Your boiler is essential to heating your home and business. When it’s on the fritz, this can send the whole household or office into a panic. You don’t want to be without a boiler for any length of time, especially in the winter, so be on the lookout for signs that it needs replacement. By catching problems early on, you can save yourself hassle, time and money.
Don’t ignore these warning signs, as a malfunctioning boiler can increase your utility bills, decrease comfort, and even endanger occupants.
1. Weird Noises
Your boiler should be fairly quiet. If you start hearing strange sounds, this could signal something is off. Listen for whirring, banging and clunking sounds, which may mean the pump or fan needs to be replaced. But if you hear whistling or gurgling sounds, this likely signals that the water pressure is too low or that your boiler is kettling – a result of trapped salt and debris in the heat exchanger.
2. Foul Odors
A carbon monoxide leak is a very dangerous and deadly possibility. While you can’t smell the carbon dioxide itself, you may smell a slight foul odor which indicates the boiler is not burning properly. Also, if you notice a yellow flame, this could also signal a carbon monoxide leak. The flame should always be blue. Evacuate everyone and call a professional.
3. Increased Heating Bills
Have you noticed a spike in your heating bills? This could be due to a leak or other pressing issue. It could be simply that your boiler is getting old. If yours is older than 15 years, it will need to be replaced with a more energy-efficient one so you can save on heating costs.
4. Failure to Heat
Boilers are common in large buildings, such as offices, stores, schools and more. If you notice your building is taking a lot of time to heat up, or it remains cold even when switching up the heat, the boiler should be inspected by a technician.
5. Leaks
Leaks are never good news. They may start small but can quickly spread to the floors and walls, causing costly damage throughout the residence or other building. Inspect your boiler regularly for signs of leaks.
6. No Hot Water
If the water for your taps and tubs won’t stay hot, the boiler’s thermostat, airlock, valve, or diaphragm could be to blame. If the water is coming out colder or hotter than it normally does, this could be due to a faulty circulation system. Your water should be warmed evenly, not become spotty.
If you experience any of the above issues, call us right away!
Contact Tidal Plumbing & Heating
If you suspect your boiler needs to be replaced, contact us anywhere in NYC at 718-505-9300. If you’re unsure what the problem is, we can inspect the unit and provide recommended service.
