Winter temperatures in our area are no joke. But it might sound a little bit like a joke when even your heating system might freeze solid! If your home is heated by a boiler, water is running through pipes, and wherever there are water pipes, freezing is a risk. Don’t let that happen! Here’s how.
Maintenance
It’s far less likely that your boiler will freeze if it doesn’t stop running. How can you make sure your boiler will always run and won’t break down at some point during the winter? By having preventive maintenance done every single year! And when you get boiler service in Evanston, IL, your technician can help with implementing any of these other recommendations if you’re not sure what to do.
In addition to reducing the risk of repair needs and breakdowns, boiler maintenance will help to prolong the life of your heating system, which is fantastic, because with proper care it can last around thirty years. Maintenance will also improve effectiveness and efficiency and, if your boiler is under warranty, it will keep it that way.
Don’t Shut Your Boiler Off
When you go away during the winter, you’ll want to lower your thermostat so you’re not paying as much for heat while you’re not there to enjoy it. But never set the temperature lower than 55°F! This should keep enough hot water flowing to prevent the boiler pipes from icing up, as well as helping reduce the risk of freezing and bursting of other plumbing pipes.
Keep Interior Doors Open
Keep your home’s interior doors open, especially if you lower the thermostat and go away for an extended period. This will aid in heat distribution and prevent cold pockets. Keeping your home’s temperature even will keep water flowing rather than freezing.
Seal Gaps
If holes cut for piping or for the flue are wider than they need to be, your boiler might be allowing cold air to enter your home. That can seriously increase the risk of freezing boiler pipes. Silicone caulk comes in a variety of temperature ratings, so it’s easy to find high-temperature caulk that is safe to use around boiler components.
Add Insulation
Is your boiler located in an out-of-the-way place? Many are housed in an attic, garage, or basement. These spaces generally have much less insulation than the rest of the home. Adding insulation to the room your boiler occupies will keep the area warmer and more consistent in temperature, reducing the risk of freezing.
Don’t Panic, but Don’t Delay
If you do suspect a frozen boiler pipe, or indeed a frozen pipe of any sort in your home, don’t allow your worry to make you frantic. Call for help right away. In the meantime, don’t attempt to thaw the pipe yourself. Raising the temperature too suddenly increases the likelihood that it will suddenly burst.
Whether you need to schedule routine boiler maintenance, have a question about best practices to keep your boiler in good condition, or urgently need repairs, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Contact ServiceMax with any questions about your heating system.