Signs Your Boiler is Broken
by Guest Post on Mar 14, 2013
Homes with radiant heat often have a boiler that is used to heat water. If your boiler is not working as it should, then it may be broken and in need of repair. Many signs will indicate there is some type of problem with your boiler. Review various problems to determine if your boiler is broken or no longer functioning correctly.
Poor Efficiency
Boilers that are not running efficiently can cause energy costs to increase. Many boilers will run on gas or fuel oil. If you see that there is an increase in your utility bill from month to month, then you need to check your boiler for any problems. Increases in the cost of energy often result if the boiler is using more fuel. Efficiency will decrease over time and results in the boiler working harder to provide the desired heat. Boilers that lose efficiency will cost more to operate.
Heating Comfort
Any reduction in heat from the radiators in your home is a sign that the boiler is not creating the proper amount of heat or is taking too long to heat the water. Boilers that begin to get old will no longer be able to produce optimal levels of heat. This will result in less comfort for the residents of a home and a colder home during winter.
Age of the Boiler
Boilers in a home that is 15 years old or older are no longer efficient to operate. You can lower energy costs by installing a new energy-efficient boiler. The cost to keep repairing an older boiler can often be as much or more than installing a replacement. A new boiler will also cost much less to operate and often pays for itself in just a couple of years.
Strange Smells
A strange odor or smell from your boiler when it turns on can be a sign of trouble. The boiler may have a gas leak or fuel oil that has not completely burned. Gas leaks can release carbon monoxide that is only detected if you have a carbon monoxide detector in your home. If a carbon monoxide alarm frequently goes off, then turn off the gas and call a repair technician or plumber to replace the boiler.
Water Leakage
Leakage coming from around the boiler can be a sign of problems with the tank or the piping. If boilers are leaking, then there may be many causes. Examine all the valves to see if there are any drips. Check for scaling or rusting on the discharge pipes as this indicates that water is dripping from the pipes. The boiler may also be dripping water if you see signs of rust on the feed-valve. Boilers with any type of leakage need to be replaced before a catastrophic failure occurs.
Odd Noises
Boilers run quietly and should not be making any type of sound. If you hear an odd noise that sounds as if it is coming from the boiler, then there may be a problem. A hissing sound often means that a boiler is overheating. This can be caused by iron deposits and sludge buildup in the unit. Another reason for odd noises is an uneven distribution of water. The inspection of the unit may indicate that it needs a repair or complete replacement.
Additional Information
Contact a licensed plumber to determine the extent of problems with your boiler. You may learn that a new boiler will be the best choice instead of an expensive repair. A complete inspection by a plumber is needed to determine if your boiler is broken and needs to be replaced.
Popular Articles
Three Places to Spend Money on the Exterior of Your Home
When you have the exterior of your home remodeled, you are investing, time, energy and convenience into the project and you want to make sure that...
94905 Views
Homemade Headboards-Make an Upholstered or Wooden Headboard
Homemade headboards can add a lot of personality to any bedroom. They can be coordinated with existing furniture and room decor or they can be the...
74297 Views
When to Use a Brush, Roller or Sponge Brush
Brushes are a good choice for painting trim and woodwork. They are also useful for cutting in the edges around the top and bottom edges and corners...
71743 Views
Creating a Cottage Kitchen with Bead Board
Kitchen decor can range from modern and bold to elegant and elaborate by using strategic kitchen pieces. One of the most popular decorating trends...
52737 Views
Gas Fireplace Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Follow these steps for diagnosing and troubleshooting Gas Fireplaces repairs. For the average DIYer, this may seem intimidating, depending on the...
30575 Views
Latest Articles
10 Concrete Patio Ideas on a Budget
A concrete patio can be a game-changer for your outdoor space. It is durable, versatile, and can be customized to fit your style. But what if you...
on Mar 25, 2025
Tips for Creating a Stunning Personalized Photo on Canvas
Order the unique beauty of a personalized photo on canvas and bring your memories to life. With a customized photo on canvas, you can transform...
on Mar 7, 2025
Best Areas to Buy Property in Singapore for Long-Term Growth
Singapore's real estate market remains one of the most stable and lucrative in the world. With limited land supply, strong governmental...
on Feb 18, 2025
Troubleshooting Excess Water in Your HVAC Secondary Condensate Drain Pan
When maintaining your air conditioning system, it is easy to overlook the condensate drain pan - until excess water starts pooling in places where...
on Jan 12, 2025
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs): A Beginners Guide
By combining the advantages of stock market and real estate investing, Real Estate Investment Trusts, or REITs, offer an alluring investment...
on Dec 19, 2024
Featured Articles
What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?
on Feb 28, 2017
Hire Contractors / Estimates

Looking for a specialty project? There are many types of contractors available for your home improvement needs. Finding the right type of...
Sponsored Articles
Best Areas to Buy Property in Singapore for Long-Term Growth
on Feb 18, 2025
Real Estate / Finance

Singapore's real estate market remains one of the most stable and lucrative in the world. With limited land supply, strong governmental...
Actions
Top Categories
- Garden / Landscaping / Patio — 264
- Kitchen / Bathrooms — 240
- Real Estate / Finance — 203
- Appliance / Repair — 186
- Interior Design / Decor — 184
- HVAC / Air Conditioning — 148
- Cleaning / Maintenance — 144
- Improvements / Remodeling — 131
- Plumbing / Basements — 118
- Floors / Tile / Hardwood — 116
- Doors / Garages — 113
- Safety / Security — 113
More DIY Articles
Arizona Local Builders Associations
Find a local builder or council, please contact the home builders' association (HBA) in your area.
The Do's and Don't of Garden Décor
Garden décor is usually an area where people take some chances and exercise a very liberal amount of creativity. Whether it’s because the traffic...
The Main Things to Take Into Account When Upgrading Your House
All homeowners have a desire to improve the whole condition of their house. As a result, they start upgrading the project to change the whole...
New Mexico Local Builders Associations
Find a local builder or council, please contact the home builders' association (HBA) in your area.
Remodeling Your Home to be Handicap Accessible
If you or someone you love lives with limited mobility, you know what a hassle functioning in inaccessible spaces can be. Just getting into an...