A malfunctioning boiler can disrupt your comfort and leave you frustrated, especially during colder months. Thankfully, there are simple steps you can take to identify and potentially resolve common boiler issues before calling in a professional. Follow this comprehensive guide to troubleshoot your boiler.
1. Check the Thermostat
Start with the basics—your thermostat.
- Ensure the thermostat is set above the current room temperature. Sometimes, a small adjustment can make all the difference.
- If your thermostat uses batteries, check and replace them if necessary.
- For programmable or smart thermostats, verify that the schedule or settings haven’t been accidentally changed, which could prevent the boiler from turning on.
2. Is the Circulator Pump Running?
The circulator pump is responsible for pushing hot water through the system.
- Gently touch the pump to check if it feels warm.
- If the pump is running but feels cool, the issue may lie with the circuit breaker. Locate your breaker panel and check for tripped switches; reset them if needed.
- A cool pump could also indicate that power isn’t reaching the boiler, possibly due to a blown fuse or electrical issue.
3. Check Motor Temperature
A motor that’s too hot to touch signals potential mechanical issues.
- An overly warm motor usually points to a problem with the run capacitor or a locked motor or pump. In this case, further diagnosis or professional help may be required.
- Conversely, if the motor feels cool, the issue may be with the thermostat or the circulator relay. These components regulate when the boiler operates and might need to be inspected or replaced.
4. Check the Temperature/Pressure Gauge
Every boiler has a built-in gauge to monitor its temperature and pressure levels.
- The readings should be greater than zero but stay below the red line (if your gauge has one).
- Normal readings but continued issues might suggest trapped air in the boiler system.
- Air is a common problem in older systems with manual air eliminators. Over time, these components wear out and lose efficiency.
- Upgrading to an automatic float-type air eliminator can improve system performance significantly and eliminate recurring air blockages.
5. Check for Low Temperature/Pressure
Low readings on the gauge can indicate deeper issues.
- Verify that the vent damper is open and that the inducer fan is running.
- If the fan isn’t operational or the damper won’t open, try resetting the system: turn off the circuit breaker, wait a few minutes, and then turn it back on.
- Persistent problems may stem from the boiler control or aquastat. The aquastat monitors water temperature and automatically turns the boiler on or off as needed. It’s usually located on the supply riser or within the boiler’s steam well.
6. Check the Water Temperature
Excessively high water temperatures can cause system inefficiency or damage.
- Inspect the system control thermostat, which regulates the water temperature. If it’s set too high, reset it to a normal range (around 180°F for most residential boilers).
- Abnormally high water temperature may also indicate a malfunctioning aquastat, which might require recalibration or replacement.
7. Check the Main/Pilot Burner
Burners are crucial for heating the water in your boiler.
- When the vent damper is open and/or the inducer fan is running, check if the burners ignite properly.
- If the pilot doesn’t light, inspect the vent pipe for obstructions like debris or soot buildup.
- If the pilot lights but won’t stay on:
- The flame sensor or pilot assembly may need cleaning.
- The thermocouple or boiler control may need replacement.
- If the pilot stays on but the main burners don’t ignite, the gas valve or boiler control could be the issue. These components regulate the gas flow and ignition process and may need servicing.
- In some cases, the air pressure switch (which monitors safe system operation) might be faulty and require replacement.
8. Check for Overheating and Noise
Unusual noises or overheating can indicate poor system circulation or blockages.
- Poor air circulation in the main circuit is often caused by trapped air, which requires venting. Air trapped in the system can cause uneven heating or “gurgling” sounds.
- Inspect the pipes for foreign objects that might obstruct water flow. Debris in the system can also cause abnormal noises, which can eventually damage internal components if left unaddressed.
- Persistent noise or overheating may point to issues with the heat exchanger, which requires professional assessment.
When to Call a Professional
If you’ve followed these steps and the problem persists, it might be time to call an expert. Boilers are complex systems, and certain issues—like faulty electrical components, gas leaks, or extensive mechanical failures—require specialized tools and knowledge to repair safely and effectively.
At Advanced Boilers, we offer:
- Fast, reliable repair services for all boiler makes and models.
- Expert installation of new, energy-efficient boilers.
- Comprehensive maintenance to keep your heating system running smoothly year-round.
We’re proud to be the leading boiler and heating service provider in theAurora, Westminster, and Centennialareas. Whether it’s residential or commercial, we’re your one-stop shop for all heating and boiler needs. Call us today for a free consultation or to schedule service!
