Boiler maintenance is necessary for homeowners who want to reduce the chances of encountering heating issues. When the units are not routinely serviced, it is likely they will malfunction. This may happen in the coldest months of the year, which is considered peak time. This is a time when HVAC contractors experience an influx of heating repair calls. A boiler will typically give warning signs that it is on the brink of breaking down. The following points identify a few boiler repair signs. 

Odd Sounds

Boilers usually operate quietly. If they start making sounds, it is indicative that something is amiss. Sometimes the sounds are caused by sediment build-up in the unit. However, sediment may also lead to a blockage in the tubes of a boiler and create odd sounds. If parts such as the heat pump malfunction, they can also create odd noises. If the boiler repair issue is not addressed, the unit is likely to stop functioning. 

Odd Odors

A boiler should not produce any odors if it is working properly. Individuals who own gas boilers have to be aware of two dangers. They are carbon monoxide, which is odorless, and gas which emits a rotten egg odor. The eggy odor is caused by an ingredient that is added to the gas to make a leak more detectable. It is a safety enhancement that can save lives. Homeowners who notice this odor coming from their boiler should treat the issue as an emergency boiler repair.

Water Leaks

A leaking boiler is also an emergency boiler repair issue. It can wreak a lot of havoc. The water loss will inevitably lead to higher energy and water bill costs. There is also the risk of the leak causing water damage, which will mean an additional cost if the issue is not promptly addressed. Boilers can burst, and that is a serious safety issue that could happen if leaks are not addressed promptly.

Heating Issues

Boilers are an excellent heating option when they work as intended. Changes in heating are indicative that a unit is on the verge of failure. The boiler may show signs of not heating like it once did or take longer to produce heat. The decline is likely to continue until the boiler finally stops working.

An HVAC contractor is a good resource to use for boiler repair issues. They can inspect and determine if the repair issue will require replacement parts. Some repairs do not require parts. They involve making adjustments or performing services such as flushing a boiler out to release sediment.