Boiler Maintenance Checklist

The boiler maintenance checklist helps reduce the chance of your boiler systems not performing to maximum capacity. It also helps identify potential problems before they happen, saving companies money in repairs and energy efficiency down the line.

The boiler maintenance checklist is not something you want to leave until the problem arrives. Although evident, especially as a homeowner, we don’t always see the importance of regular servicing and maintenance. Omitting these tasks from our daily to-do list can have a detrimental effect on your heating systems performance in the long run.

Here are some recommendations for daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly boiler maintenance tasks.

Daily Boiler Maintenance Checklist

It’s the small things that matter when it comes to boiler maintenance.

Most people believe that boiler maintenance should be done once a month or twice per year. However, it is possible to use the daily boiler maintenance checklist every day to ensure your equipment is in top condition.

1. Every 24 hours, check that you set your boiler to the correct time. Ensure the gas supply is switched on and burners are on. Check both hot water taps for any signs of leaks.
2. Check pressure gauges every hour throughout the day, ensuring they stay within their maximum and minimum ranges.
3. Keep an eye out for any unusual noises coming from the boiler, and listen for any strange smells emanating from it. Usually, a burning smell is a sign of carbon build-up.
4. Check all pipes and connections for any signs of leakage, wear or damage. It’s also worth checking filters at this stage to make sure they are not blocked.
5. Drain gauge glass every day to keep it clear of any condensation. Condensation within the glass can affect the accuracy of your pressure reading.
6. Turn off burner control knobs when not using the boiler. It will stop gas escaping and save you money in wasted energy.
7. Make sure you switch off your central heating at night or when no one needs it. If you can’t do this manually, there may be a timer fitted to the system that will take care of it for you automatically.

Weekly Boiler Maintenance Checklist

1. Examine the air damper on the burner. If it is not open, the burner may be on a useless cycle.
2. Check registers and grills to ensure dust or debris is not blocking them. Clean as necessary, using a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment. An air conditioning system brush can also help clean hard-to-reach areas.
3. Check all linkages on automatic draft controllers and burner controls for unrestricted movement. Ensure all controls are not set on “Auto,” as this may result in the draft fan cycling too frequently, wasting energy and increasing wear and tear on the system.
4. Check for any unusual noises during operation and listen for smells all day and night. If something doesn’t sound right, it probably isn’t – trust your instincts on this one!
5. Keep an eye on the igniter and pilot lights. If they start to dim, you may need new ones.
6. Check the pressure gauge and temperature regulator every week and make sure everything is working as it should.

Monthly Boiler Maintenance Checklist

1. Clean the glass gauge and other glass components, such as water level indicators, ensuring they aren’t cloudy or misty.
2. Check for any rust or other signs of wear on the burner grates. If they are damaged, replace them. Make sure you’re buying genuine parts for this job, as cheaper imitations could harm your boiler.
3. Check that all pressure valves are opening and closing correctly. If they’re not, they may need to be adjusted.
4. Examine any anti-tampering devices on the boiler to make sure they are not loose or damaged. If anything is loose, it’s an invitation for people who shouldn’t be touching your boiler, or it could cause problems down the line.
5. Clean the flue and exhaust system, if applicable.
6. Test the boiler’s limit controls. Remember, you want to make sure it cuts out before the pressure gauge reads “0”.
7. Try out flame detection controls. If they don’t work, you should check the wiring and replace any damaged parts.
8. Check all sensors and transmitters for correct operation. Either replace or adjust as necessary.

Periodic Boiler Maintenance Checklist

Although it is essential to inspect your boiler equipment daily and monthly, it is also advisable that you conduct more thorough checks every quarter or two months. Here are some critical items to add to your periodic maintenance checklist:

1. Check the boiler hydronic piping for leaks, cracks, rust, or other problems. Clean off any sediment or sludge in the bottom of the boiler if necessary.
2. Inspect the burner flame to make sure it is clean and steady. If not, call in an expert for assistance.
3. Check that the combustion air blower is working. If it isn’t, your boiler may receive too little air and not burn efficiently.
4. Inspect all boiler insulation to ensure rodents, pests, rotting, or any other cause are not damaging it.
5. Schedule a test for your low water cutoff to ensure it is working appropriately. Also, check that the pump cutoff and cutoff switch for any pumps connected to the system is working.

Yearly Boiler Maintenance Checklist

1. Change the primary filter. If it’s too dirty, you may need to replace it altogether.
2. Examine burner heads and test pilot assemblies for any problems with operation or “flashing,” which is when the flame heats the gases in the pilot assembly too much, causing them to combust on their own.
3. Check the pressure settings of the gas regulator. When you have the boiler serviced, they should adjust the settings as necessary.
4. Re-certify or replace safety valves.
5. Hydro test boiler for leakages. Most gas companies will do this for you, but check to see if your insurance policy covers it in case of an accident.
6. Examine the waterside for corrosion or scale and the fireside for soot or damage. It will entail shutting down the boiler and draining it. Many people don’t bother with this, but it is critical to take good care of it if you want a long-lasting system.
7. Replace any damaged or rusted components as necessary.
8. Verify and tune up settings and burners. You should do this every couple of years, primarily if you’re using the system a lot.
9. If you’re using a boiler with a gas pressure regulator, re-certify the pressure limits at least once a year. It ensures your boiler’s safety and avoids fines from the fire department or gas company. Keep in mind that if you don’t set the system incorrectly, there could be severe repercussions, including damage to the boiler if it has been set too low.

Boiler Maintenance Checklist – Conclusion

As you can see, there are many things to consider when it comes to boiler maintenance. However, if you regularly do just a few of the crucial checks that come with this checklist, your budget won’t take much of a hit. Also, remember that you should have a qualified professional perform a thorough inspection to know what they need to do for any given system.