Boiler systems are effective sources of heating, but this type of HVAC equipment requires specialized maintenance checks and services to maintain efficient operation. In addition to general maintenance and system-specific checks and adjustments, proper boiler maintenance calls for paying additional attention to the safety of boiler components and operation.
Because of the volatile nature of boilers, maintenance should be performed only by well-trained and certified HVAC professionals. As part of service and maintenance, the technician should:
- Inspect and clean the parts of the boiler that burn fuel to produce heat. These components must be kept clear of soot, scale and build-up. Burners should be inspected for wear or blockages, heat exchangers should be cleaned and checked for damage or wear, and fuel/air linkages should be checked for correct placement and tension.
- Drain part of the water in the boiler system to remove contaminants that could affect operation.
- Check or start a water-treatment process that helps keep impurities and contaminants out of the water that circulates through the boiler. Keep boiler water clean and clear of impurities to prevent contamination of heat exchanger surfaces, stop damage to internal boiler components, and keep corrosion from occurring.
- Test and calibrate operational controls.
- Inspect and clean steam drum.
- Make sure pressure tank contains air instead of water.
Boiler safety systems must be carefully checked and adjusted, and their proper operation must be confirmed. The technician should perform safety-control maintenance tasks such as:
- Test pressure-relief valve; this device is extremely important as it prevents damage and explosions by reducing interior pressure in the boiler.
- Test low-water cutoff control (keeps boiler from operating when there’s not enough water in the boiler) and high-limit control (prevents boiler from exceeding safe maximum water temperature levels).
- Check and adjust flame safeguard controls that ensure proper lighting of burners, correct operation of boiler, and safe shutdown of the system.
Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning has been a leading source of professional HVAC sales, maintenance and service in Lorain, Erie and Cuyahoga counties for more than 33 years. Contact us todayfor more information on boiler maintenance and its importance in keeping your boiler working safely and efficiently.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about boiler maintenance and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area