When To Call a Boiler Repair Expert

In the dead of a Pennsylvania winter, it can be very tempting to try your own furnace repair. After all, you need to get that heat on before the pipes have a chance to freeze. But, some boiler repairs should not be handled by the homeowner.

When Boiler Repair is a Dangerous Proposition

Boilers and furnaces are typically very well-made and can run faithfully for many years with only regular maintenance and annual checkups. When something does go wrong, it typically begins with a slow leak somewhere in the boiler system, or, in the case of a forced-air furnace, you might have a problem with a duct connection.

These problems can be easy to fix when caught in time. But, here are a few instances when you shouldn't attempt the fix-it work yourself.

• If your gas furnace has a pilot light that will not stay on, or if you smell gas when you try to light the pilot, back away and call a professional. "A very slight whiff of gas might be normal," says John Gibson, an HVAC expert from Pennsylvania. "Anything more, and you're safer calling a technician to handle the issue."
• A typical boiler in a two-story home will operate at 15 pounds of pressure, perhaps less. If the boiler pressure is higher than that, you may need to call the boiler repair service. If the pressure release valve is opening on its own, the boiler pressure has probably reached 30 pounds or more. That's a dangerous situation, and emergency boiler repair is in order.

Before you have an problem with your boiler or furnace, choose a few prospective companies for boiler service and furnace repair in your area of Pennsylvania. Once the emergency has passed and your heating problem has been solved, remember the service companies also provide annual checkups to keep your heating systems running properly.