ACI Northwest Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Boiler Repair’

Can My Boiler Repair Wait Until Fall?

Monday, March 11th, 2024
a-modern-boiler-for-home-heating

Spring is creeping ever closer. It won’t be much longer until we can throw open our windows and let in the fresh, warm air. Does that mean you can stop worrying about your heating system? If something seems to be wrong with your boiler, can you put off having repairs done until fall? We urge you to get prompt boiler repair. Here’s why.

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6 Signs You Need Boiler Repair

Monday, November 20th, 2023
home-heating-boiler-in-good-condition

A boiler is a fantastic heating system. Not only does it provide even heat throughout your home, it can keep doing it for twenty years! (Of course, it will only last that long if you have regular maintenance done.) Boilers even require fewer repairs than furnaces. But no system works perfectly forever. 

If you do have boiler problems, it’s important to address them promptly. Make sure you notice right away by reviewing these signs that you need boiler repair. 

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Do You Need Repairs or a Replacement For Your Boiler?

Monday, January 16th, 2023
cold-man-no-heat

Boilers are a key component of your home’s radiant heating system. This heater works hard on even the coldest days to keep your home warm so you are going to want it to be as reliable as possible. So what do you do if your boiler is losing its reliability?

There is more than one way to address a faulty boiler. The two biggest solutions are a boiler replacement or a boiler repair in Coeur d’Alene, ID. The question you may have is which option is the right one for you.

We can help give you the answer!

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Common Causes of Boiler Repair

Friday, February 27th, 2015

Many homeowners and business owners prefer the comforting heat of their hydronic heating system (heating systems that circulate hot water from a boiler through a home) to the kind of heat you feel from a forced-air heating system like a furnace. Furnaces only heat up the air, while boilers have the ability to heat up an entire room, evenly distributing heat to the objects and people nearby using convective heat transfer.

Besides the all-around comfort a boiler delivers to a home, there are a couple of other benefits as well. Boilers do not contain many mechanical parts, meaning they may be more efficient than many other heating systems, and they should not break down very easily. If you own a boiler, you may be surprised when it does encounter trouble. The folks at ACI Northwest can diagnose the trouble and provide boiler repair in Post Falls, and we’ve put together a brief list of some of the most common boiler trouble.

  • Faulty Circulator Pump – The circulator pumps help to bring water to the rooms in your home, either circulating it through an endpoint like a radiator or through a set of pipes underneath your floorboards. Your circulator pump may run into mechanical trouble over time, and you may notice you don’t get enough heat in one or more rooms.
  • Broken Aquastat – The aquastat keeps the boiler tank from overheating, so it should shut off the system as soon as temperatures rise too high. Your system may shut off too soon if something is causing it to overheat, the aquastat is damaged, or if the temperature limit is set too low.
  • Oversized Unit – Unfortunately, sometimes the trouble with your boiler is beyond fixing. If you never seem to get enough heat in the home, it may be that the boiler is too small. But if the boiler is too large, it will use too much fuel, and will likely fail long before the end of its expected lifespan. Professional installation is key to having a unit that continues to live up to its potential.

Our trained technicians replace or repair faulty boiler parts to the best of their ability, ensuring that your boiler is in the best shape possible. Call ACI Northwest today for quality boiler repair in Post Falls.

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Should My Boiler Have Rust on It?

Monday, December 16th, 2013

Boilers are systems where water is in constant contact with metal. Usually, this mean that rust developing is inevitable. So if rust appears on a boiler, that’s just a natural process, right?

No, it isn’t… your boiler shouldn’t have any rust on it, as we’ll explain. If you do notice rust along parts of your boiler, you need to have professional boiler repair technicians examine it and find out what needs to be done. For excellent heating repair services in Hayden, ID, call ACI Northwest.

Rust and your boiler

Boilers have safety devices installed to prevent rust. The most important is an anode rod at the top of the tank, which is sometimes called a “sacrificial rod” because its job is to rust away first before the rust can enter into the boiler tank—hence, sacrificing itself. If the anode rod rusts completely, which it eventually will, then rust will start to afflict the rest of the boiler. This is a reason why you need to enroll in regular maintenance; technicians will routinely replace the anode rod before it stops functioning.

So why is rust such a problem for a boiler? The first reason is that rust weakens metal. Any corrosion that affects metal will start to break it apart until it flakes and crumbles away. Weakened metal in the boiler tank will mean leaks; the pressure inside the tank will start breaking through the rusted sections. The rust will start affecting the connectors to the tank and cause leaks to start there as well. If the spread of the rust isn’t stopped, the whole boiler tank may need to be replaced because of leaking that can’t be repaired.

Another problem that rust causes boilers is that it imbalances the temperature inside the tank. Rust is an insulator, and if it starts to enter the inside of the tank, it will trap additional heat, causing the boiler to overheat. Overheating will trigger numerous problems throughout the boiler, including creating more leaks.

