If you’ve recently purchased a home that has a boiler, you may not be familiar with this kind of heating system. Boilers heat water using gas or electricity, then pump the hot water through piping to radiators in each room, or circulate it through tubing installed under the floors. For the well-being of your family, you should ensure boiler safety by following these steps:

Have the Heating System Maintained Annually

A boiler is just like a gas furnace or heat pump in one regard – it needs regular preventive care from a qualified HVAC pro to operate safely. When you schedule an annual system inspection, cleaning and tuneup, a technician will complete a number of safety-centric tasks, including:

• Verifying correct water pressure, temperature and flow.
• Checking the water level and testing the low-water fuel cut-off.
• Inspecting the pressure tank and testing the pressure relief valve.
• Verifying proper pump, zone valve, and damper operation.
• Checking for corrosion and cracks in the heat exchanger.
• Inspecting and cleaning the burner.
• Cleaning the pilot assembly and orifice, and inspecting the flame sensor.
• Checking for leaks and the condition of the seals.
• Lubricating all the system motors.
• Inspecting the venting system.
• Checking the wiring and electrical connections.
• Testing key safety features including the high limit control.

Stay Vigilant About Developing Issues

In between professional maintenance visits, it’s important to stay vigilant for newly-developing problems with your boiler, and call your HVAC contractor for help if you have concerns. Signs of potential safety issues with a boiler include water leaks or puddles near any of the system components, alarming or odd new noises coming from the equipment, and a distinctive sulfur-like or rotten-egg smell that warns you of a gas leak.

Install and Maintain CO Detectors

If you have a gas-fired boiler, deadly carbon monoxide (CO) can be produced if it’s not combusting fuel properly. To warn you about the presence of this life-threatening gas, you need to have CO detectors installed throughout your home, then test them monthly and replace their batteries regularly.

To learn more about boiler safety, contact us at Powers Heating & Air.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Peachtree City, Georgia and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 770-487-2040.