Boiler Maintenance
How to maintain your boiler in 8 easy steps:
- Replace parts affected by wear and tear annually
There are maintenance kits that you can purchase that come with the essential tools and parts for your boiler to be serviced annually. These kits include all parts that need to be replaced, including gaskets that are needed to re-seal the combustion inspection covers that are removed when cleaning the fireside.
- Inspect the fireside of the heat exchanger
It is essential you inspect the fireside of the heat exchanger either annually or once you reach 2,500 hours of operation. You can gain access to the fireside by removing the inspection covers. Fireside fouling should be removed specifically with clean out tools and water washing the fireside surface. To minimize potential fouling in between annual maintenance checks, you may use a thin coat of mineral oil that can be used on an aluminum boiler. Be sure to double check no debris might have possibly fallen to the bottom, causing the air path to potentially being clogged.
- Remove the burner and wash and clean the mesh thoroughly
It is important that this is done regardless if the burner appears to be clean or not. After thoroughly washing it, be sure to reinstall it and use the fan test option to blow dry the burner. It is essential to NOT FIRE THE BURNER WHILE WET!
- Replace old igniter, flame rod, and gaskets
These parts should also be included in the maintenance kit. It is important to note to never re-use any old gaskets.
- Select the right water treatment to prevent scale
Waterside scale is the same as having a thin film of insulation in between the furnace gases and boiler water. This can cause a boiler’s efficiency to drop as much as 12%-21%.
- Re-start equipment and adjust combustion using a calibrated analyzer
This step will require a water tube manometer. This is necessary in checking for proper draft readings.
- Inspect electrical connection for corrosion
The fastest contributing factor to corrosion on the electrical connections of a boiler is condensation. If fuses appear to be broken or are exhibiting problems, be sure to replace and test the unit. Be sure to take the time to make sure that the electrical connections are tight.
- Clean the condensate trap
Make sure to clean the condensate trap annually and inspect for potential leaks as needed. This is an essential step as condensate that is produced from natural gas boilers is corrosive.
Frequent Questions about Boiler Maintenance
Why do I need to maintenance my boiler annually?
Just as you would take the time to make sure your car gets an oil change, the same logic applies to your boiler. While normal wear and tear is inevitable and a part of life, annual maintenance is essential for a long lasting and efficient boiler. By not annually servicing your boiler, this decreases your boiler’s lifespan dramatically, and causes more buildup over time. This in turn creates expensive and problematic functionality for your boiler, as well as minimizes its efforts in providing durable and reliable services in the long run.
What “maintenance” is needed for my boiler?
Annual maintenance along with monthly quality water checks is pertinent as these are preventative measures aimed at eliminating the chance for malfunctions and potential breakdowns. Often times these problems occur when dealing with water pressure, leaks or even poor water quality. The energy efficiency of your boiler depends on the functionality. This can be easily compromised if not cared for properly as this can also result in a greater expense later on. Advanced Boilers proudly serves Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, Fort Collins, and other areas
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