Many New England homes have home boilers installed as their primary heating equipment. There are several types of boilers that are common in the region, including forced hot water boilers and steam boilers. Regardless of the type of home boiler that you have in your home, it’s important to prioritize preventative home boiler maintenance.

Navien boiler

Maintenance for the Different Types of Home Boilers

The preventative maintenance plan for your boiler may vary based on the type of boiler that you have. Here’s what you need to know about the maintenance of the different types of home boilers:

  • Hot Water — Hot water boilers use forced hot water to heat typically baseboard heating inside a home. These boilers are notoriously durable, especially if they are properly maintained. Many homes have older models of this boiler type, and regular preventative maintenance is critical to get the maximum lifespan of your heating system.
  • Steam — Steam boilers use hot water to create steam, that is then transferred to the radiators and coils in the home. The steam cools, becomes water again and is then reused by the boiler system. These steam systems are aging in many homes, and routine maintenance will help keep these boilers in the best working condition.

Home Boiler Maintenance Measures You Can Do Yourself

Noting the importance of regular boiler maintenance, you might be wondering which tasks you can tackle yourself versus which services you should leave to the professionals. Luckily, for those who have a boiler in their home, there are many maintenance measures that you can do safely on your own. Some of the top do-it-yourself boiler maintenance projects include:

  • Cleaning — Keeping dust, dirt, and debris away from the boiler is essential. Regular cleaning helps to prevent dirt and dust from getting into the boiler and damaging the equipment.
  • Lubrication — There are not many moving parts in a boiler, but it’s still important to keep all parts of the boiler lubricated. The fan and pumps, in particular, should be lubricated regularly.
  • Descaling — Limescale often builds up in the boiler, and descaling is required from time to time. Most homeowners are comfortable descaling their boiler on their own.

Radiator for a steam boiler

Professional Maintenance Services for Home Boilers

It’s common for homes in the Northeast to have boilers that are 20 years or older. Therefore, it’s important to understand when a professional is needed for routine maintenance or repairs. These are a few tasks that you will want professional help with:

  • Leaks — Boiler leaks are not uncommon. Whether your boiler is experiencing a gas leak or a water leak, you will want to contact a professional contractor who can identify where the leak is coming from and perform the proper repair. Gas leaks, in particular, can be dangerous and must be addressed quickly.
  • Blocked Air Vents — Excessive dirt and debris can block the air vents of the boiler system, which can prevent the boiler from working. A professional contractor can remove the blockage and verify that the boiler is still in good working condition.
  • Water Level Adjustments — Boilers require a certain amount of water to work properly. If the water level drops below the recommended level, it can be a serious safety issue. If you notice that your boiler is below the recommended water level, it is important to contact a professional who can make the adjustments needed to keep the boiler operating safely and effectively.

The Benefits of Regular Home Boiler Maintenance

By investing in regular home boiler maintenance, you will enjoy benefits that extend beyond having a boiler that works as efficiently and effectively as possible. Routine maintenance can help you save you money both on repairs and on operational costs. In addition, these preventative measures will keep your family members safe inside your home.

When properly maintained, your residential home boiler can heat your home for years to come. To learn more about the importance of preventative maintenance and to discover how we can help you replace or extend the lifespan of your home boiler, contact HomeWorks Energy today.