Boilers are the best! They last longer than any other type of heating system—up to 30 years!—and during those decades, they rarely need repairs. But in order to perform their best, and to make it to that 30-year mark, they do need regular maintenance. Here’s a primer on why boiler maintenance is necessary, what it entails, and how to make it go as smoothly as possible.
Boiler Maintenance Benefits
When you have your boiler professionally maintained every year, you’ll be able to enjoy a wide array of benefits.
- Safety: This is our top priority: making sure you can stay warm without risking any potential hazards such as gas leaks or electrical fires.
- Efficiency: Heating systems drop in efficiency over the course of a hard year’s work keeping your home toasty warm. Maintenance will bring the efficiency back up, so you won’t have to worry about your utility bills increasing.
- Effectiveness: Problems like insufficient or uneven heating can be avoided when a boiler is consistently maintained, keeping your home more comfortable.
- Reduced Repair Needs: Because maintenance can correct tiny issues before they become serious problems, it can help you to avoid the need for significant repairs during the coming heating season.
- Extended System Life: Maintenance cuts down on the wear and tear that your boiler would otherwise experience. This means all the components will last longer, so your system will last longer overall.
- Warranty Compliance: If your boiler is under warranty, there is likely a clause in the agreement requiring annual maintenance by a qualified technician. Being diligent about maintenance can save you a lot of money if something goes wrong, as the manufacturer may cover repair costs.
The Boiler Maintenance Process
When you get a boiler check up in Cedar Grove, NJ, the steps your technician will take fall mostly in two categories: cleaning and inspection.
- Cleaning: Making sure the boiler is entirely clean inside and out allows your technician to clearly see all surfaces and components, making the inspection possible. But cleaning has another purpose: eliminating dust, dirt, grit, mineral scaling, sediment, or sludge that can increase wear and tear and cause issues to develop.
- Inspection: All parts of the boiler must be checked and tested. This includes gas lines, gas regulator pressure settings, boiler and burner operation, pressure release valve, safety shut-off mechanism, electrical wiring and connections, flue and damper, and more. The entire system will also be checked for rust, soot, or any other damage.
Streamlining Boiler Maintenance
Before your technician arrives, take a few minutes to clear the way to the boiler and make space around it. (Keeping space around it is a good safety tip anyway.) If you have paperwork from any prior maintenance or repairs, it could be helpful to your technician. And finally, make sure to shut pets in another part of the house. Your technician will feel terrible if they accidentally step on a curious paw!
Contact MarGo Plumbing Heating Cooling Inc. today to schedule maintenance or with any concerns about your boiler!