It’s essential to have a professional inspect your boiler annually. This inspection should include checking all components, ensuring they are in good condition, and making sure the system meets safety standards.

Water quality plays a significant role in the efficiency and lifespan of a boiler. Hard water can lead to scale buildup, while water with high acidity or other chemical imbalances can cause corrosion. Regular testing of the water’s pH level, hardness, and chemical composition is important. Based on these tests, treatments such as adding inhibitors to prevent corrosion or scale can be recommended.

Feedback from clients formerly affiliated with other plumbing and heating service providers has shown that very few ever talk about the importance of getting the water quality right. We at Hansen Plumbing have installed systems with perfect water quality that have gone without any component failure for over 20 years due to annual maintenance and careful attention paid to water quality.

Over time, a boiler’s combustion process can become less efficient, leading to higher fuel consumption and increased emissions. A combustion analysis measures variables like oxygen, carbon monoxide, and flue gas temperature. This analysis should be performed by a qualified technician who can then adjust the air-to-fuel ratio or make other modifications to ensure optimal combustion efficiency.

Boilers should be cleaned and flushed regularly to remove any sediment or debris. This includes cleaning the heat exchanger, burners, and other key components. Flushing the system helps in removing any buildup in the pipes and the boiler itself.

Ensure that all controls and safety devices are functioning properly, making sure that all the valves get exercised annually. Maintenance procedures include checking the thermostat, pressure relief valve, water level gauge, and safety shut-off controls. Any faulty components will need to be repaired or replaced immediately.

Check for any leaks or damage in the pipework and radiators. Bleed radiators to remove air pockets, which can affect heating efficiency.

Keep a record of all maintenance activities, inspections, and repairs. This documentation is useful for tracking the boiler’s performance and for any future servicing or troubleshooting.