Your boiler is an incredible machine that gets you and your family through those cold days and nights, especially during wintertime. However, most folks take their heating appliances for granted. When these units are working well, that’s good enough, but even boilers need a tune-up before the red flags appear. Here are some of the warning signs to look out for.

Banging or Clunking

Sometimes, the weird noises coming from your boiler are enough to heed the warning. Is your unit making loud banging sounds or clunking along? HVAC experts say that could be a sludge problem preventing water flow and causing the machine to overheat and boil. If this occurs, don’t ignore it, or you may find that the boiler shuts down completely.

Lots of Hissing

Another strange sound coming from your boiler could be a hissing noise. That generally means the heating appliance is struggling with pressure or trapped air issues. Your boiler isn’t operating evenly, and its components are being stressed to the max.

Hot/Cold Fluctuation

Another warning sign that your boiler can’t keep up is an obvious fluctuation in hot and cold heating. In other words, it’s becoming difficult to control the temperature. The problem could be due to a circulation issue where water isn’t being properly pushed through the system.

Another reason for the hot/cold fluctuation could stem from a malfunctioning thermostat or diverter valve. The problem may also stem from a mineral deposit buildup known as scaling in the heat exchanger. Only a licensed HVAC technician can determine the nature of this red flag.

Soaring Energy Bills

Other times, a noticeable increase in your monthly energy bills is a warning sign that the issue is with your boiler. If you’re using roughly the same amount of heat but seeing a spike in your bills, your boiler could be running inefficiently. Your heating appliance has to work harder to deliver the same level of heat. Sometimes, it’s just an old boiler that will eventually need to be replaced with a new one.

The average lifespan of a boiler is around 15 years, and some units can run longer than that. That’s why routine HVAC checkups are a good habit to follow.

Turn to the Professionals for Help

When temperatures drop to freezing outside, don’t take a chance with your boiler. If your appliance is exhibiting any of the warning signs described above, it’s time to take action. Contact the HVAC masters at Charlton & Hill Home Services today for exceptional boiler installation services and trusted home comfort solutions in Lethbridge, Alberta.