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Signs Your Boiler Is Failing Fast

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People always seem to wait to the very last moment to fix a problem, but procrastination when it comes to your boiler could be a very big problem. Heat you home on a cold day is not just important for you and your families comfort, it can actually keep pipes from freezing. It always seems the a boiler goes out on one of the coldest days of the winter, and that is simply because it has to work extra hard to keep the home warm. However, if you catch the problems quick enough you may be able to have a technician fix the problem before they become serious. Here are a few different signs that your boiler is starting to fail.

Your Flame

One of the first things that you should check is the color of the flame. The flame should be burning a nice blue color at the bottom of the flame with an orange tip. However, if you have a yellow flame you should contact a technician as soon as possible. A yellow flame is evidence that your flame is not burning properly, and could be giving off carbon dioxide. This gas can't be used by the human body and can actually suffocate an individual. A yellow flame for gas boilers and black soot for oil boilers is a sign that your boiler needs to be fixed. It is also always important to keep a carbon monoxide detector near the boiler.

Energy Bills

After a few years in a home you know what to expect from your energy bills. If you notice that your energy bills are starting to rise for no apparent reason it could most definitely be your boiler. Over time your boiler will become less efficient and will require more fuel to heat the home. This can cause your energy bills to go up a great deal. Watch your energy bills, and if there is an unexpected trend in higher energy bills have a technician inspect your boiler. 

Noise

One of the most obvious signs that a boiler is going out is the sounds that they make. It is not uncommon for a family to get used to the sound of their boiler, so if it starts to make strange rattling, whistling, or any other noise it is time to get it inspected. Pay particular attention for any loud pop or bang as this can be a sign that gas is collecting and igniting near the pilot light. 


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