The boiler is the most important part of a centralized heating system. It’s responsible for producing enough heat for your ventilation system to push the heat throughout your home or business. So the last thing you want to do is greet a Baltimore plumber in February, only to find that your boiler is under-performing. Keeping your boiler working optimally or replacing it before it dies is essential in staying comfortable when the temperature dives.

Boiler Maintenance

A boiler works by heating water, which is then conducted through a coil, radiator, or radiant floor system. It burns clean and easily delivers unmatched heat, making it not only incredibly efficient but also reliable. However, that efficiency must be maintained.

Boilers are extremely complex pieces of equipment. While boilers should be cleaned out and maintained by a qualified HVAC contractor or plumber, there are some basic things property owners can do to keep things running smoothly and add years of service to the boiler.

1. Run the boiler early. Before you’re ready to turn on the boiler for the season, turn it on for about 20 minutes to make sure it’s working properly. You want to look for the heat of course, but also check to make sure heat is even across all vents and you don’t hear any odd noises coming from the boiler. If something feels off, now is a good time to call a contractor before the cold kicks in.
2. Read the gauge. The pressure gauge should likely stay between 12-15 psi (always check the recommendations for your specific unit).
3. Check your water softener. If you use a water softener, make sure there is enough salt, and it is not clumped up. Clean the tank if it’s dirty.
4. Test carbon monoxide detectors. Make sure the batteries are good so that if the boiler releases built-up gas, you are protected from the hazardous side effects.

Common Boiler Repairs

Even despite proper maintenance, boilers will need repairs. The good news is that they are pretty durable and most problems can be repaired without purchasing a new unit. Below are the most common boiler repairs in the greater Baltimore area.

1. When are you likely to call for repair? When there is no heat coming from the boiler. There are many causes for this. Some are easy to repair, like a broken thermostat, while others could signal a greater problem. Only a professional can tell you what’s going on.
2. Leaks and drips are a common cause for alarm. If the leak is coming from a pressure relief valve or pump, it could be condensation or easily repaired. However, if the leak is coming directly from the boiler, this is a major problem. Corrosion is likely and could require replacement of the unit.
3. If you have a hot water boiler, the sound of kettling should alert you to call a technician asap. The loud banging sound comes from the unit itself and is from a build-up of minerals in the water supply. If left unrepaired, this can cause major damage to the boiler and even your property.
4. No pilot light, no heat. Whether you have an old school pilot light that you light yourself, or a boiler with a modern electronic ignition, a professional needs to be called to diagnose and repair this issue.

Bring on a New Boiler

When it’s time to upgrade your Baltimore boiler, there are many different features available. The first thing to consider if increased efficiency. During the heat conduction process, an older boiler naturally loses some of the energy used to heat up the boiler. In fact, boilers a decade old or more have efficiency ratings as low as 70%. This directly translates into wasted energy costs.

Modern, high-efficiency boilers, however, use less fuel to heat up and they are designed to help to trap the seeping energy and redirect it into heating the property. This saves fuel, money, and even the environment with less pollution. The U.S. Department of Energy suggests that replacing an older boiler with a new, energy-efficient one could cut your energy bill by up to 50%.

When installing a new Baltimore boiler, we can also add a poured concrete base and extra drain and flush valves for safety.

Trust a Professional Plumber

A boiler system is intricate and requires a professional for both repairs and installation. This is not a DIY project! A professional plumber like Ace Plumbing knows boilers inside and out, and if you’re in need of a new one, the technician can recommend a boiler system with the right components for your property.

When you need boiler installation and repair in the greater Baltimore area, Ace Plumbing is your one call to make. We can install a brand new, energy-efficient boiler into your residential or commercial property, or repair your existing boiler, restoring it to peak performance. Contact us at (410) 256-7900 to schedule an inspection for your boiler and address any concerns before the frumpy fall weather starts sneaking in.

Ace Plumbing – Baltimore Boiler Experts at Your Service