It can often be worrying when a boiler starts making a banging noise, vibrating noise or when you suddenly find you have no hot water. It’s easy to start panicking and imagining the worst in these situations. Though they can be annoying, there are many common faults with boilers that are harmless – modern boilers are designed to be extremely durable and protect homeowners. Most problems are little more than an annoyance or disruption. But how do you know when you have a dangerous boiler and an emergency situation?
Modern Boilers Are Usually Safe
You can rest assured that most modern boilers have numerous safety features that prevent dangerous situations from happening, they don’t expload from too much pressure (only in very extreme cases) they have: Pressure relief valves, oxygen depletion sensors and overheat stats. If there is a serious fault then your boiler will probably just cut out and stop working. If your boiler is still functioning then it’s unlikely the situation isn’t dangerous.
An Annual Service Minimizes Risk
In addition to the safety features that modern boilers have, you can take further confidence if you have your boiler serviced annually – which all home and business owners should. A boiler that has had a service and inspection within the last year is not likely to be dangerous, but this is not a guarantee. Check the warning signs before jumping to any conclusions.
Signs your Boiler may be Dangerous
If you notice any of the following signs your boiler should be switched off immediately and an emergency boiler repair service contacted.
- The smell of fumes or spent gas
- A faint/strange smell
- Pilot light has a yellow flame or keeps going out
- Black marks or soot on or near your boiler (can indicate carbon monoxide – SWITCH THE BOILER OFF)
- Feelings of headaches/nausea when the boiler is running
- Heavy condensation in room where boiler is installed
If you are experiencing any of these signs or if you have any doubt at all, call an emergency boiler repair specialist immediately. In Fairfield County, call Hellas 24/7: 203-852-0666
It’s always better to be safe than sorry! A boiler expert can put your mind at rest. Just make the call if you’re in any doubt.
Can Boilers Give off Carbon Monoxide?
Yes gas and oil boilers can, though this is rare. It’s important to remember that carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, it’s known as the silent killer. If your boiler is emitting carbon monoxide into your home you may be experiencing frequent headaches, dizziness, tiredness, breathlessness and nausea – this is not associated rise in body temperature.
Electric boilers cannot give off carbon monoxide as they don’t burn fuel so this type of boiler leak would not be a worry.
Common Boiler Faults that Aren’t Dangerous
As mentioned before, the vast majority of boiler faults are not dangerous, but that makes them no less frustrating. They include:
- Overheating caused by blockages
- Loss of pressure
- Air in the system
- Frozen condensate pipe
- Gurgling or whistling noises (usually caused by trapped air)
- Cold patches on radiators
Are you concerned that your boiler may be dangerous? If you live in Norwalk, or the Fairfield County, CT area then call Hellas Air Temp 24/7 for a fast, reliable response: 203-852-0666