Boiler Maintenance, Repair & Installation
Whether your boiler needs are residential or commercial, you’ve come to the right place!
217, Inc. has the training and expertise needed to provide you with top-notch service at a competitive price.
We specialize in all types of boiler repair, maintenance, and installation while making safety and efficiency our top priority! We work with both high temperature hot water boilers and low temperature hot water boilers. We have tons of experience with all types of boilers old and new.
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- Steel Boilers: Fire-tube and water tube
- Hydronic Boiler System
- Steam and Condensate Boiler System
- Cast Iron Boilers
- Steam heat
- De-aerators
- Feedwater Heaters
- Fuel Heater
- Economizer Repair
- Boiler repair
- Boiler maintenance
- Steam boiler
- Steam heat
- Hot water heat
- Baseboard heat
- Packaged Boiler Installation
- Radiant Floor Heating
- Radiators
Boiler Repair
Here are some common things to watch for and understand about boiler systems.
If the air vents spit or make a hissing noise:
The system is probably dirty. Steam systems are constantly corroding. Without regular maintenance, the rust, mineral deposits and sludge driven by the steam eventually end up in the air vents, causing them to spit water and hiss. These sounds could also mean that a vent is failing. If the air in the system doesn’t have a way out, it will find one! That means it will exit through other radiator vents, causing them to fail as well. Even worse, this will cause your utility bills to skyrocket!
If the radiator makes a gurgling sound:
The radiator may be pitched the wrong way. This is most common with radiators that sit on wood floors. As time passes, the cast iron expands and contracts, digging a trench in the floor. The radiator may also be sagging in the middle, due to carbonic acid in the system eating away at it. Slowly, it will weaken and start to bow. Depending on the severity of the sag, the radiator may need replaced.
If there is water hammering during the heating cycle:
It could be a result of a variety of problems and you should call a technician as soon as possible. Water hammering is just what it sounds like: LOUD! It occurs when steam is traveling at a very high rate of speed and crashes into the pipe.
Frequently Asked Questions about Boilers:
Question: What is the difference between a boiler and a furnace?
Answer: While both systems distribute heat throughout your home, the key difference is that a furnace uses air and a boiler uses water.
Each system operates in a very different way. A furnace heats air, which is then blown through your duct system and into each room of your home. Boilers use hot water or steam that is pumped through a series of pipes to baseboards, radiators or radiant flooring systems. Boilers can run on gas, oil, electricity or even alternative fuels such as wood pellets.
Another difference between the systems is the type of maintenance required. Furnaces require monthly filter changes plus bi-annual cleanings. The maintenance for boilers, however, is entirely different and can involve inspecting and adjusting a series of pumps, valves, safeties and controls.
Question: My boiler isn’t working. What can I do?
Answer: Call 217, Inc. for your boiler repair needs! Working on boilers can be extremely difficult and dangerous so we recommend that only experienced, professional heating contractors diagnose and repair the system. Before calling, always double-check that the power to the unit is on, the thermostat is set to heat, and that the temperature is set at a desirable level.
Question: What is that noise?
Answer: Hissing. Clanking. Banging. Popping. Gurgling. Does this sound like your boiler? Some noise is normal, however, if it becomes loud and/or disruptive, call 217, Inc. to diagnose the problem. Scale buildup, hot spots, irregular pressure, trapped air or a variety of other factors could be the culprit.
Question: Is a boiler or a furnace right for me?
Answer: Whether a boiler or a furnace makes more sense for you depends on your needs and your budget. It is important to weigh the pros and cons of each system when deciding how to heat your home.
Furnaces can create a dry and drafty environment due to the constantly circulating air. Such air movement is great in the summer when cooling your home, but can be uncomfortable for heating. Radiant or convection heat (such as baseboard or cast iron radiators) can provide steady heat and greater temperature consistency. Hydronic (hot water) and steam heating systems will not spread dust and allergens through your home or dry out the air like forced air systems. In fact, a hot water heating system is said to be the most comfortable heating available.
It may be a little more expensive to install a boiler for heat and central air for cooling, but when comparing the comfort levels, hot water heat is worth the additional cost.
Question: Does my boiler need maintenance?
Answer: Most boiler problems develop over a long period of time, making it difficult to realize that a problem has occurred. Routine boiler maintenance is the number one way to avoid heating emergencies, costly repairs, and to ensure that the system is operating safely and efficiently. When properly maintained, the life of your boiler could stretch on for years. Each system is unique, therefore, maintenance costs can vary. Call us today at 217-281-1650 for a free estimate.