Just like a furnace, in some homes, steam boilers are used to provide heat and comfort throughout the cold months. And, just like an HVAC system, annual maintenance can help keep steam boilers working effectively and efficiently when they’re needed most. However, there may come a time when you’re wondering if it makes sense to replace the boiler altogether. 5 Signs Your Boiler Needs Replacing Simply being aware of the common signs it’s time to replace your boiler can not only keep you and your family comfortable in the winter, but it can also save you some money on your monthly energy bills. Here are five common signs you should consider steam boiler replacement: Your energy bills have been steadily on the rise. If you’ve noticing lately that your energy bills are getting higher and higher every month, this could be due the costs associated with the efficiency of your boiler. Maybe you’ve had it serviced regularly, but it’s still not working as well as it should and costing you more money as time goes on. This is a clear sign you should consider replacing it for a newer, more efficient model. The steam boiler is starting to look worse for the wear. Do a visual inspection of the boiler. Do you notice rust spots and discoloration? You might even notice some of the operating controls and safety devices are becoming faulty. The boiler is getting up there in years. The age of the steam boiler is one of the most important things to consider in regards to replacing it. Different types of boilers have different life expectancies. For instance, cast iron boilers can last around 20 to 30 years with proper maintenance, although it’s important to remember that the older the boiler, the less efficient it generally becomes. Today’s modern cast iron boilers are often far more efficient than those that are over 20 years old. You’re noticing some leaks. When visually inspecting the boiler, check for any signs that leaks are present. Rust colored stains on the floor under the discharge piping, for instance, can indicate excessive feedwater is causing a leak. This can easily lead to damage in your home, and replacing the boiler in this...
Read MoreSome of the advantages of utilizing a boiler system to heat your home include the facts that they provide quiet, even heating and usually last a very long time. Their long service life is generally because they have fewer working parts than furnaces or heat pumps; for instance, there are no fans or pumps needed to circulate air throughout your home. This means fewer parts get wear and tear to require repairs. However, no system will work perfectly one hundred percent of the time. If your home uses a boiler for heating in the Cleveland area, there are a few common repairs you might need to call the experts at Efficient Heating and Cooling for. 5 Common Boiler Repairs Some of the most common boiler repairs include: Sealing leaks. Probably the most common issue for a steam boiler, leaks can occur when the boiler develops high water pressure, pipes are old or get damaged, at a poorly soldered connection, or when the tank gets corroded. To properly repair a leak, the technician will make sure to find out how the leak started in the first place. Replacing broken heating elements. If you have an electric-powered boiler, it uses heating elements to raise the temperature of the water. If your home isn’t feeling as warm as it should, it’s possible that one of the heating elements is malfunctioning and needs to be replaced. Deliming the tank. Homes that have hard water, or water with high levels of magnesium and calcium, limescale can start to develop along the inside of the tank. Limescale will cause an unbalance of the temperature in the tank, which leads to high pressure. This limescale will need to be removed from the tank by a skilled technician. Repairs to the expansion tank. Within your boiler’s water tank is a smaller, cylindrical tank attached to a pressure cage on top- this is the expansion tank, which is necessary to maintain the water pressure inside the boiler and keep the pressure from getting too high too fast. Professionals are needed when the membrane inside this tank break, which lead to a variety of problems throughout the system. Flushing the system. When sediment builds up in the boiler tank...
Read MoreIn today’s newer homes, boilers are less common than forced air heaters. But in certain parts of Cleveland such as Cleveland Heights and Shaker Heights, boiler systems are very common. Many technicians today don’t know the ins and outs of these systems. That makes it even more vital to connect with an experienced company that has the necessary experience and knowledge to help you properly maintain your boiler. The main difference between these two heating options is the fact that a boiler creates heat via hot water and therefore requires hot water piping to be placed throughout your home. A forced air furnace operates by pushing hot air through your home’s ductwork, and these same ducts can also be used by a central cooling system. How Do I Maintain a Boiler? In some ways, a boiler is actually much easier to maintain than a forced air system because you will not need to worry about regularly cleaning your ducts and replacing your filter. On the other hand, there are still many things that you will need to keep an eye on in order to ensure that your boiler will run as efficiently as possible. 1. Heat Exchanger and Boiler Drum Level Controller – There are two absolutely critical components that each boiler relies upon: the heat exchanger and boiler drum level controller. These two components regulate and exchange the transfer of heated steam so that your home stays warm enough. Both of these parts must be working properly for you to experience a comfortable temperature throughout your house. Additionally, any issues with these parts could lead to serious problems such as the system becoming overheated. Therefore, you should work with our experienced team to ensure that your boiler’s heat exchanger and drum level controller always remain properly operational. 2. Monitor the Gauges Regularly – Your boiler’s gauges can help you protect everyone’s safety by allowing you to make any needed adjustments to release pressure from the system. In fact, this is the reason that your boiler has pressure relief valves, and it is likely that you will need to use them occasionally. Many boilers need to be de-scaled annually, and it is imperative to get your gauge system calibrated...
