Boiler Precautions & Maximizing Efficiency for Winter

Often, boilers aren’t fired up for months at a time, especially here in Texas. Because of this, many individuals forget that boilers still need to be maintained and serviced throughout the year so that when the cold comes, your boiler system is ready for winter.

Not running your boiler for extensive periods of time, only to fire it up once it starts getting colder, only increases the probability of something going wrong. 

The most crucial and demanding times for a boiler’s operation are the startup and shutdown. The key to a safe and efficient boiler operation is proper maintenance and inspections. Without proper procedures, it could lead to a lot of damage to the boiler system and put those in the surrounding vicinity in danger.

Don’t ever miss a step. Call our expert technicians to get your boiler system up and running safely this winter.

Step 1: Remove all objects and debris surrounding the boiler.

• • Your boiler needs free space for the air intake to breathe. 

Step 2: Turn your boiler on for at least 15 minutes. 

• • This will allow you to assess your boiler system and ensure that all parts work correctly. 

While you are performing your test run:

Step 3: Inspect your boiler for error codes, leaks, cracks, or broken wiring.

• • Identifying signs of damage can save you a lot of money and avoid downtime. 

Step 4: Check your filters

• • A dirty or clogged filter can cause your boiler to overheat

Step 5: Inspect your carbon monoxide detector.

• • If your boiler isn’t working correctly, it can produce carbon monoxide.

My boiler won’t turn on. 

The most common issue people face is the boiler won’t turn on. This could be due to several reasons, such as:

• • Malfunctioning gas valve
  • Blocked burner
  • Insufficient gas pressure
  • Ignitor
  • Faulty fan
  • The pilot light not working

These scenarios require a boiler technician to properly assess the issue and deliver a solution.

Although it’s not uncommon for boilers to make clicking, popping, whistling, or loud banging sounds, this could indicate a problem developing within the boiler system. Here’s what might be happening: 

• • A faulty oil pump leaking, thermostat, or air within the boiler system could cause the boiler to make banging noises.
  • The boiler’s whistling noises could be due to limescale build-up in your pipes or heat exchanger. If not treated, your pipes will become more clogged and reduce the water allowed to pass through. This could cause your heat exchanger to fill up with water and overheat.
  • Boiler clicking could be due to an ignition fault. This could be due to an issue with the fuel supply or faulty ignition leads.

If your boiler is making any unusual noises, do not attempt to diagnose or service it yourself. Always contact a professional boiler technician and have your boiler serviced and inspected by a professional.

All of the preventative measures listed above will significantly improve your boiler’s efficiency through the colder months. Additionally, you can take these steps:

1. Insulate Your Boiler System’s Pipes

During the winter months, water pipes can freeze and burst if not properly isolated. This can cause significant damage to your facility and cost thousands in emergency boiler repairs. Insulating your boiler systems pipes will not only avoid this situation but also increases your boiler efficiency. When your boiler loses significant amounts of heat, the entire system must work harder to maintain high temperatures. Insulating your boiler pipes prevents thermal energy from being lost and allows your boiler to produce more consistent heating, saving you money with lower energy costs.

2. Keep Up With Routine Boiler Maintenance

The easiest way to maximize boiler efficiency, drastically increase the longevity of your boiler, and avoid unnecessary downtime is to have a scheduled boiler service agreement with the experts at Willbanks and have your boiler maintained regularly. If your boiler is down, you aren’t making money, and in winter, it can leave your facility in a cold situation. With over 40 years of experience, we know what to look for when preventing boiler downtime and get the job done quickly. Having a scheduled routine service agreement will help ensure that we will identify an issue before it becomes a problem requiring an emergency boiler repair.

Here at Willbanks, we are passionate about what we do. Our top priority is to give our customers an elevated experience and find solutions without any bullshit.

Your safety is our top concern. Servicing a boiler system can be dangerous, and those with less experience could be severely hurt if the job isn’t done correctly. Our technicians make sure that the job is done right the first time.

Whether you are operating a small mom-and-pop, single-batch brewery or distillery or running an entire college campus, we have the right service plan for you. We work with our customers to ensure that we can provide them with the best boiler service possible for the entire life of their boiler. Work with us to keep your boiler running hot this winter. 

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