Boiler Maintenance
Boiler Tune-Ups in Elgin
Keeping Boilers in Elgin in Peak Operating Condition for Over 24 Years
No matter what kind of boiler you have—electric, gas, or combination—you need to maintain it. And, for safety and efficiency reasons, it’s best to leave this part of boiler ownership to a licensed HVAC professional. Someone with boiler repair experience is better able to identify potential repairs early, often eliminating the need for early system replacement.
At Kustom Heating & Cooling, we’ve been providing boiler maintenance in Elgin since we opened our doors in 2000. Regardless of boiler model or brand, we have the expertise necessary to complete your annual service in a prompt, professional manner. To learn more about our boiler maintenance program—and how it can save you 10 percent on your annual heating bills—give (847) 622-7483 a call.
The Dangers of Skipping Boiler Maintenance
Money’s a little tight right now, and you’d probably like to spend it on anything other than boiler service. We get that, but this is one area we advise spending a little extra. Skipping annual maintenance not only means a shorter lifespan for your boiler, but can also pose a severe safety risk to you and your home. Without regular visits from an HVAC expert, your boiler will consume more energy, lose efficiency, and become increasingly at risk for catastrophic failure.
Left untreated, your system can build up excess heat and pressure—becoming a bomb on a twitchy fuse. And, if that safety risk isn’t enough to convince you, there are warranty requirements to consider. Many manufacturers will require proof of annual boiler maintenance before fulfilling their obligations. So, if you don’t want to be left on the hook for an expensive boiler repair, it’s best to give (847) 622-7483 a call and join our yearly service program.
The Benefits of Boiler Maintenance in Elgin
We wrote briefly about the dangers of skipping boiler maintenance, but now it’s time to look on the bright side. Having your system regularly checked by the HVAC experts at Kustom Heating & Cooling can:
- Catch Problems Early: What was a loose bolt or rivet can quickly blossom into a repair worth hundreds of dollars. During our check, we’ll check belts and other components for signs of excess wear. Replacing them before they break is the best way to prevent a catastrophic failure.
- Push-Off Boiler Replacement: The low cost of regular boiler maintenance is far lower than what you’ll shell out for a brand-new boiler. By making your system more efficient and relieving excess wear, you can extend your unit’s life by months or years. This will give you ample time to save up for a replacement.
- Safety: Annual boiler maintenance protects your family from the risks associated with a lack of boiler maintenance. This includes a lower likelihood of carbon monoxide exposure and a lessened chance of complete system failure. Call Kustom Heating & Cooling to get your annual boiler service scheduled and sleep easier.
- Lower Heating Costs: Imagine trying to run with ankle weights. It’d be a lot harder than doing so unencumbered, right? Well, the former scenario is what your boiler deals with if it isn’t regularly cleaned and maintained. Through annual boiler maintenance, you give your boiler what it needs to perform at its best. Our typical customer reaps a savings of 10 percent or more on a yearly basis through this one service.
We’ve looked at what happens if you don’t service your boiler, so let’s look at some of the advantages of performing regular maintenance on your boiler.
What Our Boiler Maintenance Program Covers
There’s a lot involved in making sure your heating system in Elgin runs safely and securely. During your annual boiler maintenance, our HVAC technician will:
- Inspect around and under your boiler for leaking water
- Make sure the area around the boiler is unobstructed
- Check temperature and pressure readings
- Check for error and service codes
- Test pH levels of the water
- Inspect and flush the condensate system
- Examine and clean the burner, flame sensors, and ignitor
- Inspect your vents for signs of blockage, corrosion, and deterioration
- Verify control systems and safety devices are functioning as intended
- Make sure the vent termination is unobstructed
- Inspect the combustion air opening for blockages
- Listen for unusual noises or vibrations from equipment
- Inspect the combustion air piping and flue gas vent piping
- Inspect the relief valve discharge pipe and boiler relief valve
- Inspect the condensate drain line, PVC fittings, drain system, and drain trap
- Inspect the boiler’s hydronic piping
- Inspect the burner flame
When you sum the above up, it's obvious boiler maintenance in Elgin is worth the investment. Fortunately, Kustom is here to ensure every resident of South Elgin and Elgin is ready for the next big storm. Contact us at (847) 622-7483 to learn more about our boiler maintenance programs and how they can make comfortable living easier.
