Here’s What It Means When Your Boiler Is on the Fritz

When your boiler isn’t working correctly or is “on the fritz,” there will be signs that something is wrong. It is crucial to address any issues with your boiler quickly, as leaving them unresolved can lead to severe consequences–such as your boiler breaking down, being out of service for an extended time, or needing to be replaced before its expected lifespan is up. Taking swift action to resolve any issues can help you avoid these costly and inconvenient outcomes.

This article will help you recognize signs that may indicate your boiler requires repair and ways to avoid the need for extensive repairs. If your boiler is malfunctioning, you should seek a qualified technician to address the issue and get it back in working order as soon as possible. If you have any doubts or hesitations about the functionality of your system, contacting a qualified technician is a wise choice.

Weird Noises

When the boiler is running, it produces sounds that are not usual. The boiler is expected to make some noise, but it should not be overly loud. Unusual noises such as banging, hissing, or popping may indicate an issue with the boiler and should be checked.

Lack of Heat Produced

If there’s a lack of warmth in your home, it’s likely due to an issue with the boiler. It might be having difficulty producing enough heat for the premises. If you’ve had complaints about the temperature or you yourself notice that the house isn’t as warm as it should be, you should contact a professional to inspect the boiler.

Water Leaks

There is a problem with the boiler if water is leaking around it. This means that heat is escaping from the system, making it less effective in providing warmth. Signs that the boiler is leaking include a decrease in water pressure and water pooling near the boiler. It is essential to be aware of these issues and take action to fix the problem.

Unusual Number of Cycles

The typical cycle duration for my boiler is not working correctly. Is it taking the usual number of cycles to heat the building, or is it cycling more quickly than expected? If my boiler has difficulty heating the building, it might be trying to turn on and off multiple times. This could be caused by various issues and should be examined by a professional commercial boiler repair technician to be fixed quickly.

Decreased Pressure

If your boiler pressure is off balance, it’s time to take action. If the pressure is lower than average or you find yourself needing to add water more often than normal, it’s essential to get your boiler checked out as soon as possible. On the other hand, if the pressure is too high, it also warrants immediate attention to prevent a disaster.

Foul Smell

If you notice a strange smell near your heating system, it could be due to minerals and gases being released through the steam vents on top of the boiler. This could cause a sulphuric, rotten egg smell. It is important to have a professional come and inspect the system if this occurs, as this could indicate a bigger problem.

Yellowish Flames

Examine the pilot light or gas fire of your boiler through the window. If you have a gas boiler, the flames should be blue. In the event that the color of the flames is yellow or orange, it’s best to get your boiler checked by a qualified technician.

Higher Bill

Higher energy costs occur when the boiler in a building isn’t working properly. The boiler needs to use more energy than usual to reach the temperature required, leading to an increase in energy bills. Doing regular maintenance on the boiler can help avoid this by keeping it running efficiently.

Conclusion

Boilers on the fritz can be a significant problem for homeowners and businesses.  They can be expensive to repair or replace, depending on the age and condition of the boiler. Proper maintenance and timely repairs can help keep your boiler running smoothly and help avoid costly repairs. If a boiler on the fritz is not addressed quickly, it could lead to serious issues such as water damage, high energy bills, and health problems.

For heater repair in Berkeley, turn to L.J. Kruse Co. We are a family-owned and -operated plumbing, heating, and cooling company located in Berkeley, California, serving residential and commercial clients. Request a service now.

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