With cold weather on its way, it’s vital that your home’s boiler functions properly to insure home comfort. Central heating and hot water are dependent on your boiler’s performance, as it’s the heart of your heating system. When boilers aren’t working properly, there are several ways to troubleshoot and ultimately determine the cause of malfunctions.
Gas, Electric or Oil Supply
Depending on the type of unit you have, it relies on gas, oil or electricity to run properly. Some units require both electric and gas or oil to ensure that the energy supply is flowing as it should. For an electric supply, make sure power to the unit is switched on, and if it doesn’t appear to be working, contact your utility company for assistance.
Checking for a working gas supply involves more steps including insuring that stopcock is open to allow gas to flow and seeing that the gas supply is on and flowing. For an oil-powered boiler, read the gauge to insure there’s enough oil in the tank for the unit to function.
Thermostat
Another important area to check when you’re having boiler issues is the thermostat. If the heating system doesn’t seem to be running properly, the solution can be something as simple as making sure the programmable thermostat is in the “heat” position, changing the batteries in the thermostat, resetting the program, or replacing the thermostat with something new. Today’s thermostats include models that are WiFi controlled and those designed to increase energy efficiency through smart technology.
Pilot Light
Natural gas or propane-powered units often have a pilot light that requires igniting in order to heat the boiler. If you check the pilot light and it’s not working properly, follow the manufacturer’s directions for re-lighting it or call for assistance from a professional HVAC technician. If you’re having a problem with gas flow, contact your energy supplier to avoid any safety issues.
Contact McAllister with any concerns or issues you have with your boiler system. We’ve been servicing the southern New Jersey area for over 130 years and are committed to your satisfaction, comfort and safety. Call us today at 877-216-3505.