Trust Us to Tackle Your Boiler Problems in Elgin or South Elgin
At Kustom Heating & Cooling, we’re true heating and AC experts. This means we’re not only able to tackle your annual boiler maintenance but also repair and replace your system as well. All of our technicians receive ongoing training to ensure they’re ready to service any boiler including those from AO Smith, Bock, and Bryan. If you live in Bartlett, South Elgin, or the surrounding areas, we invite you to give our boiler company a try. To see why so many people in Elgin trust us with their HVAC service, check out our reviews on Google.
Boiler Tune-Up FAQs
How Often Should I Get a Boiler Tune-Up?
You’ll be happy to know your boiler in Elgin doesn’t need as many check-ups as your teeth. A once-yearly tune-up is ordinarily adequate to keep your radiant heating system going. Call Kustom Heating & Cooling to schedule your annual appointment for boiler service in South Elgin or Bartlett.
Should I Drain My Boiler?
Ideally, your boiler should be drained annually to keep it efficient and sediment-free. Though we recommend leaving this task to an Elgin heating contractor, it is something you can handle yourself. To do so, you’ll need a bucket, a wrench, a pair of gloves, and a hose. The steps are relatively simple:
- Turn off your boiler and the water supply at the main water valve.
- Turn on the hot water at your tub or sink. When it stops flowing, you’ve drained any residual water.
- Connect a hose to the boiler’s drain valve.
- Open your boiler’s drain valve and let the water flow.
- Circulate cold water through your tank and turn it off.
- Repeat Step 5 until no more sediment comes out.
- Close the valve, remove the hose, and turn the water back on.
Are There Any Tips for Preventing Mineral Buildup in Elgin?
Sediment build-up can significantly impact the efficiency of your boiler system. Fortunately, there are ways to help limit this and extend the time between draining your tanks. These include:
- Add a water softener such as Borax to your tank to reduce buildup.
- Install a whole-house water softener in Elgin.
- Periodically add chemicals designed to prevent sediment buildup.
- Perform small flushes to remove sediment without draining the system.
What Boiler Maintenance Tasks Can I Do Myself?
Though it’s best to leave a lot of Elgin boiler tune-up tasks to an HVAC professional, you can tackle a few things on your own. Aside from the periodic tank flushes mentioned above, you might want to consider the following:
- Regularly checking your boiler’s pressure.
- Periodically bleeding your radiators.
- Inspecting your boiler and associated pipes for leaks weekly.
- If your system has one, check on the pilot light.
- Listen for banging, whistling, or gurgling.
If any of these items strike you as strange, you’ll want to call (847) 622-7483 to schedule a boiler check-up with Kustom Heating & Cooling. We’ll quickly uncover the problem.
Should I Get a $49 Boiler Tune-Up in Elgin?
You know the old saying? It’s too good to be true? That’s the case with $49 boiler maintenance. This low price tag comes at a cost. First, these ‘inspections’ are often nothing but glorified sales calls. Once the technician has their foot in the door, they’ll frequently push things like half-hearted duct cleanings and early Elgin boiler replacement. If you get a quote for radiant system maintenance below $150, there’s likely some fine print you need to read.
What Are the Benefits of Regular Boiler Tune-Ups?
As Elgin HVAC professionals, we’ve seen the advantages of regular boiler maintenance firsthand. The few hundred dollars you invest annually in maintaining your heating system leads to several benefits. These include hearty savings on utility bills, an extended system lifespan, and a lower likelihood of emergency Elgin boiler repair.
What Happens During Elgin Boiler Maintenance?
Every HVAC company in Cook and Kane County does boiler tune-ups a little differently. But there are some things that separate a good maintenance call from a bad one. First, your company needs to do a flue and fresh air check. This ensures verification systems are working correctly. A pressure check will also be done to ensure your family’s safety. A vigorous cleaning of things like the condensate trap, anode rod, and spark probe follows. Finally, a leak test and visual inspection will be done.
When Should I Schedule a Boiler Tune-Up?
Whether you have a furnace or a boiler, the best time to schedule remains the same. You’ll want to schedule these annual check-ups in the early fall, just before the heating season starts. This ensures you won’t hit the first frost with a system that can’t keep up. Want to make scheduling these things easier? Call Kustom Heating & Cooling for more information about our annual HVAC maintenance plans. Great discounts and benefits are just a call away!