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How to Know if You Need Boiler Repair in Chicago

While boilers are typically fairly reliable, they’re not impervious to problems. From time to time, your boiler will encounter issues, and will need to be repaired.

For all the talk about smart homes and the Internet of Things, there are still plenty of things we can’t do when it comes to the boiler in our home. You can’t very well walk down to the basement and ask if it’s feeling alright, and the first sign of trouble you get might be when your house is freezing in the dead of winter or your carbon monoxide detector goes off. 

The question is: how can you tell when boiler repair in Chicago is needed? Are there any signs that would suggest a problem? The answer to this question is ‘yes’! These are the usual signs that you require boiler repair.

Identify issues with your boiler that may require a repair

If you’re experiencing frequent repairs  it’s a sign that your boiler is reaching the end of its service life. 

You may notice changes in your boiler. This can range from soot marks around your boiler to different sounds that occur as your boiler heats up or cools down. Each of those things should be taken seriously. It can mean anything from your boiler not burning clean to the presence of carbon monoxide.
These signs don’t always mean that it’s time for a boiler replacement. If you haven’t had your boiler serviced in a while, it could be a simple matter of a cleaning or a couple of replacement parts setting things right. But if it exceeds occasional boiler service, you may want to consider installing a new boiler.

Unusual Noises 

For the most part, when it’s in good shape, your boiler won’t make any noises. Therefore, if you start hearing unusual noises coming from your boiler, there is good reason to be concerned.

There are rare occasions where healthy boilers could make unfamiliar noises. For instance, sometimes air makes its way into a boiler, causing it to make banging and whirring noises. However, when this is the case, the noises are usually only sporadic.

If you hear constant banging noises from your boiler, it is likely suffering from some sort of internal problem. In all likelihood, its pump is failing, or its pipes are connected incorrectly.

In any case, if you’re hearing strange noises from your boiler on a regular basis, you should call in a heating repair specialist. He or she will be able to find the source of the noise, and perform any necessary repairs.

Reduced Water Pressure

Another sign that you need boiler repair is that the water pressure in your boiler is low. This can happen for a number of reasons, from blockages, to low overall home water pressure, and a variety of other issues.

Regardless of what the cause may be, you would be wise to call in a boiler repair specialist. Boiler repair technicians are very familiar with this problem, and will know exactly how to fix it.

Burnt Out Pilot Light

One of the keys to a boiler producing heat is its pilot light. This is the glowing flame that you can see from outside of the boiler. It should possess a light blue color. Its flame may not be a blue color, but might be orange instead.

If this light goes out, your boiler is not going to supply you with any heat. There are a few possible reasons for an extinguished pilot light. A broken thermocouple and a buildup of residue are the most common reasons.

Strange Smells

Sometimes your boiler may smell different. The vast majority of boilers run on gas. Unfortunately, in rare cases, boiler gas leaks can occur. When a gas leak does occur, it should be taken very seriously. In fact, it’s wise to call up the authorities so that they can take proper safety measures. Gas leaks are dangerous, and have killed many people in the past.

Once the authorities have cleared the area, you’ll want to have your boiler fixed immediately. This is not something that you’ll want to take lightly.

Boiler Water Leakage

Another sign that your boiler requires repair is if it’s leaking water. Under no circumstances should moisture be escaping from the inside of your boiler.

Oftentimes, when water leaks occur, it’s due to the boiler corroding and forming holes. In some cases, these holes can be patched up. In other cases, a full boiler replacement will be needed. The key is to have a boiler specialist inspect your boiler, and go from there.

Boiler Age

This is the most common reason to replace your old boiler. Energy Star recommends replacing any furnace or boiler that’s more than 15 years old, even if it seems to be working just fine. That’s because designs change over time, and modern boilers are much more efficient than their older counterparts. Upgrading to a high-efficiency boiler with a smart thermostat can lower your energy bills to a point where you recoup your investment in a short time.

Climbing Utility Bills

Just because your boiler was rated for 80 percent efficiency when it was installed doesn’t mean it’s still operating that efficiently today. Even with routine boiler maintenance, boilers run less efficiently over time. That means it’s working longer hours — and using more fuel — to heat your home and your water. That adds up quickly!

Your home feels different

Another sign that your boiler should be replaced is when your home doesn’t feel the same as it used to. Maybe it’s taking longer than it did to warm up, or maybe the humidity indoors has either climbed or dropped drastically. If these things are the case, an inspection is in order and a replacement might be as well.

Are You in Need of Boiler Repair Services in Chicago?

Is your boiler leaking? Is it experiencing water pressure issues? In need of boiler repair in Chicago? If so, Lakeview Heating and Cooling has you covered.

Our team of highly-skilled heating specialists is well-versed in the assessment and repair of boiler heating systems. We can have your boiler up and running at its optimal levels in no time.

Contact us to schedule a boiler repair or service appointment!