With football season already upon us, can winter heating season be far behind? Whether you are maintaining a home heating system or equipment at your business, preventive maintenance is important, especially for hot water or steam heating boilers.
Heating boilers can cause extensive damage due to explosion and can be more costly to replace than gas or electric furnaces.
Neglected maintenance can be costly for owners who may overlook this important and expensive equipment. A modest investment in a sound maintenance program for gas furnaces, hot water boilers, steam boilers and high-efficiency boilers can return dividends all winter long for owners or operators.
For many business owners or homeowners, this can mean fewer emergency repair bills, more efficient operation (lower fuel costs) and longer equipment life.
YOUR PRESEASON CHECKLIST
For hot water or steam boilers:
- Clean the internal (water) side of the boiler
- Inspect and clean burners
- Ensure that low water fuel cutouts are functioning properly
- Inspect and test all controls and safety devices
- Clean or replace all air inlet filters as needed
In addition, make sure the automatic dampers for outside air are working properly so the boiler room does not freeze due to broken windows or damper control issues.
For gas furnaces:
- Inspect and clean burners
- Inspect and test all controls and safety devices
- Check the combustion blower housing for lint or debris and clean as needed
- Clean or replace all air inlet filters as needed
Ensure the inlet/return air and exhaust flues cannot be blocked by snow or pest infestation, such as a bird’s nest.
DURING THE HEATING SEASON
Test the low water cutout control on any steam heating boiler at least once each week, and test other safety devices regularly.
Owners or operators who are unfamiliar with controls and safety devices can hire a reliable service organization to check and service the equipment prior to and during the heating season. Most heating, ventilation and air conditioning contractors will inspect and check over 20 different items on a gas furnace during their inspection.
Remember, the best offense is a good defense when it comes to taking care of your heating equipment! A planned preventive maintenance program may be just the ticket.