When you rely on a gas boiler to heat your business's building, there is a component inside the boiler called the heat exchanger. Within this component, the heat is transferred from the combusted gas to the water while the gas is contained.
When an issue arises with the heat exchanger, the boiler will not work properly, requiring professional repairs to fix the problem. Below are a couple of signs that any issues with your business's boiler are being caused by a failing heat exchanger.
1. You Hear a Whistling Noise Coming from the Boiler after the Water Heats for a Few Minutes
One sign that indicates that the boiler's heat exchanger is going bad is when you hear a whistling noise. This noise will typically be heard after the boiler kicks on and the water has been heated for a few minutes.
As the water heats up and generates steam, the steam is pressurized and sent out of the exchanger and into the pipes. However, if the exchanger has a crack or is clogged up with limescale or sludge, the narrowed opening will create a whistling noise, also known as kettling. Either of these issues will need to be addressed by a professional.
2. You Notice That the Boiler Does Not Allow Steam to Flow Out and Shuts Itself Down
Another sign that the boiler heat exchanger is going bad is when steam is no longer allowed to leave the system. As the water heats up, the thermistor keeps track of its temperature to make sure that the water is not getting too hot as part of the boiler's safety features.
If the exchanger is malfunctioning, the water will boil at a higher temperature than normal, which will cause the thermistor to lock out the boiler. Steam will not be pushed through the pipes, and the burner will shut down to keep too much heat and pressure from building up
If your business's gas boiler is kettling and the thermistor has started to lock it out from sending steam through the system, there is most likely a problem with the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger could be clogged up with sludge or limescale, or it may have a crack in it. Because this component is responsible for trapping the gas while heating the water, you or your maintenance staff should not attempt to fix it yourself. Instead, schedule an appointment with a professional who offers boiler repair services to have them fix it for you.