again.
Boiler maintenance refers to the regular upkeep and servicing of boilers to ensure their proper functioning, safety, and efficiency. Boilers are essential heating systems that heat water to produce steam or hot water for heating spaces or providing hot water for domestic use. Regular maintenance tasks include inspecting and cleaning boiler components, checking for leaks or corrosion, testing safety controls, and ensuring proper combustion.
By performing routine boiler maintenance, homeowners can prevent potential breakdowns, extend the lifespan of their boiler, and maximize energy efficiency. Neglecting boiler maintenance can lead to inefficiencies, higher energy bills, safety hazards such as carbon monoxide leaks, and costly repairs or replacements.
Professional boiler maintenance services are recommended at least once a year to thoroughly inspect and service the boiler system. Additionally, homeowners should be proactive in scheduling regular maintenance tasks and addressing any issues promptly to maintain a safe and comfortable home environment.
Types of Boilers Available
Boilers used in residences are mainly of three types:
- Combi boilers
- Heat-only (regular) boilers
- System boilers
Let’s get to know what are the features of each of them.
Combi Boiler
Combi boilers are used for providing both central heating and hot water. A single unit heats the water, and this type of boiler does not require a separate hot water storage tank.
These boilers are highly energy efficient, are compact in size, and provide instant hot water. However, they are only suitable for small properties.
Heat-only Boiler
The second type of boiler, heat-only (regular) boilers, has a hot water storage tank and a cold-water storage tank. The hot water can be used on demand and is fed to the central heating system as well.
They provide a greater flow rate and are especially useful for large properties with higher heating demands. They work well with older heating systems but require more space to be installed and may also not be compatible with newer heating systems.
System Boiler
Lastly, system boilers can be considered an upgraded version of the heat-only boiler. They also possess the capability to provide both hot water and heating water for radiators on demand.
They also have a separate hot water tank like a regular boiler, but it is unvented. Parts like the expansion vessel and pump are present internally, eliminating the need for a cold-water tank.
They do not require much space for installation and can cater to high water demands. However, if the main supply’s pressure is low, they won’t work as effectively.
Common Boiler Problems
The problems experienced by boiler owners are more or less the same. That is why we have collected a list of the common issues and the troubleshooting options offered by well-established boiler breakdown and repair Sydenham firms.
- Low Water Pressure
Your boiler can witness low pressure due to leaks, faulty pressure tanks, or damaged parts such as seals, valves, etc.
You should look at the pressure gauge and see if the reading is below 12 psi. If it is, the boiler needs repairing by a professional Gas Safe certified local heating engineer Sydenham.
- No Heat Being Distributed
If your boiler is not distributing any heat through your residence, there may be an issue with your boiler that needs fixing. The root cause for this issue may be a faulty part such as a thermostat, diaphragm, etc.
In this situation, you should check if your thermostat is turned off or down. If that is not the case, you should check the pressure gauge, as low pressure may also be behind the no-heating problem.
- Banging or Gurgling Noises
Any unusual noise from your boiler is a serious cause of concern. Besides the quiet whirring noise during regular operation, if your boiler is creating sounds like banging, whistling, tapping, gurgling, etc., call an expert immediately.
The noises may be caused by the pipes not fitting properly, a failing pump, low water pressure, limescale buildup, or air in the system. Attempting any repairs in such circumstances is not advised, as only a professional is trained to deal with such situations.
- Water Leaks
If you experience a water leak, it could be because of an issue with an internal part like a pump seal, pressure valve, etc. It could also be because of corrosion in the pipes or tank.
It’s best to call a professional to deal with the water leak, as the technician will quickly identify the source of the leak and fix it.
Prevent Unnecessary Boiler Repair Costs
Leaving a boiler working for a long time without regular maintenance can lead to serious issues or a complete boiler breakdown. It may cause an emergency and a lot of inconvenience to you.
Therefore, it is advised that you call a Gas Safe certified boiler breakdown and repair Sydenham engineer for annual maintenance and avoid hefty repair costs in the future.
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