The HVAC and plumbing industries recommend scheduling annual boiler maintenance for your Brunswick, ME residence. The ideal time to schedule this service is in the fall before you need to rely on your heating system consistently. Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t schedule service for their boilers until there’s a problem. This approach can lead to much more substantial expenses in the long run.
Carbon Monoxide Risk
Many homes in colder climates heat their homes with boilers that burn fuel. Natural gas, liquid propane, and heating oil are all common options. Fuel-fired boilers are very cost effective over the life of the equipment. The danger with them is that carbon monoxide and other toxic gases are a byproduct of combustion. A well-functioning system keeps the gases sealed in the combustion chamber and vents them out of the home. Problems can develop over time that allow those gases to mix with your indoor air supply. This includes a cracked heat exchanger, a damaged combustion chamber, and issues with the exhaust system, including backdrafting.
Your Warranty Likely Requires It
Many, if not most, manufacturers and extended warranties for boilers require annual maintenance to keep the coverage valid. During a seasonal tune-up, your technician will perform the model-specific services your boiler warranty requires. When your technician completes the maintenance, they’ll provide you with a record of the service performed. Make sure you retain these documents for your records. Should you ever need to make a warranty claim, they’ll serve as the proof of maintenance the manufacturer may request. If you can’t provide it, the manufacturer may deny the claim.
Sediment and Limescale Accumulate in the Tank
Water from a municipal water supply will have some sediment in it, such as dirt and silt. It isn’t enough to noticeably affect your drinking and bathing water, but it can build up in the tank over time. Your water also has calcium, magnesium, and other minerals in it. Those minerals are important for your health. The problem is that they can form limescale if they are present at high enough concentrations. Limescale and sediment corrode boiler tank walls and build up on internal components. This can decrease efficiency and increase operating costs. It can also cause premature component failure and even shorten the boiler’s lifespan. Through annual flushing and maintenance, sediment and limescale are removed from the tank. In addition to flushing, we will also check the sacrificial anode rod and replace it as needed.
The Drainpipe Can Clog Over Time
All boilers have a temperature and pressure relief valve. That valve allows water or steam to escape from the tank and relieve pressure. Water drains into a pipe that runs from the boiler to a main drain or outside the home. It can accumulate debris over time, and if there’s a clog, it can trip the system or even cause a leak.
Condensing boilers are a type of fuel-burning system that’s becoming increasingly popular due to higher efficiency ratings. These systems require even more elaborate condensate drainage setups. They have a drip pan and a wet switch, and the pan will feed into the drip pipe. In these setups, the technician must also clean the pan and test the switch.
Risk of Tank Leaks and Explosions
While modern boiler tank explosions are very rare, it’s important that you have peace of mind. We will ensure that system temperature and pressure are in the optimal ranges. It’s also important that we evaluate the condition of the tank. Even a small leak or minor corrosion is a serious cause for concern. These systems can dump many gallons of water onto your floor in a matter of seconds.
Seasonal Tune-Ups Save You Money
Regular maintenance often pays for itself just by improving efficiency and lowering operating costs. Through regular tune-ups, we can perform proactive repairs, which are generally cheaper than unexpected repairs. You can often avoid the most common repair issues altogether. Routine maintenance also extends the life of a boiler.
Schedule Seasonal Boiler Maintenance in Brunswick
Dog House serves homeowners throughout Brunswick and the surrounding areas. Our team performs seasonal tune-ups for boilers, furnaces, heat pumps, hybrid heating, air conditioners, and ductless mini-splits. We clean ductwork, perform indoor air quality testing, and offer many IAQ solutions. We can also perform drain cleaning and repairs. We also install and service water softeners, water purifiers, and water heaters, including tank-based and tankless systems.
Call Dog House today, or contact us online to schedule a heating appointment for boiler maintenance.
