Most people don’t think about their boilers until they have a problem with them. But if you take care of your boiler properly, it will take care of you, too. A well-maintained boiler can last for decades, so it’s worth taking the time and effort to understand how to keep yours running smoothly.

Here, our HVAC company shares some tips to help homeowners like you get the most out of your boiler and make it last as long as possible:

Get Your Boiler Serviced Regularly

A boiler service can help prolong your boiler’s life and prevent expensive repairs down the line.

A boiler service typically includes a thorough inspection of your boiler and a safety check. The technician will inspect for any signs of wear and tear and ensure that all the parts are in good working order.

Once the inspection is complete, the technician will give you a report on the condition of your boiler. If they find any problems, they’ll let you know what needs to be done to fix them.

Bleed Your Radiators

If your radiators fell cold at the top and then hot at the bottom, they likely need to be bled. This simple process removes any air that may have become trapped in the system, allowing the water to flow freely and heat up your home more effectively.

To bleed your radiators, start by turning off the heating at the boiler and letting the system cool down. Once it’s cool, locate the bleed valve at the top of each radiator and place a bowl or towel underneath to catch any drips.

Then, use a radiator key to slowly turn the valve clockwise until you hear water running out. Once the water starts flowing, turn the valve back a quarter turn to stop it, and then wait for the hissing sound to stop.

Once the radiator has bled, you can start to turn the heating back on at the boiler. If your radiators still need to be heating up evenly, you may need to bleed them again.

Clean Your Boiler

Like any appliance, your boiler must be kept clean to function correctly. Over time, dust and debris can accumulate inside the casing, causing the boiler to overheat and potentially break down.

To clean your boiler, start by turning it off and letting it cool down. Then, remove the casing and use a soft brush to vacuum away any accumulated dust.

Once the inside of the boiler is clean, you can replace the casing and turn the boiler back on.

Descale Your Boiler Every Few Years or So

Scale can build up over time due to several factors, including hard water, high temperatures, and low water pressure. This build-up can reduce the efficiency of your boiler, and in some cases, it can cause your boiler to fail entirely.

Descaling your boiler every few years can help prevent these problems. The process involves using a special descaling solution to remove the scale from the inside of your boiler. Using a solution specifically designed for descaling boilers is essential, as other solutions can damage your boiler.

Once the descaling process is complete, your boiler should be back to its regular operation. If you’re still having issues with your boiler after descaling, it’s important to call a qualified technician for an accurate diagnosis and the right repair.

Conclusion

These are just some ways to make your boiler last longer. By following the simple tips shared by our HVAC company here, you can help to extend the lifespan of your boiler and keep it running smoothly for years to come.

L.J. Kruse Co. is an HVAC company in Berkeley that offers installation, maintenance, and repair services for all your heating and cooling systems. Get in touch with our expert technicians to learn more about our HVAC services!