boiler service

What Happens When You Neglect to Service Your Boiler?

If you own a home, chances are that at some point in time you’ll need to consider servicing or replacing your boiler. Boilers provide an essential function - they help keep your home warm and energy efficient during the colder months of the year. But if you neglect regular service and maintenance on this important piece of equipment, it can lead to serious problems down the line for both your bank account and comfort level inside your house. Jersey Plumbing Service is here to explain why preventative boiler service is so important, as well as what happens when homeowners fail to take good care of their boilers.

What is a boiler and why do you need to service it regularly
A boiler is an essential household appliance responsible for providing hot water and heat to your home. Its efficient and regular maintenance is crucial to ensure optimal functionality, energy efficiency, and longevity. Over time, boilers may accumulate debris, dust, and deposits that can adversely affect their performance, leading to reduced energy efficiency, increased utility bills, and potential safety hazards like fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. Regular servicing by qualified professionals ensures that these issues are detected and addressed in a timely manner, keeping the appliance safe and reliable for extended periods. Furthermore, routine inspections often form part of the warranty conditions, making them a necessary and valuable investment for homeowners.

The different types of boilers and their varying servicing needs
Boilers play an essential role in providing a comfortable living environment by producing heat and hot water for households and commercial establishments. However, there are diverse types of boilers with differing servicing needs. Regular maintenance is critical to ensure their optimal functioning, energy efficiency, and longevity. It is crucial to understand the differences among these boilers, such as gas, oil, and electric, as their unique features necessitate distinct servicing requirements. For instance, gas boilers demand regular inspection of the venting system and pressure-relief valves, and oil boilers entail frequent cleaning of the oil lines and filters. A professional technician is a valuable resource to aid in recognizing the specific servicing needs of your boiler and ensuring it runs reliably and safely for years to come. Timely attention to these servicing requirements not only guarantees consistent warmth and convenience but also contributes to the reduction of harmful emissions and energy costs.

The consequences of not servicing your boiler on time
Failing to service your boiler on time can lead to severe consequences that extend far beyond mere inconvenience. A boiler is responsible for providing heat and hot water in your home, so ignoring its maintenance could result in a sudden breakdown, leaving you and your family in the cold during harsh winter months. Additionally, an unserviced boiler tends to work less efficiently, leading to skyrocketing energy bills and a significant impact on the environment. However, the most alarming consequence is the potential risk to your loved ones' safety. A neglected boiler can become a silent hazard, emitting a colorless and odorless yet poisonous gas called carbon monoxide. This deadly gas can cause severe health complications or even fatalities without warning. Therefore, it is crucial to always prioritize your boiler's timely service, as it not only ensures your home's comfort and energy efficiency but also safeguards your family's well-being.  This build up of gasses could als lead to a boiler explosion.

How to identify signs that your boiler needs servicing
Knowing when your boiler needs servicing or replacing can save you a lot of time and headache. If your boiler is making unusual noises, losing pressure more frequently than it used to, taking longer to heat up, or not heating at all, those are all signs that it may need servicing. Jersey Plumbing Service can perform quick professional maintenance on any type of boiler for your peace of mind so you don't have to worry about any unfortunate surprises during the middle of winter.

Jersey Plumbing Service’s comprehensive services for any boiler, from maintenance to replacements
Jersey Plumbing Service prides itself on providing customers with comprehensive boiler solutions, ensuring that all their needs are met promptly and efficiently. Our team of experienced professionals is adept at handling a wide range of boiler services, from routine maintenance and repairs to full-scale replacements. We understand the importance of a well-functioning boiler to your home's overall comfort, efficiency, and safety, which is why we are dedicated to delivering the highest level of service and support. Our goal is to ensure your boiler operates at peak performance throughout its lifespan so that you can enjoy the comfort and peace of mind you deserve. Trust Jersey Plumbing Service for all your boiler needs, knowing that you can rely on our commitment to exceptional service and unrivaled expertise.

The importance of scheduling regular servicing for your boiler
The significance of scheduling regular servicing for your boiler cannot be overstated, as it plays a crucial role in the safety, efficiency, and longevity of your heating system. A well-maintained boiler not only ensures that your home remains comfortable during colder months, but also safeguards you and your family from potential hazards such as carbon monoxide leaks. Regular inspections and tune-ups by a qualified technician provide an opportunity to detect and resolve any issues before they escalate, saving you from costly repairs or replacements in the long run. Moreover, periodic maintenance enhances the overall performance of your boiler, reducing energy consumption and resulting in lower utility bills. In essence, investing time and resources in regular boiler servicing is a small price to pay for the peace of mind and financial benefits it offers.

Though it's not as visible as other appliance, it's important to never forget your boiler's maintenance schedule. Malfunctioning boilers have serious health and safety implications that can be expensive to repair; thus, scheduling regular servicing is essential for keeping you, your home and your family safe. With Jersey Plumbing Service providing a comprehensive range of services for any boiler – from maintenance to replacements – you can secure peace of mind for years of comfort. Get the most out of your boiler by staying one step ahead of any potential problems; remember, many small technical issues can turn into big ones if left unattended!

