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Boiler Repair- What is a Boiler?
A boiler is a hydronic heating system that circulates hot water through your home to destinations such as baseboard radiators that radiate the heat into the air. A boiler can also heat the water for your taps or shower. A boiler runs on oil, propane, natural gas or wood. A boiler uses a pump to circulate the hot water through pipes to radiators or through in-floor tubing to give off heat. The water then returns to the boiler to be re-heated.
Condensing vs Non-Condensing Boilers:
Condensing boilers are significantly more energy-efficient than non-condensing boilers. Non condensing boilers are around 78% efficient while condensing boilers are around 99%. Non-condensing boilers have a single combustion chamber and a single heat exchanger. They have a higher combustion temperature (180 degrees celcius.) They have a higher carbon footprint, seeing as combustion gases go into the flue and up to 30% of the heat produced is wasted.
Condensing boilers have one or more large heat exchangers. They have a lower combustion temperature (around 55 degrees celcius) and are much more environmentally friendly. They use waste heat captured in flue gas to preheat cold water entering the boiler. This feature will reduce your carbon footprint by 1200 kgs/year.
Fortis Bc will offer a rebate to you when you replace your current system with an energy efficient model. At the time this was written, there is a $2000 rebate available for residents in BC. Check out what is currently offered here.
Leaking Boiler
A boiler leak is usually caused by a faulty internal component, such as pressure valve or pump seal. The reality is, seals and other parts wear out over time and sometimes need to be replaced. If the leak is coming from the pressure release valve, it is likely that the system’s pressure has become too high. Just in case you’ve thought about it, never cap or seal off this valve. It is vital for releasing excess pressure. Corrosion in the pipes can also cause issues such as leaks. Book Jack for a leaking boiler repair.
No Heat from Boiler
If you’re system isn’t producing any heat, it could be due to low pressure in the system, and you may be in need of a boiler repair. Does the gauge read below 1? You may need to re-pressurise your system. Having no heat could be a symptom of one or more problems that need to be fixed. Broken airlocks, diaphragms, motorized valves or thermostats could all be to blame. As a safety disclaimer, a boiler repair job is always one for a certified technician with a valid Gas B ticket. If your boiler system is failing to heat your home or hot water, it’s time to call a professional boiler repair tech to come take a look at your system.
Boiler Won’t Turn On
If your system won’t turn on, check all the other appliances in your home first. Then, check your fuse box to see if any switches have tripped. It’s possible there could be a blockage that is interfering with the system. This problem requires an investigation to determine the cause and you may need to book a boiler repair technician.
Boiler Pilot Light Keeps Switching Off
Older boilers may have a pilot light that needs to stay lit all the time in order to function. If this light goes out, a bad thermocouple could be cutting off the gas supply. There could be a deposit build-up or something else blowing the flame out. You could try to re-ignite the pilot light yourself, but always follow the instructions on your boiler manual on boiler repair. It is always safest to contact a trained professional who knows the ins and outs of a system. Especially when the system has the potential for gas leaks, carbon monoxide output and dangerous levels of pressure.
Cold Patches in House/Broken Radiator
If you’re looking for a radiator repair, we can help. A build up of air or sludge inside a radiator can cause it to not distribute heat effectively. A problem with one of your zones could be the underlying issue if one radiator isn’t working. Blockages within the system or another circulation fault could also be the problem. The reality is, we can’t give you any advice until we see for ourselves and run some diagnostic boiler repair tests.