Regular, professional boiler maintenance is crucial to prolonging the life of your equipment and ensuring its efficiency. Consistent maintenance saves building owners from frequent and costly repair charges and can help sustain a boiler’s longevity. As whole, boiler usage accounts for almost half of all commercial and industrial energy bills. Accordingly, a defective boiler should never be ignored as it can make bills soar even higher.

Below, we’ve listed 5 key warning signs that building owners and facilities managers should look out for, if any of these occur in a unit, a call to a boiler maintenance specialist should take place immediately.

1. Smell

Any odor coming out from the boiler is not normal and can indicate gas or oil leakage. If this occurs, owners should not hesitate to call for service. Not only will this impose hazards for the building and its occupants, it can also mean significant financial costs as a large amount of fuel may be wasted. In addition, harmful carbon monoxide gas may find its way out of the boiler’s ventilation system. This may be tasteless and odorless, but it is an extremely poisonous gas.

2. Water Leaks

Leaks are not normal in a boiler unit. Water may accumulate at the base of the boiler, and continuous water loss detracts from normal operation. This means that the unit needs to work even harder to heat the water inside in order to maintain the right temperature. As a result, the boiler will use more fuel than it normally does, and will require a large amount of fuel just to achieve minimal efficiency. Often, this is a direct result of unrepaired water leaks or build-up. Issues of this nature must be attended to quickly, otherwise simply repairing the boiler will no longer be a solution.

3. Clanging, Rattling and Hissing noises

This is an obvious sign that emergency service is needed. Noises of this nature are often caused by iron or sludge deposits that lead to unequal water distribution. When this happens, boiler units are prone to overheating and may even shut down by themselves. Left unattended, a problem of this nature may certainly result in wasted fuel, and moreover, owners may not be able to maximize the function of their boilers again. In short, at the first sign of noise, a boiler maintenance professional should be contacted immediately.

4. Black Soot and Debris

Soot and debris can indicate major boiler problems. Owners and facilities managers should always take time to check the boiler room and ensure that there is no black soot or any other particles coming out from the unit, which may indicate trouble with thermal tacking and heat loss. No matter what the main cause is, it is important that building owners call boiler experts to give a proper diagnosis and perform appropriate measures.

5. Rust Flakes, Corrosion and Stains

Rust flakes, corrosion or stains in the pipes or flue vent connectors means boiler maintenance is required. Insufficient cleaning can cause serious trouble in the long run, and this condition is a prelude to further fuel loss, damage to the building and health problems. All these signs need immediate attention and professional service, and building owners should not wait to call for boiler repair service. These troubles are actually preventable if owners observe regular boiler maintenance. They should not overlook the need for these services as it will not merely save them from high energy bills, but can also save their properties from harm.

American Boiler Company has been selling, installing and servicing industrial boilers for over 30 years. They’ll work hard to ensure you receive the highest quality service while also saving you money. American Boiler Company always offers free site surveys, and for a limited time new customers can receive a complimentary boiler inspection. Contact American Boiler Company at 973-923-1999 today for more information.