Boilers are still a popular household heating option in central Wisconsin, and if your home has one, you should know the signs that indicate it’s time for boiler repair. When you can identify an existing or impending problem, you can tend to boiler repairs promptly, thereby minimizing your likelihood of facing pricey heating bills or a lack of heat inside your home.
How can you tell if your boiler is on the fritz or about to have problems? Keep an eye out for the following boiler repair red flags.
1. Funky Odors
If you’ve had an oil- or gas-burning boiler for at least one winter season, you should have a pretty solid idea of what it usually smells like while it’s operating. If that smell changes in any way — you’ll likely notice an intermittent sulfur-like or strong metallic odor — you may have a gas leak on your hands, which requires immediate attention.
Boilers can also develop strange odors when they lack enough oxygen to burn properly. And when a boiler fails to burn the way it should, it may leak carbon dioxide, a colorless, odorless vapor, which can be fatal if it accumulates to dangerous levels inside a home.
Whenever you notice your heating system putting off an odd smell, contact a boiler repair specialist immediately. If you don’t you may be at risk for a house fire or worse, serious health issues and even death.
2. Odd Noises
Under normal circumstances, your boiler should operate relatively quietly. The occasional noise when the system kicks on is normal. However, banging, clunking, and continual whirring sounds definitely aren’t typical and must be investigated.
If you’re unsure how to diagnose a noisy boiler, a boiler repair expert can handle the job for you, and in all honesty, it’s in your best interest to let the pros handle this type of situation.
3. Water Around the Boiler
When you notice puddles, big or small, around your boiler, you’ve got a problem on your hands. Boiler leaks are not something you can ignore, so if you think your unit may have developed one, don’t ignore it!
A seemingly minor boiler leak can grow rapidly, and if you don’t tend to the appropriate boiler repairs, you put your house at risk for water damage. Unfortunately, your homeowners insurance doesn’t cover water damage caused by neglect, so it’s always in your best interest to handle leak repairs as promptly as possible.
Periodically inspect around the bottom of your boiler for moisture, and if you ever find any puddles, contact a boiler repair specialist stat.
4. Higher-Than-Average Heating Bill
If you suddenly notice a sharp increase in your heating expenses, boiler problems are a likely culprit, provided your home has plenty of insulation and no air leaks. Boilers that have passed their 15th birthday are prone to operational efficiency issues, which can easily cause a spike in heating bills. If you own an older unit, have a boiler repair specialist take a look at it to determine whether repairs or replacement will help lower your heating bills.
Is your household heating system ready for freezing weather? If you’re not sure, check out our winter heating prep checklist to make sure you’re prepared.
Schedule Boiler Repairs in Central Wisconsin
Worried your boiler is on the fritz? Don’t hesitate to reach out to our heating experts at Steve’s Plumbing & Heating for boiler repairs! For nearly 30 years, we’ve proudly served the heating and cooling needs of homeowners throughout Wisconsin Rapids, Wausau, Stevens Point, and Marshfield, and we offer same-day emergency service for your convenience.
To learn more or get started, feel free to call us today at 715-421-1800 or request a service quote online, and we’ll be in touch.