How to Ensure Your Boiler Is Working Efficiently This Winter

The temperatures are starting to drop pretty quickly as autumn goes on, which also means winter is coming. Heating and air-conditioning are essential in Morris County, NJ, but especially so as even colder weather approaches. With this in mind, it’s important to pay particular attention to the vital appliance that will help you through the colder months. 

Your property’s central heating system essentially has a beating heart embodied by a healthy boiler. Neglecting it can lead to burst pipes, mold, and drafty living spaces, which means staying on top of its upkeep is incredibly crucial.

Here are some tips that will help you ensure your boiler is working efficiently this winter:

Check for signs of any leaks

A quick inspection should already provide you with a proper idea of whether your boiler is leaking or has cracks. Pipe oxidation and rusting are tell-tale signs, as well as evidence of evaporated water in the boiler shell and any puddles. If there are significant signs of leaking, there are HVAC specialists in Hunterdon County, NJ available to help. Call a professional plumber immediately. 

Crank up the heat

A boiler left inactive for quite some time will most likely malfunction and seize up when it is eventually turned on again. Turning it on even for just 15 minutes a week in the summer will help to keep this from happening. When winter is coming, turn it on for around 20 minutes a day or however long it takes before all the radiators are fully heated.

Let your radiators bleed

Air bubbles commonly get stuck inside a central heating system. Stuck pockets of air in the system will collect at the top of the radiators. In the long run, it will keep the radiators from producing optimal heat output. Turn the heating on and check which radiators need bleeding; they would be the ones with cold patches across the top. Turn your central heating off and once your radiator is cool, put a rag under the radiator valve to catch any water that escapes. 

Use a radiator key to open the bleed valve; as the air is released, you’ll hear a hissing sound. What will follow is water trickling out. Eventually, the flow will steady. At that point, all the air will have been released. From there, the valve can be closed, and the heating can be turned back on. Finally, check the heating efficiency of the radiator. 

Maintain the cleanliness

The simple act of giving your boiler’s exterior a wipe to clean it whenever you’re doing the housework will help prevent any settling of dust. While this sounds rather basic, it actually helps the tubes of the unit, as well as the pipes, from getting clogged.

Conclusion

Keeping your boiler working efficiently throughout the winter boils down to proper maintenance. It is key to making sure that you have a reliable, fully functioning source of heat when the colder months set in. Aside from the things you can do, it is essential to get a professional check-up annually. 

Looking for the best oil heating specialists of North Jersey? Contact Comfort Specialist Services today! We address all heating, air-conditioning, and even electrical concerns of our residential, commercial, and industrial clients.