What to Know About Boiler Safety

If you’ve purchased an Orlando-area home with a boiler, or you’re considering installing radiant heating, it’s important to learn how this kind of system works and its upkeep needs. Most boilers burn gas to heat water inside a tank, which gets pumped through underfloor-tubing or piped through radiators installed in each room. Here’s what else you should know about boiler safety:

Boiler Maintenance is Vital for Safety

Although the system components differ, a boiler is like a gas furnace or heat pump in one respect – it’s safe operation depends on having annual maintenance performed by an experienced HVAC pro. During a yearly visit, the entire system is inspected, cleaned and tuned up. Here are just some of the safety-focused tasks a technician will tackle:

• Verify the water pressure, temperature and flow
• Check the water level and test the low-water fuel cut-off
• Inspect the pressure tank and test the pressure relief valve
• Verify proper water pump, zone valve, and damper operation
• Check the heat exchanger’s integrity
• Inspect and clean the burner
• Clean the pilot assembly and orifice, and inspect the flame sensor
• Check the seals and look for any leaks
• Lubricate all system motors
• Inspect the vent system
• Check all wiring and electrical connections
• Test safety features like the high limit control

Monitoring Your System is Key

To ensure your boiler’s safe operation, it’s important to stay vigilant about developing problems between preventive maintenance visits. Signs of trouble include water leaks/unexplained puddles near your heating components, strange sounds from the equipment, or the distinctive rotten-egg or sulfur-like odor of gas that can indicate a leak. If you notice any concerning issues, contact your HVAC professional for expert help.

Having CO Detectors is Essential

As with any type of fuel-burning equipment, your boiler can produce lethal carbon monoxide (CO) as a byproduct of incomplete combustion. Installing CO detectors outside each bedroom and on every level of your home is essential to warm you of dangerous CO levels. Be sure to test each device monthly, and replace the batteries semi-annually.

To learn more about boiler safety, contact us at Rinaldi’s Energy Solutions.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Orlando, Florida and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).