Unfortunately, boiler issues are not uncommon when Northeast Ohio temperatures drop. If your boiler won’t stay on in freezing weather, don’t panic. There are several reasons that homeowners experience boiler problems during cold weather and many can be troubleshooted.
In this article, the heating experts at Kobella discuss why your boiler shuts off in the cold, along with steps you can take to attempt to restore your heating and when it may be time to call in a professional.
Why Your Boiler Keeps Shutting Off in the Cold
Boiler issues are both common and solvable for Northeast Ohio homeowners. Most often the cause is:
- Frozen condensate pipe: Significant cold can cause the small pipe that carries waste water away from your boiler to freeze. As a result, the boiler may shut itself off to prevent damage.
- Low boiler pressure: Small leaks or pressure drops caused by the cold weather can lower the boiler pressure enough to shut down the system.
- Faulty thermostat: If freezing temperatures affect your thermostat’s batteries or wiring, it may not properly communicate with your boiler and prevent it from turning on.
- Blocked pipes: When water in your pipes freeze during extreme cold, it can restrict water flow to your boiler and prevent heat from properly circulating.
DIY Checks Before Calling a Pro
Not all issues require professional attention. While homeowners should never tamper with their system beyond simple checks, they can attempt to restore their heat by following these simple steps:
- Look for error codes on the display. The boiler manual can help identify what the code signals to help you diagnose the problem at hand.
- Check pressure levels. If the needle is below the recommended range on the boiler’s pressure gauge, you can press the reset button on the front panel.
- Homeowners can safely thaw a frozen condensate pipe by pouring warm water over the frozen section or wrapping the pipe in a warm towel.
When to Call for Professional Help
It may be time to call Kobella for professional boiler repair or replacement if your system repeatedly shuts off or if the pressure or heat doesn’t restore after the system resets. In these instances, don’t delay. Timely repair can prevent further damage or safety risks.
How Winter Boiler Maintenance Prevents These Issues
Want to prevent a boiler breakdown in the freezing cold? Schedule your boiler maintenance this winter to ensure your system is ready for reliable use. Our preseason tune-ups reduce your risk of breakdowns and keep your system operating at peak performance. Service includes:
- Testing boiler operation and safety features.
- Inspecting the heating system to locate potential problems.
- Checking pipes and connections to help avoid leaks.
- Cleaning and inspecting the heat exchanger for safe, effective function.
- Cleaning the condensate line and flushing the system if necessary.
- Inspecting and cleaning burner, igniter, and flame sensor.
- Testing water pH level.
- Conducting an airflow and vent assessment, assuring unobstructed air flow.
- Examining wiring and electrical connections.
Trust Kobella to Keep You Warm
For fast, local response to your boiler issues, trust the team at Kobella. Our team has over 18 years of experience with Northeast Ohio winter issues and can quickly restore your heat to ensure your total comfort. We have a reputation for excellence thanks to our clean jobs, upfront pricing, and satisfaction guarantee. That’s why we’re the area’s top choice for comprehensive boiler care.
Schedule boiler repair with the team at Kobella today by contacting our office.
