Dealing with a broken boiler is stressful for any homeowner, regardless of when it happens. When your boiler breaks, it’s also tough to determine the cause and how to fix it. The team at Mission Comfort works on many boilers in the Waldorf area. We understand how hard this is for homeowners, especially in cold weather. Here are a few helpful tips to help you determine why your boiler is not working and when to call for help.
What Is the Purpose Of A Boiler?
The boiler is an essential part of your furnace unit. A pressurized unit helps transfer heat between water and combustible products. The boiler is often part of a system containing several parts that help produce heat steam. Many homes have a boiler as part of the heating system.
A boiler also has several parts that work together to generate heat. These parts are the burner, heat exchanger, combustion chamber, controls, and supply lines, to name a few. If one of these parts isn’t working, then you may experience an issue with the entire boiler system.
Why Is My Boiler Not Working?
If you’re wondering why your boiler is not working, the first thing you need to do is remain calm. With a few troubleshooting steps, you may find the solution is simple. You can fix a few common boiler issues and save yourself some money on repairs.
Switch On the Power
While this step may seem too simple, it’s helpful to try it anyway. Sometimes you can accidentally bump the switch and lose power, preventing the boiler from working. Take a minute and make sure the switch is in the “on” position before investigating anything else. If the electricity doesn’t flow or the boiler igniter isn’t working, call your local HVAC company immediately.
Check the Pressure Gauge
Low pressure is a common reason for a boiler not working. Low pressure can cause the boiler to overheat and stop working in cold weather. Topping the low pressure can help correct the issue.
- Locate the two valves under the boiler that attach to the filling loop and open them at the same time.
- Looking at the pressure gauge, allow the pressure to the top until the gauge gets to the green bar, then close the valves.
If the pressure starts dropping again after you close the valves, you may have a boiler leak.
Look For Leaks
Boiler leaks are another common reason for a boiler not working. As water leaks from the boiler, cold air enters, preventing hot water from heating. The boiler can still turn on, but you won’t receive hot water flow. Broken seals, water exchanger issues, or corrosion are a few common reasons this happens.
Broken Heat Exchanger
The heat exchanger is an important part of the boiler system that heats the circulating air in your home. The smallest crack can allow toxic gas, like carbon monoxide, to enter your home. Listen for gurgling sounds and check for strange smells around the vents. Also, check the pilot light for an orange color that alerts you to carbon monoxide. If you notice any of these issues, call your local professional right away for boiler repairs.
Frozen Condensate Pipes
If you’re wondering why your boiler isn’t working in cold weather, you find the answer by checking the condensate pipes. This pipe travels outside your home and comes into contact with cold weather. If you notice frost or ice on the pipe, try pouring hot water on the pipes and waiting a few minutes for it to thaw.
Automatic Water Feeder Boiler Is Not Working
An automatic water feeder is a convenient method that maintains precise water levels in the boiler. If you hear it filling up often, this is a sign something is not working correctly. A simple adjustment can bring the water level back to normal. Locate the water valve supply and rotate it clockwise until it’s tight.
The Boiler Thermostat Is Not Working
If your boiler thermostat keeps switching on and off, you may need a new one. Thermostat malfunctions can happen for any reason, especially if you have an older model. Try resetting the boiler system. If that doesn’t work, your local HVAC professionals can help determine if you have a thermostat issue or need a boiler repair.
Keeping Up With Regular Boiler Maintenance
Dealing with boiler issues can feel stressful for homeowners. Fortunately, there are a few maintenance steps to keep your boiler working well and help you avoid unnecessary repairs.
- Keep the condensate pipe insulated – If you live in colder weather, insulating the condensate pipe can prevent the boiler from breaking in cold weather.
- Adjust the thermostat – keeping the thermostat around 68 degrees can help prevent your pipes from freezing.
As with most major appliances, boilers work longer when they receive regular maintenance. A good time to contact your local HVAC professionals is in the fall before the cold weather arrives.
Contact Us For HVAC Services Today
When you need boiler services in Waldorf, Maryland, contact Mission Comfort for services. We can schedule a time for services that work best for you. We look forward to serving you.
