A gas fired boiler is a great source of heat for your home during cold Massachusetts winters. With proper maintenance and regular service, a boiler will provide economical heating and comfortable, even temperatures throughout your home.
Although problems can occur with boilers, like any type of heating system, regular service and maintenance will keep them to a minimum. Here are some troubleshooting tips that can help you detect some common problems before you call for a heating repair Boston MA.
Pilot light – If your boiler has a pilot light, make sure that it’s lit. If it’s difficult to light or doesn’t light at all, you may have a blocked vent pipe. If it lights but goes back out again, the flame sensor or pilot assembly may need to be cleaned or adjusted. If the pilot lights, check to make sure that the main burners come on and stay on.
Thermostat – Check the boiler thermostat and make sure the thermostat reading is set higher than the room temperature. If not, adjust your thermostat. If you have a zoned heating system in your home with individual room thermostats, check the main one first, then check the others one by one.
Circulator Pump – Check the boiler’s circulator pump to make sure it is running. You can test it by putting your hand on the motor. If the motor feels cold to the touch, it’s probably not running. You’ll need to check the breaker that supplies power to your boiler. If the breaker is on, but the motor isn’t running, this may signal a problem with the circulator relay or thermostat.
Pressure Gauge – Check the boiler’s temperature and pressure gauge to make sure the reading is above zero and below the red line. If the gauge shows a normal reading, but your boiler isn’t functioning properly, you may have air in the system. If the gauge shows a low reading, make sure the inducer fan is running and the vent damper is open. To open the damper, flip the breaker off for several minutes, then flip it back on. If the vent damper doesn’t open, you may have a problem with the aquastat or boiler control.
By providing regular boiler maintenance and service during the year, you can prevent unexpected, costly repairs and ensure adequate heat for your home before winter temperatures arrive. Look for a Boston heating company with professional, qualified technicians to maintain and service your boiler.
