Many Americans in colder climates like Cheshire, CT, heat their homes with a boiler. Boilers provide substantial warmth throughout a home quickly and consistently. They’re also energy efficient, quiet, and reliable. That said, modern hydronic heating systems are complex appliances, and homeowners should monitor them for common issues that may arise.
1. Lack of Heat
An all-too-common issue is a boiler that won’t turn on for the first use in winter. You may also experience a boiler that was working but turned off and won’t turn back on. Avoiding these problems is why we recommend scheduling a fall boiler tune-up before you need your heat. One prevalent issue to check is a tripped circuit breaker. Even fuel-burning boilers need a small amount of electricity. If the breaker has tripped, you can reset it once. If it trips again, call a professional rather than continue to reset it and risk further damage.
Otherwise, this issue could be that you’ve run out of fuel, or there may be a blocked fuel inlet or malfunctioning fuel valve. It’s also not uncommon to experience a boiler that’s on but not providing heat. Common causes include a malfunctioning thermostat, a bad valve, low water pressure, or an airlock. An airlock involves air trapped in the system that prevents flow through the pipes.
2. Limescale and Sediment Buildup
The root cause of many boiler issues is accumulation in the tank, on internal components, and in pipes and tubing. All water supplies will have some sediments and minerals like calcium and magnesium. These build up over time and lead to reduced efficiency and higher operating costs. Eventually, the buildup can cause component failure and a shortened system lifespan.
The industry recommendation is to have your boiler flushed once a year to remove all limescale and sediment. Boilers also have a sacrificial anode rod, a metal pipe that attracts minerals through a chemical process. In doing so, it slows the accumulation in the tank. Anode rods wear out over time, and we must replace them before they fail. If your home has hard water, you may want to consider additional measures, such as an anti-scale device or water softener.
3. Poor Insulation
All boilers require insulation on their exposed pipes, where there’s substantial potential for heat loss. Monitor this insulation regularly and replace it with the first sign of wear. Whether you need additional insulation, such as around the tank, is something you should discuss with a plumber. Fuel-burning boilers generally don’t require it. Electric boilers may.
4. Cold Spots in Radiators
Regular maintenance is the best way to avoid air in a boiler system. Air will usually make it out of the boiler and into the pipes, where it will eventually reach the radiators. Inside a radiator, air will become locked into a position where no water can flow. That section of the radiator will become cold and give off no heat. The usual fix for this is to bleed the radiator.
5. Radiators Not Heating
Air in a radiator typically causes problems in small areas. If the problem is more widespread, it may be sludge that’s built up over time. This can cause a radiator that feels cooler than the others or heats up at the bottom only. This problem usually requires flushing the radiator with a chemical agent. If the warmth of your radiators is inconsistent throughout your home, they may not be balanced. Your plumber will need to check and adjust the valves.
6. Kettling
This rumbling noise is the most common sound homeowners experience from their boilers. It’s called such because it reminds people of a tea kettle boiling. Often, this is due to either limescale or sludge built up on the heat exchanger. The buildup restricts water flow and causes it to turn to steam, which is what creates the sound. This issue can increase your operating costs dramatically, so it’s important to schedule service as soon as possible.
7. Other Strange Noises
There is a wide range of other sounds a boiler may make. Note that modern systems are virtually silent, whereas older systems are more prone to noise. Schedule service if you notice anything unusual, such as banging, whistling, or gurgling.
8. Lower Boiler Pressure
You will experience low pressure after having your radiators bled. During a normal cycle, the pressure should be between one and two bars. If it drops below one bar, you have a problem. Often, it means that the pressure relief valve has failed and needs replacement. It can also mean that you have a leak in the system.
9. Thermostat Issues
A faulty thermostat is a prevalent boiler problem that can manifest in a wide range of issues. It can cause a boiler not to turn on or provide heat. A bad thermostat can also cause temperature fluctuations in the system and lead to high water pressure.
10. Pilot Light Goes Out
Pilot lights will go out from time to time. If it’s an isolated issue, it isn’t cause for concern. Blow out the pilot chamber and light it. A pilot should light easily and remain lit. If it’s not easy to light or keeps going out, the boiler requires service. It usually indicates a problem with the thermocouple, which is a sensor, or another component.
11. Pilot Light Burns a Color Other Than Blue
Pilot lights should burn blue and never any other color. If the flame is yellow, the system isn’t getting enough oxygen, which could be due to a clog. If the flame is green, orange, or red, something other than the fuel is burning. While this can indicate a minor problem, it can also be quite serious. Turn the system off and wait for a professional before turning it on again.
12. Clogged Condensate Pipe
Many modern boilers are condensing boilers. Those require a condensate drain line to remove the condensation. During a seasonal tune-up, your plumber will check this line and clear it out if needed. If it clogs during winter, it will likely trip the system and cause it not to run.
13. Frozen Condensate Pipe
The flow through a condensate pipe is often slow and low volume. That makes it susceptible to freezing, and if it does, your plumber will need to thaw it out. If it’s a problem that happens often, your plumber may recommend insulation to avoid issues in the future.
Do You Need Boiler Service in Cheshire?
F.F. Hitchcock Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is a family-owned and operated company specializing in home comfort since 1870. We serve both homeowners and businesses throughout Cheshire and beyond. Our company offers installations, maintenance, and repairs, including 24/7 for emergencies. Our plumbers are skilled with water and gas piping, kitchen and bathroom fixtures, boilers, water treatment, and heat pump water heaters. Our HVAC technicians specialize in furnaces, heat pumps, air conditioners, and ductless mini splits. We perform home energy audits, seal ducts, and install insulation. Our electricians work with electrical panels, standby generators, indoor and outdoor lighting, surge protection, and EV chargers. We also have expert roofers who install and repair all types of roofing systems and design and install solar panel arrays.
Call F.F. Hitchcock Plumbing, Heating & Cooling today or contact us online to schedule a heating service appointment or on-site consultation.
