Boiler Maintenance Service
Maintenance Improves Boiler Efficiency
Dirty System Water
Dirty hydronic heating water will not absorb as much heat as clean system water.
Dirty system water will also reduce the heat exchanger’s ability to transfer heat into the dirty water.
Dirty Heat Exchanger and Heating Surfaces
From the repeat firing of the boiler in the heating season, the heat exchanger will collect soot and other combustion byproduct. This will help insulate the heat exchanger and act to reduce its ability to transfer heat to the system water.
Boiler maintenance will include cleaning of these boiler systems and therefore improve the ongoing performance and efficiency of the boiler.
Boiler Maintenance usually Involves Several Service Tasks
Your Boiler Will Receive The Following Services During a Scheduled Maintenance:
Clean and inspect the heat exchanger for wear and tear
Check and clean the burner assembly
Test the low-water cutoff
Ensure all electrical wiring is intact and joint/pipe connections are secure
Test water pH levels to make sure they are in a safe range
Clean, flush and inspect condensate systems
Make sure the system fires up properly, by testing and clean sensors, ignitor, and burner assembly
Check piping for any signs of leakage or deterioration
Check the venting system for deterioration, corrosion, or blockage
Check settings and test safety and operating controls
Replace the oil filter if applicable
If system water is dirty, power flush the system piping to maintain efficient water flow
Check for correct boiler operation once the boiler has been cleaned and examined
Why High-Efficiency Boiler Maintenance is Important
High-Efficiency Boiler Service
High-efficiency boilers especially benefit from the right maintenance because of the technology inside—some achieving upwards of 96 % efficiency. The intense conditions within a high-efficiency boiler should be checked to maintain its peak efficiency and to prevent things from adding up and causing major failure:
The combustion and extreme temperatures created in the heat exchanger in order to heat the water can lead to residue.
Rapid temperature changes form condensation and combustion byproducts that can lead to drainage clogging.
A byproduct of the combustion process can mix with condensate and raise pH to damaging levels.
The repeated firing of the boiler flame wears on the flame rod sensors the boiler depends on.
Air intake pipes can accumulate debris and can stall the system.
The air intake pipe or vent could be clogged causing your system to occasionally stall out or lock out which will leave you without heat or hot water.
Water levels must be maintained properly to prevent permanent damage.
When Should Your Boiler have Maintenance?
Ideally, you should think about scheduling the maintenance toward the end of the summer or early fall before you start using it for the upcoming heating season.
Should necessary repairs or a boiler replacement need to be made, there will be time to complete them and your heating will not be compromised by any downtime.
