There aren't many things more frustrating than an air conditioning that refuses to run. A hot, muggy home can make your space incredibly uncomfortable, which is why I have always focused on maintaining my air conditioning system. Unfortunately, I still run into problems from time to time and I am sure that all of you do, which is one of the reasons I decided to build this website. Check out these posts for more information about keeping your system working beautifully, even if you aren't naturally good at fixing things. You never know, making the right changes could dramatically improve your summertime experience.
Herbert Franklin
Strange hisses, bangs, or rattles from your boiler can be disconcerting, putting you on edge that there may be a breakdown brewing. Being able to properly diagnose these unsettling noises can help you determine the best course of action. Sometimes you can address the noises on your own, while other times it's best to call in professional boiler repair. The following guide can help.
Bubbling noises
A bubbling boiler is sometimes referred to as a kettling boiler. This is because the sound is reminiscent of a kettle percolating. The cause is usually limescale inside the boiler. As the scale builds up, the temperature inside the boiler tank becomes uneven. This results in excessive bubbling where water from hot spots percolate through cooler areas. While this doesn't indicate an imminent breakdown, it does reduce the efficiency of your boiler. You will need to have it professionally drained and descaled to solve the problem.
Radiator bangs and pops
Banging and popping in the radiator coils throughout the home means that air has become trapped in the boiler lines. The banging and popping is a result of these air bubbles pinging around inside the pipes. Fortunately, this is something you can fix on your own. Wearing gloves and goggles to protect against steam, open the valves on the radiator and bleed them until the extra air has hissed out. This task should be done once annually for most radiator systems.
Gurgling sounds
Gurgling sounds indicate that your boiler is running at a very fast boil. This is often a result of a water temperature that is set too high. Most boilers are kept right at the boiling point of 180 degrees Fahrenheit. If the thermostat on the boiler is too high, you will hear the constant gurgling. If the thermostat reads the right temperature but you still hear gurgling, you may have a broken thermostat. You will need to have it professionally tested and replaced or repaired. An overheating boiler can wear out or even burst, so it's important to determine the cause.
Hissing
Hissing indicates that steam and pressure is being released from somewhere in the boiler system. The culprit is usually a valve – either on the boiler itself or on one of the radiators. You can usually trace it to the source by listening carefully. You may need to tighten the valve so it is fully closed. If this doesn't work, the valve may be failing and it will need to be replaced.
Contact a boiler repair contractor, like one from Rickett Industrial Environmental Systems, for more help.