As the cold settles into Connecticut, your home’s boiler becomes essential to your comfort and safety. But just like any hardworking appliance, your boiler needs regular attention to function at its best. A neglected boiler is more likely to break down, lose efficiency, or worse, fail in the middle of a deep freeze.
Check out this helpful list of boiler maintenance tips to ensure your system runs efficiently, safely, and reliably all winter long.
DO: Check Your Pressure Gauge
Your boiler’s pressure gauge (shown in the image above) is one of its most important indicators of performance. If the pressure is too low, your heating may not work correctly. If it’s too high, it could cause damage over time.
- Ideal range: Typically between 1.0 and 1.5 bar when the system is cold.
- Too low? You may need to top it up using the filling loop.
- Too high? Call a professional—this could point to an underlying issue.
Regularly checking your boiler’s pressure can help catch small problems before they become expensive breakdowns.
DO: Bleed Your Radiators
Over time, air can become trapped in your radiators, leading to uneven heating or cold spots. If the top of your radiator feels cool while the bottom is hot, it likely needs bleeding.
- How to do it: Use a radiator key to open the bleed valve slightly. You’ll hear air hissing out. Once water begins to flow, close the valve. Make sure to have a cloth or container ready to catch any drips.
- Why it matters: Bleeding radiators ensures hot water circulates properly, improving heating efficiency and reducing strain on your boiler.
If you have questions about the process, or don’t feel comfortable doing it, just reach out to us. We can help.
DO: Schedule a Seasonal Boiler Inspection
Just like your car needs a tune-up, your boiler needs an annual checkup, especially before the coldest months. That’s where our seasonal membership boiler check comes in.
Our expert technicians provide comprehensive inspections that include:
- Safety checks
- Pressure and vent inspections
- System efficiency tests
- Early detection of wear and tear
Joining bluefrog Plumbing’s membership program ensures you’re first in line for service, plus you’ll enjoy added savings and peace of mind all season long.
DON’T: Block Vents or Flues
Your boiler needs proper airflow to function safely. Blocking vents, flues, or air intakes can lead to a dangerous buildup of carbon monoxide or cause the boiler to shut down. And safety is non-negotiable when it comes to home heating.
Avoid this by:
- Keeping storage items away from your boiler
- Regularly checking that external vents are clear of snow, leaves, or debris
DON’T: Ignore Strange Noises
Boilers often make low humming or clicking noises as part of normal operation. But if you hear banging, gurgling, or whistling sounds, don’t ignore them. These noises could signal:
- Air in the system
- Limescale or sludge buildup
- Failing pumps or valves
The sooner you call a CT plumbing expert, the easier—and less expensive—the fix will likely be. Ignoring these sounds can lead to total system failure or emergency repairs.
DON’T: Skip Routine Maintenance
It’s easy to forget about your boiler until something goes wrong, but skipping routine maintenance is a surefire way to shorten its lifespan.
Regular servicing helps:
- Prevent breakdowns
- Maintain energy efficiency
- Ensure safety and compliance
- Protect your manufacturer’s warranty
If you’re not sure when your boiler was last serviced, it’s time to book a professional inspection.
Trust bluefrog to Help You Keep Warm with Confidence
Don’t wait until the coldest day of the year to think about your boiler. With a little planning—and help from the pros—you can enjoy consistent, worry-free heating all winter long.
We’re proud to offer expert CT plumbing services, including seasonal inspections through our convenient membership boiler check program.
Whether you’re a homeowner, property manager, or business owner, we’re here to help keep your heating system in top shape.
Visit us at bluefrogplumbingcentralct.com to schedule your inspection or join our membership program!
