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If you own a commercial boiler, knowing when it's time for a repair is critical. Boilers are essential for businesses in various industries - from restaurants and hotels to hospitals and factories. A boiler breakdown can cause significant disruptions, so staying on top of maintenance and repairs is important. But how can you tell when it's time to call a professional? Understanding your commercial boiler will help you prolong its life and keep your business running.
Home Boilers vs Commercial boilers
There are two main types of boilers - home boilers and commercial boilers. Home boilers are typically smaller in size and used to heat residential buildings. Commercial boilers, on the other hand, are larger and more powerful. They're designed for use in commercial settings, like office buildings, stores, and factories.
The following are reliable signs that it’s time to call a professional for a repair:
Leaking water
Water leaks are never a good sign, especially regarding boilers. If you see water pooled around your boiler or water dripping from pipes or valves, shut off the power immediately and call in a professional for help. Leaks can cause extensive damage if left unaddressed and may even lead to explosions.
Strange noises
If your boiler makes strange noises, like hissing, banging, or whistling, this could be a sign of an issue with the pressure relief valve. It could also indicate that the burner needs to be cleaned, or you may have another broken component. In any case, it's best to have a professional take a look.
The pilot light keeps going out
If you have an oil-fired boiler and the pilot light keeps going out, this could be due to a problem with the fuel supply or the chimney draft regulator. Alternatively, it may be indicative of a venting problem. In either case, it's best to have the issue checked out by a professional as soon as possible.
Thermostat issues
If your boiler isn't heating up properly or the temperature is inconsistent, there could be an issue with the thermostat or heat exchanger. This is another problem that's best left to a professional. If left unaddressed, this could lead to further damage and decreased efficiency.
Rusty pipes
If you notice rust on the pipes leading to your boiler, it could be due to corrosion caused by water leaks. This is yet another problem that needs to be fixed by a professional as soon as possible.
Short Cycling
Short cycling occurs when the boiler turns on and off more frequently than average (usually more than three times in an hour). This problem can be caused by everything from low water levels to faulty thermostats. In any case, it's definitely something you'll want to have looked at by a professional as soon as possible so that further damage doesn't occur.
Of course, the best way to deal with boiler problems is to prevent them from happening in the first place! Here are some tips on how to do just that:
Just like any other piece of equipment, boilers need regular maintenance to function correctly. Be sure to have yours serviced at least once per year by a qualified technician. This will help ensure that minor problems are caught before becoming big ones.
If you do start noticing signs that something might be wrong with your boiler, don't wait until there's an emergency situation before you call in a professional. The sooner you catch and address problems, the less damage they're likely to do.
Even with regular maintenance, boilers don't last forever. Eventually, you'll need to replace yours entirely. When that time comes, don't try to patch up an old, outdated model; invest in a new one that will serve you well for years (or even decades).
When you need expert help with your commercial boiler, contact Jeff Mackay Mechanical. The professionals at Jeff Mackay offer prompt HVAC service to keep customers comfortable and businesses running. Get in touch with Jeff Mackay today for more information about how to keep your machines working effectively.
