Prepare Your Boiler for Winter

When you own or manage a commercial building, building occupants are going to expect a comfortable environment, no matter what the outside temperature is. It is important to not get caught unprepared during the first cold spell of the year. Be proactive before the weather starts to change so that you can have peace of mind that your boiler will work when you need it.

1. Turn on your boiler to test that it is working.

Before it starts to get cold outside, do a test turn-on of your boiler. Starting it up before you need it will allow you to assess your equipment to make sure it is working properly. Leave your boiler on for around 15 minutes so that you can identify any issues with your boiler’s pressure system.

2. Check for error codes, leaks, and unusual noises.

While you are doing your test run of your boiler, inspect it for leaks, error codes, and unusual noises. If you have a loss in boiler pressure, pooling water, or damp spots near your boiler, you may have a water leak. Unusual noises such as whistling, popping, crackling, or even loud banging sounds could indicate that you need to get your boiler flushed. If you have any issues with your boiler, get it serviced by a professional before winter comes.

3. Clean the area around your boiler.

The area around your boiler should be unobstructed. Remove any objects near your boiler, especially objects that could be flammable. Clear the surrounding floor space to help ensure the air intakes are not blocked.

4. Bleed out the radiator.

If your radiator is colder at the top than at the bottom, it may need to be bled out to release air that is trapped in the system. If this is not done, it can waste energy and money and place a strain on your system.

5. Make sure your pipes are insulated.

When the temperatures drop below freezing, your sprinkler pipes are at risk of freezing. Make sure your pipes are insulated to avoid freezes that can cause your boiler to shut off.

6. Check your carbon monoxide detectors.

Test your carbon monoxide detectors to ensure that they are leaking. Boilers have the potential to leak carbon monoxide when they are not operating properly. Carbon monoxide is deadly and having working CO detectors can save lives.

7. Schedule a service checkup.

The most important step in getting your boiler ready for winters is to have it serviced by a licensed professional. Trained technicians can inspect your equipment and identify any opportunities to improve efficiency.

CMS Mechanical Services provides boiler maintenance, inspections, and repairs in Northern Colorado. We will get your heating equipment ready to keep you warm throughout the unpredictable Colorado winters. To schedule maintenance, contact us today!