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High Efficiency Boiler Annual Maintenance

Does a high efficiency boiler need serviced every year? ....... NO!.....
That is what most homeowners believe. Of course, they should be serviced every year. I was kidding.


Why should an annual service be performed every year?

An annual service does not only mean cleaning the boiler, as it may not require cleaning every year. The annual service verifies that all safety features are functioning correctly. A visual inspection of the air vents and pipe joints has not revealed any leaks. Visually inspect the vent and air intake pipes for any blockages. Open the relief valve(s) to ensure they will function correctly if needed. This is necessary. If relief valves have not been checked in several years, they may leak during testing and require replacement. If checked annually, it will remain open and in good condition for a long time. Simply put, an annual service is designed to identify and correct minor problems before they escalate into larger, more expensive issues. High-efficiency boilers have narrow flue passages and small water passages. They do need to be serviced every year. I have heard service techs say that they will go out and clean a high-efficiency boiler, and when it is opened, there is no dirt in the heat exchanger. Let's not think of cleaning every year, but of preventive maintenance every year. Cleaning the heat exchanger is only one part of the annual service. I do not want to minimize the cleaning of the heat exchanger. Boilers with water-tube heat exchangers require tube cleaning, which is vital. However, it is equally, if not more, essential to clean the spaces between the water tubes within the heat exchanger. These gaps are only about as wide as a credit card. If this is not done, the boiler will move less air through the heat exchanger. What is the result of this? Less heat. The gas input is controlled by the amount of air passing through the heat exchanger. If a dirty heat exchanger restricts airflow, less gas can be pulled through the gas valve. The heat exchanger should be brushed, cleaned between the tubes, and washed thoroughly. After the process is complete, follow these steps.
  • Check all safety's
  • Open the relief valve if it leaks; replace it. It won't leak normally if annual maintenance is performed. If it hasn't been opened in years, it's likely to leak. Explain to the customer that it must be checked annually, and if it leaks, it must be replaced. Explain its purpose.
  • If the boiler is a combi, flush the DHW heat exchanger
  • Check sensor values
  • Clean/replace flame sensor and ignitor. Verify proper gap on ignitor
  • Clean out condensate lines and condensate pump
  • Replace condensate neutralizer, replace stone if needed
  • Verify vent and air intake pipes are unobstructed
  • Check incoming gas pressure in a static state when the valve opens and in high fire
  • Perform a combustion test to the manufacturer's specs. If the spec is a range, keep the O2 about in the middle or closer to the low side.

    As this is not a complete list, it is a general guideline.

    Now is the time to look for early detection of problems like air vent leaks, water leaks at fittings, water pressure problems, ETC. Before they become a more expensive repair for the homeowner.

    Disclaimer: The information found on this website is for informational purposes only. All preventive maintenance, service, and installations should be reviewed on a per-job basis. Always follow all manufacturers specifications and general industry standards. Any work on your heating system should be performed only by qualified, experienced personnel. Comfort-Calc or its personnel accepts no responsibility for improper information, application, damage to property, or bodily injury for applied information found on this website.


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