Winter is on the way, and it’s just about time to fire up that boiler to ward off the winter chill. Before you do, though, it’s critical to make sure your boiler is ready to get back to work. These boiler maintenance tips should help boost efficiency and potentially head off any mechanical disasters during the winter when your boiler system is needed most.
Check Over Basic Maintenance
Ideally, your technician drained your boiler, changed out all the gaskets and gave it a good cleaning before shutting it down for summer. If you haven’t had your boiler technician complete a maintenance checklist, it’s critical to get it done before you start it back up. The technician will make sure that all parts are thoroughly cleaned and oiled, and any scale or sediment has been removed from the inside. He’ll do a manual check on all the pipes, keeping an eye out for leaks or any missing insulation.
Call a Boiler Service Technician
Even if you do most of your boiler maintenance yourself, it’s still important to bring in a service technician once a year to properly clean and adjust the more sensitive parts of your boiler. This includes disassembling and cleaning the fuel-burning apparatus, testing safety valves, and cleaning and reconditioning water feed equipment.
Run Through a Startup Checklist
Before you start, check over the boiler furnace for any dust, debris, or other foreign material. Make sure the flue passes are clear of leftover fuel. The manual fuel valves and stack dampers should be open. Check that the boiler has been filled to the right level, and add water if needed. Finally, check all air openings – both ventilation and combustion – for any debris that may have accumulated over the off season. Once you’re confident that it’s clear, you can run through normal startup as recommended in the user’s manual.
For more advice on boiler maintenance tips for the upcoming cold season, or for other related home comfort issues, please contact us at Ace Hardware Home Services, Inc. We have been the trusted heating and cooling experts for the Dayton area since 1978.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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