If caught soon enough, rust can usually be removed with professional attention. The boiler repair technicians will also track down the reason the rust started so they can stop it from returning. Rust will spread if left alone, so act immediately when you notice any corrosion on your boiler tank or other part of your heating system. The technicians at ACI Northwest are NATE-certified and have the proper training to take care of your heating repair in Hayden, ID so you’ll have a healthy boiler once more.

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Uneven and Inadequate: Common Residential Boiler Problems

Monday, November 18th, 2013

In general, when a residential boiler is working in peak condition, it’s one of the best ways to heat a home: energy-efficient, low maintenance, quiet operation, and an effective an even distribution of heat. Boilers usually outlast other residential heating systems, making them a long term-cost effective solution for winter heating.

Boilers can and do malfunction, however, even ones that receive the best regular maintenance. If you notice that your boiler is struggling to provide sufficient heat for your home, or that the heat isn’t distributed evenly through the rooms, it may be time for heating repair service in Couer d’Alene from a professional HVAC technician. ACI Northwest wants to help you enjoy the beautiful winters in Washington State: call us when you need help getting your boiler back to working at its best.

Boiler problems we frequently encounter

There are a number of different reasons that your boiler may run into trouble giving you adequate and even heating.

  • Pressure loss: If your boiler starts to lose water pressure inside the tanks or pipes, it will struggle with providing you adequate heat. This could be happening because of leaks (which may occur in places you can’t see) or trouble with the pressure relief valve.
  • Thermostat problem: If the thermostat malfunctions, it will sense heat incorrectly in your home or activate the boiler at the wrong times. Always check your thermostat when you encounter poor heating in your home, since the problem may originate there—and it’s one of the simpler fixes for an HVAC professional.
  • Corroded and blocked pipework: If the boiler seems to be working fine, but certain rooms aren’t getting warm, there may be blockage in the pipes. Corrosion can sometimes cause debris and sludge to build-up in the pipes, blocking them from getting to certain parts of your house.
  • Incorrectly sized boiler: If the boiler seems to have no other issues, but it still cannot provide you adequate heating, the problem may be that the boiler is too small. This is often an issue from amateur installation: boilers need to have professionals size them for a home. You need to consult with an expert to see if a new installation will fix this.

Whatever your boiler troubles, don’t let them go without repairs. The poor heating will not simply fix itself, no matter how advanced a boiler you have installed. The longer you let malfunctions go without repairs, the worse the problems will become—especially leaks! Don’t try to handle the repairs yourself, since you might end up causing further damage. Call trained professionals who can perform the work fast and effectively.

ACI Northwest has more than 85 years of experience with heating repair in Couer d’Alene, and we are ready 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist you.

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Recognizing the Need for a Boiler Repair

Monday, February 18th, 2013

ACI Northwest Inc. offers boiler repair services in Hayden, ID and the surrounding areas, so don’t hesitate to call us if you need an urgent repair. We will send one of our Hayden ID heating technicians to your home to pinpoint the issue and take care of it. If you aren’t sure whether or not you need a repair for your boiler, you can always call for advice or tips. Here are some signs that you might need a repair service.

If your boiler simply isn’t providing enough heat for your home, there could be a few causes for this. First, make sure your thermostat is on the right settings. If it isn’t the thermostat, it could be the water level inside the boiler tank. When the levels are not correct, there’s less hot water to send to the radiators in your hydronic heating system. Sediment build-up or a broken pressure valve are two common causes of improper hot water levels, so you should call a heating repair technician if the problem persists.

Be sure that you know how to read the pressure gauge, and if it is off, one of our heating technicians will need to take a look and mostly likely flush out the boiler to remedy the issue. If you notice water leaking from the tank, this could be another cause of improper pressure levels and reduced heat.

Like hot water heaters, some boilers need a little recovery time after an extended period of high output, If your boiler takes longer to produce more heat, there could be an issue with the expansion tank, or it could be a warning sign of the system wearing down. Don’t wait until your boiler breaks down, call ACI Northwest as soon as you notice any problems. We offer Hayden boiler repair services that you can rely on.

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Boiler Repair FAQ: Is My Boiler Leaking?

Monday, February 11th, 2013

Boilers provide consistent and comfortable heat for many homeowners throughout the Hayden, ID area. In fact, boilers are one of the most common heating systems in the entire country. As opposed to forced air systems like furnaces, boilers use a series of hot water radiators or in-floor pipes to provide heat. Like all things that carry water your boiler will eventually need repairs. Perhaps one of the most common boiler repairs in Hayden, ID is a leak. At ACI Northwest, we’ve responded to many calls for boiler repair and wanted to share some insight on boiler leaks.

How Boilers Work

One of the best ways to know if your boiler is leaking is to understand how it’s supposed to work. While boilers are fairly complex pieces of equipment, their basic operation is pretty simple. The boiler heats up water—though it doesn’t actually boil the water—using a burner very similar to your hot water heater. A pump then circulates that hot water throughout your house. If you have radiators in your room then they are responsible for distributing the heat into your home. For floor heaters, a series of coils in your floor carry the hot water and provide heat.

