5 Signs Your Boiler System Needs Serviced or Repaired

Your boiler system, as you probably understand already, plays an enormous role in keeping your home comfortable and warm, and especially during those colder months. So, when it is working properly, chances are that you won’t really think twice about it. Yet, when something goes wrong, that can quickly turn into a rather major inconvenience, as well as, of course, a costly emergency. This is why you should always keep an eye out for warning signs, as well as, of course, do your best to properly maintain your boiler system. Go here to get some maintenance tips.

Here is the good news, though. Most boiler system problems don’t really happen overnight. Meaning, thus, that your system will start showing warning signs before it breaks down. And, it is your task to notice those warning signs and recognize them on time, so that you can avoid expensive repairs, as well as improve energy efficiency, and, of course, extend the lifespan of your boiler.

It is not uncommon for people to notice some signs and sort of take them for granted, assuming that it is not that big of a deal. This, however, is not the smartest way of going about this. Meaning, therefore, that it is your task to act upon noticing any of those signs, but we will talk about what you have to do about it a bit later. First off, let us share a list of clear signs that your boiler system needs to be serviced or repaired, so that you can recognize them and know that you have to act in order to, well, protect your investment.

1. Inconsistent Heating

Inconsistent heating is definitely one of those signs that you should not ignore. So, if you are noticing that some rooms feel colder than others, or that you can never really reach the temperature you have set on your thermostat, that should be an indication that the system really isn’t working properly. If your radiators are, thus, warm at the bottom but cold at the top, if certain zones are not heating at all, if you are running out of hot water faster than usual, and if you’re noticing any other signs of inconsistent heating, then you should undeniably assume that there is a problem and that your boiler needs to be serviced or repaired.

Here’s what servicing it entails: https://www.mybuilder.com/questions/v/35299/what-s-involved-in-a-boiler-service 

Of course, there can be various causes of this kind of an issue. Air could be trapped in the radiators. Then, you could be having some circulation pump issues. The thermostats may be failing, or there could be some sludge buildup in pipes. Whatever the case, the point is that you have to resolve this issue, because inconsistent heating isn’t just uncomfortable, and it also often means that your boiler is working harder than necessary, which can reflect on your energy bills and shorten the lifespan of the entire system.

2. Strange Sounds Coming From the System

Okay, sure, these systems aren’t completely silent, but the truth is that they should operate relatively quietly. Thus, if you start noticing any kinds of weird and unusual sounds coming from the boiler, that should be a sign that something isn’t quite right. Common noises can include banging or knocking, whistling, gurgling, or humming louder than normal. Those kinds of sounds can be caused by mineral buildup restricting water flow inside the actual heat exchanger, by trapped air, or even pump issues.

In any case, the sounds indicate that your system is under strain. And when left unaddressed, small issues like those can lead to overheating, pressure problems, as well as some component failures. This is why acting right away, that is, right after noticing those signs, is of utmost importance, because that could result in preventing further and more serious problems.

3. Leaks or Visible Corrosion

As it should be clear to everyone already, water pooling around the boiler is never a good sign. And even small leaks can indicate some kinds of problems, such as corroded pipes, cracked heat exchangers, damaged seals, or pressure valve problems. These leaks can be quite serious, as water damage may affect the surrounding walls, floors, or the nearby equipment. Meaning, thus, once again, that acting on time is of utmost importance here.

4. Short Cycling

If you are noticing that your system is turning on and off frequently, but all without fully heating your home, then you should also get concerned. This is known as short cycling, and it is a strong indicator that you may need boiler service and professional attention in general. It can be caused by overheating, pump problems, incorrect pressure levels, blocked heat exchangers, as well as thermostat malfunctions. And, this kind of frequent cycling can reduce the efficiency, as well as stress the internal parts, thus potentially leading to premature breakdowns, which is, as I am sure, not what you want to happen.

5. Rising Energy Bills

Rising energy bills are also a clear sign that you may need to have your boiler serviced or repaired. If the costs have gone up even though you haven’t really changed the way you are using the system, you shouldn’t wait for the problem to go away all on its own. Because it won’t. This can happen due to dirty burners, worn components, faulty sensors, poor combustion performance and similar things, and it can have a rather detrimental long-term impact on your budget, which is why fixing the problem as soon as possible is important.

What to Do About It?

Okay, now that you understand what kinds of signs you need to be on the lookout for, and that you shouldn’t ignore them when you notice them, what you want to do next is, of course, figure out what it is that you have to do about this. And, well, the truth is that you should call in the professionals to have your boiler serviced or repaired. So, take your time to find and choose the right ones, checking their experience, reputation and anything else you need to know, in an effort to ultimately make the best final choice.

Here are some other articles related to your search:

• Safe, Cozy, and Efficient: Why Your Roof and Boiler Deserve Attention
• What are the main causes of boiler pressure loss?
• Winter Emergency Heating Checklist for Homeowners