When it’s cold outside, the last thing you need is for your heating system to be on the fritz. But does a broken boiler automatically mean an expensive service call? “Not necessarily,” says Aris Parviz of Able Air-1, Inc. Here Parviz sheds some light on what you can do to identify the source of your boiler problem before calling in the pros.
Like all major appliances, boilers occasionally misbehave. When your boiler’s acting up, you can take a few simple steps to diagnose the problem youreself. Because most boilers involve three things that can pose safety risks to you and your family — gas, steam and very hot water — we highly recommend that you call a contractor for service if the following simple troubleshooting tips don’t yield the results you’re hoping for.
Problem #1 – The boiler isn’t producing heat.
If your boiler isn’t producing any heat, you’ll first need to determine whether or not there is power to the unit. For a boiler with a standing pilot light, this means checking to see if it’s lit. If the pilot light is lit, you can assume that gas is flowing to the unit. If the pilot light is unlit, check to see if the gas has been turned off. If the gas is flowing, you can attempt to re-light the pilot light. Normally the manufacturer’s instructions will be posted on the unit or nearby; be sure to follow them exactly. If you’re unable to re-light the pilot light yourself, you’ll need to call in a contractor.
If you have an electric boiler, check to see whether the boiler’s circuit breaker is tripped or fuse is blown. If so, replace the fuse or reset the circuit breaker.
If there is power to the boiler but heat is not being produced, check that the thermostat is in “heat” mode and has been set to the appropriate temperature. Try to adjust the thermostat slightly and see if the problem corrects itself. If it doesn’t, air build-up in your heating system may be the culprit. Excess air may also cause some of the radiators to heat while others do not. You can release the air yourself using either a radiator key or flathead screwdriver. At the top of each radiator, there should be a small valve. Turn the valve ¼ turn counterclockwise to vent excess air from the system. Be sure to hold something underneath the valve as water will eventually begin to escape. Once the valve produces water, return it to its original position. Repeat the same process for every radiator in your home. If the system still does not produce heat, you’ll need to get professional help.
Problem #2 – The boiler is producing inadequate heat.
If the boiler is producing some heat, but not enough, the problem is likely related to either low water pressure or mineral deposits in the system. To determine whether the boiler’s water pressure is too low, check the combination temperature/pressure gauge. If the pressure is below 12 psi, water will need to be added to the tank. If you are comfortable doing so, you can manually add water to the tank by opening the water feed valve until the pressure has reached 12 to 15 psi.
If low water pressure is not the source of the problem, mineral deposits may be in either the boiler or heat exchanger. In this case, the tank will need to be flushed. We recommend hiring a professional to handle this type of problem.
Problem #3 – The boiler is making noise.
Occasionally, boilers produce a “knocking” or “hammering” noise. This type of problem, unfortunately, will be difficult for the homeowner to diagnose. In most cases, boiler noise is caused by faulty installation and will require a professional fix.
