Tips for Ensuring Your Boiler will Work all Winter Long

Image courtesy of Adem Djemil/Flickr.

The last thing you want to deal with this winter is a broken boiler. Whether your business or home relies on a boiler for central heating or hot water, this appliance is central to keeping you and your employees, customers and family comfortable all winter long. There are a few steps you can take to make sure your boiler is in good shape and ready to work well all winter.

Schedule an Annual Boiler Inspection

Having your boiler inspected every year is the first step in preventing problems. When an expert technician, who specializes in boiler repair on Long Island, inspects your boiler, he will be able to tell you if it is in good condition and can make any repair, maintenance or replacement recommendations. Regular inspections can help you find problems early so you can avoid the hassle of a broken boiler and even save money.

Check the Water Level and Pilot Light

When boilers don’t have enough water to operate, or are empty, they can be a safety hazard and very expensive to repair. In some cases, when a boiler has been operating without enough water it may be so damaged that it needs to be replaced. The instruction manual that came with your boiler will tell you how to check the water level, which should be done every few weeks. If the water level isn’t correct, contact a plumber. This is also a good time to make sure the pilot light is on.

Inspect for Cracks and Leaks

Periodically, check your boiler for leaks and cracks on the tank. Use a flashlight to look closely and make sure the floor around the boiler is dry. If you find any problems, contact a plumber. In some cases the boiler can be repaired or an expert can just replace a damaged part. In other cases you will need to replace the entire boiler.

Keep Vents Clear and Clean

It’s important to keep the area around the boiler clear of anything that could pose a fire hazard and to make sure vents aren’t blocked. Blocked vents prevent boilers from working the way they should, so don’t store anything in front of them. You can use a damp rag to wipe vents clean as needed.

Check the Pressure Monthly

Each month, check your boiler’s pressure by reading the pressure gauge on the outside of the appliance. Each boiler is different and requires a different pressure to work efficiently, so check the manual that came with your model to see what the pressure should be. If you notice the pressure is higher or lower than what the boiler requires, contact a plumber who can assess the appliance for problems and make repairs so the appliance will maintain proper pressure.

The best way to make sure your boiler will work properly during the winter months is to have it inspected regularly and follow these maintenance tips. Preventing damage and making repairs quickly will ensure that you will stay warm all winter. We specialize in boiler repair on Long Island and can visit your location to inspect or repair your boiler.