Read MoreOlder homes that can be found in Cleveland neighborhoods like Shaker Heights and Cleveland Heights are both unique and architecturally beautiful. These homes often have either steam or hot water systems, so installing a new heating and cooling system presents many challenges. These installations can be so challenging that most heating and cooling companies in Cleveland won’t do it. However, there are systems available that don’t require you to compromise design or architectural integrity. We use what’s called a Unico System which has a number of features and benefits that set it apart from other central heating and air conditioning solutions. The Unico System works by creating a high velocity stream of air. Flexible tubing is run through the structure’s existing crevices and nooks, eliminating the need for remodeling or extensive construction. The air is delivered quietly and seamlessly into the room using outlets or slotted diffusers. Because of this size, the system fits where other conventional cooling and heating systems can’t. The system can be easily installed into attics, ceilings, crawlspaces and closets, and installation often requires no remodeling. The Unico System is very popular with our customers because of the quality comfort it provides in nearly all applications. Unlike traditional HVAC systems, it eliminates drafts and removes 30% more relative humidity. Another nice feature is the huge selection in outlet choices designed to fit any decor or home architecture without compromise. Because this is a high-tech process, it takes a heating and cooling company with expertise and creativity – something we’ve done numerous times. If you have and home with steam or hot water heating and are considering installing a new system, give us a call at 216-663-6462 to discuss if the Unico System will work for...
Read MoreComing home from work to find that your furnace stopped working is a very unpleasant surprise. The last thing you want to do is coordinate with various HVAC companies over the phone. So how do you hire the right furnace repair company to handle your specific needs? First and foremost, it helps to do some research ahead of time. If you know your furnace is starting to age, have a reputable HVAC company’s phone number on hand. You can be prepared by having these questions handy. Are you licensed, bonded and insured? This is an important question to ask to ensure the company you hire is honest, trustworthy and has financial backup. Have you worked in my neighborhood before? This might be a good question to ask if your home is in Cleveland Heights or Shaker Heights. If the contractor has done work there, it’s likely they have experience repairing and maintaining boilers. How quickly can you respond in an emergency? The response to this question might depend on what else is going on in your community. If there’s a major blizzard when you call, you will likely need to be patient. How long have you been in business? If you want your furnace repaired properly, it’s best to hire a professional. Look for companies that have been in business for at least 10 years. Remember that there a lot of fly-by-night contractors out there who are looking to make a quick buck. Contractors who show up in unmarked vehicles without a license number displayed should be a red flag. It’s also a good idea to look for industry affiliations from organizations like the Air Conditioning Contractors of America. You want to keep your house and your family safe. Be sure to ask good questions before hiring a heating and cooling contractor to come into your...
Read MorePeople don’t want to be bothered with their furnace and air conditioning. They just want them to work! But with a little routine maintenance, homeowners can have just that – heating and cooling systems that run efficiently and a free of major issues. Forced-air heating systems only require a small amount of attention to run efficiently. Changing your furnace filter every month or two during heating season is the first step to take. It’s also a good idea to have the circulating fan oiled once a year. It’s best to call a professional to check the heat exchanger and to adjust the burner every year. Boiler systems also require annual maintenance such as a filter change and cleaning/adjusting the jets. This work is often best left to the professionals. Air-conditioning units also need attention every year, typically at the beginning and end of each cooling season. Make sure you clean or replace the filters. For optimum performance, have a professional vacuum out the unit and lubricate the motor. It’s best to schedule service calls before the start of heating or cooling season. Make a note on your calendar every April to schedule routine maintenance for both your A/C and your furnace. If you can schedule your contractor to come in between seasons, you’ll get better attention and have more flexibility with scheduling the appointment....
Read More