Common Boiler Leaks

These are a few of the most common places for your boiler to leak.

  • The pump – When your boiler is turned on, the pump is working constantly. It has to circulate all of the water throughout your home. It isn’t uncommon for the pump valve or seal to break down and allow water to leak out.
  • Expansion tank – Your boiler has an expansion tank that allows it to compensate for the expansion of the water at high temperatures. If the expansion tank is old or rusting it could spring a leak.
  • Pipes – Any of the pipes leading into or out of your boiler could potentially leak.
  • Boiler tank itself – Another common place for leaks is from the boiler tank. If it has started to rust or if the pressure inside the tank is too high it could cause leaks.
  • Pressure relief valve – Your boiler should have a pressure relief valve on it that allows your boiler to safely expel water or air inside of it. If the pressure starts to build up too much the relief valve will allow water to leak out.

If you have a boiler leak or need boiler repairs, call the Hayden, ID heating experts at ACI Northwest. Contact ACI Northwest today!

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Heating Tip: Troubleshooting Boiler Problems

Monday, September 24th, 2012

If you have a boiler in your Coeur d’Alene home, whether it’s five years old or thirty-five years old, it’s important that you know how to troubleshoot common problems that might develop. These issues, when they occur persistently can represent a major issue with your system that could lead to extensive repair needs or early replacement. By noticing and responding to potential problems when they first occur, you can take action before the problem worsens.

Here are some common boiler problems and how to respond to them, whether taking action on your own or calling an ACI Northwest heating professional:

*  No Heat – This can be due to a number of problems. Start by checking your circuit breaker panel to see if a breaker is flipped. You should also check the pilot light and igniter to see if it works properly. If these are not problems and your thermostat is working properly, it may be a water or gas issue and you should call a professional.

*  Poor Performance – If your boiler is on a lot more than normal or your home simply isn’t getting comfortable, it can be due to improper water levels or a build up of minerals in the boiler. In either case, you should call a professional for an inspection.

*  Water Leak – If you notice water in or around your boiler, it can be due to a bad pump, valve or pipe connection. If it is a water pipe connection and you can find the source, call a plumber immediately. For any components related to your boiler, call an HVAC technician.

*  Radiators Not Heating – If your radiator is not getting hot, it may be because of trapped air in the line or because of air trapped in your radiator. Open the bleed valve to release excess air and see if it works. If not, it could be a bad zone valve or circulator and additional service may be needed.

The bottom line for most boiler issues is that a seemingly small problem can turn into a much large issue if not dealt with quickly. Follow the tips above and when you’re not sure or if work needs to be done on the actual boiler, call a Coeur d’Alene heating professional right away.

If you have any concerns or would like to schedule a boiler inspection, give ACI Northwest a call today!

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Hope HVAC Contractor Tip: Poor Heating Performance with Your Boiler

Monday, December 5th, 2011

You don’t have to be a rocket scientist or a Hope HVAC contractor to troubleshoot – and possibly diagnose – the problems with your boiler when its heating performance is erratic or non-existent.

The good thing about boilers is that they are typically reliable and long-lasting. There aren’t a lot of working parts that can break down and cause problems, compared to other home heating equipment. When problems do arise, they are usually related to the expansion tank or circulating pumps. But a problem can be much simpler – like a tripped circuit breaker.

The most common problems can be noise, no heat, or poor/erratic heating. Before calling a heating contractor, take a moment to see if you can figure out the what’s wrong.

If you have a noisy boiler it might be because of two things – a faulty circulating pump or water trapped in the return lines. If the pump breaks it will make a loud noise when its motor runs. Water can be trapped in the return lines, which may require “re-pitching” the lines to allow for a flow back to the boiler. You may be able to adjust the flow by positioning hangers on the piping but replacing a pump is better left to a professional.

If your boiler is producing no heat, it could be because of something as simple as a circuit breaker being tripped or a fuse being blown. Check your circuit breakers and fuse and reset or replace if necessary. Is your boiler thermostat in the heat mode? It should be but if it isn’t, make the switch. If your boiler has a standing pilot you should check to see if it is lit and if not, re-light it.

Other problems would take a professional to fix. For example, no heat can be traced to low water levels in the boiler. The boiler should always be half-full of water and if it isn’t, it is likely because of leaks or a faulty pressure reducing valve. Don’t try and fix the problem by yourself.

Low water levels may not cause the boiler to lose its heating capabilities, but may cause fluctuations in its heating capacity. Again, it is advisable to call a professional to diagnose and fix the problem. Poor heating can also be traced to mineral deposits in the boiler. Consult your owner’s manual on instructions how to flush out the boiler.

As always, read the owner guide or operating manual for your boiler. You should get some good tips on proper maintenance and troubleshooting. And have the phone number of a qualified professional taped to your boiler – just in case.

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