Copy of 6 Common Boiler Questions

The Lifespan of a Boiler: How Long Should a Boiler Last?

The generally accepted lifespan of a boiler is 10 to 15 years. If your boiler is still functioning at 16+ years, it may still be a good time to upgrade, as today's systems are far more efficient than their predecessors.

Factors that affect the lifespan of your boiler:

220. Burham Boiler with Bradford White Water Heater

Do you have the right system?

If your boiler is the wrong size for your home, it may not reach its projected lifespan. If the system is too big, it won't take long to heat your home, and will go through more on/off cycles which can wear out the motors and other boiler components. Short cycling is a sign that you have a system that is too large for your home or building. A system that is too small can become taxed, operating at full capacity in a vain attempt to keep the temperature up and eventually wearing out the system components. You may notice you are still cold despite the boiler constantly running if your system is too small for your home or building.

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Do you service your boiler every year?
Like we covered in last month's blog post, you should definitely have your boiler serviced every year. In fact, not doing so may void your warranty. Why? Because it's much more likely to fail during the span of your warranty instead of after as a result. With Annual Boiler Maintenance from Jersey Plumbing, we Rigorously Inspect and Maintain Your Equipment for Optimal Performance. Our team will:

- Clean and inspect the heat exchanger
- Inspect all wiring and connections
- Test water pH levels
- Inspect condensate system and clean/flush as needed
- Inspect and clean flame sensor
- Inspect and clean ignitor
- Inspect and clean burner assembly
- Full inspection of the venting system for deterioration, corrosion, blockages or failed joints and connections
- Examination of air inlet and vent terminations
- Inspect and test safety controls 

What kind of boiler do you have?
A cast iron water or steam boiler may last much longer than a condensing boiler. 

What kind of fuel to you use?
A gas boiler has a longer lifespan. Electric Boilers tend to last 8-10 years rather than 10-15 years.

6 Common Boiler Questions

6 Common Questions About Boilers: Answered

1) Can a Boiler Explode?

BoilerExploding

Yes. A Boiler can explode. However, newer boilers are far less likely to explode than their older counterparts due to innovations in technology, especially as a result of high pressure. A boiler can explode either with a fuel or air explosion, or due to water or steam pressure. High Pressure in an older boiler is more dangerous than in a newer boiler because newer systems are designed to shut off when the pressure is too great.

A boiler can also explode due to overheating or a weak outer shell or other weak components. Boilers are designed to withstand a certain amount of pressure, but if your system is corroded or rusting, it's far more likely to face a catastrophic failure. If you are worried your boiler could explode, you should certainly have one of our plumbers out to examine your system.

2) What Happens If Your Boiler Pressure is too Low?

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Low boiler pressure usually results in poor performance. If you notice that your boiler is on, but it just doesn't seem to be getting warm in the house, low pressure is definitely a possibility. Luckily - the only damage this is likely to cause is to your wallet, as you'll be using a lot of energy for very little results. The team here at Jersey Plumbing can get your boiler back up and running efficiently in no time, or assess if anything else may be a bigger concern.

3) Is a Leaking Boiler Dangerous?

Leaking Boiler

A water leak in your boiler is actually quite serious. You should shut the boiler off right away and call the team here at Jersey Plumbing. Boilers are not cheap to replace, and if you allow it to run with a leak, you're going to be headed that direction. A boiler leak is often due to an internal component failing such as a seal or a valve. The leak can cause the electric components to fry, as well as lead to damaging corrosion and rust. In many cases, we can repair rather than replace the boiler, but the sooner you call, the more likely your boiler can be saved.

4) What is a Dangerous Boiler Pressure?

Pressure Relief Valve

Anything over 1.5 bar on the boiler pressure gauge on a switched off boiler is too high. But don't worry.  The biggest danger is most likely to affect things you value in the spill radius of your boiler (drywall, carpet, furniture or belongings that could face water damage.)  In most cases, a PRV (Pressure Release Valve) will shut down your boiler before damages can occur. But be sure to check that gauge before trying to turn it back on.

If the Pressure Release Valve is leaking - don't even consider turning the boiler back on. Get a pro from Jersey Plumbing Service out right away.

If the PRV isn't leaking, but the gauge is above 1.5 bars, you can bleed the system to achieve the desired pressure of between 1 and 1.5 bars.

5) Can I Bleed the Radiator with the Heat Still On?

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Definitely not. It won't work properly, it could be too hot to touch, and you could get sprayed with hot water. Turn off the boiler before bleeding the system.

6 How Often Should I Get My Boiler Serviced?

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You should have your boiler serviced once a year, preferably a few months ahead of when you'll need it. You want to be ready for the cold season. Keep in mind that neglecting to service your boiler may result in your warranty becoming invalidated. We'd love to help you keep your boiler in tip-top shape. Give our team a call!

Jersey Plumbing Service
PO Box 7371
Hillsborough, NJ 08844
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Fax: 1-908-647-1517

NJ Masters Plumbers License #7359

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