Getting Your Hot water Heating
Boiler Ready for the Heating Season
The heating season
is fast approaching and now is the time to consider the steps necessary
to bring your boiler back on line after the summer lay-up. The following
serves as a reminder of the most fundamental requirements you should follow
when placing your boiler back into service.
Read your operating
manual and follow it. All boilers are supplied with operating manuals
by the manufacturer. There is a wealth of information, experience and
hints contained in most manuals. Ensure that you have a copy, read,
understand and follow it.
Verify that your
boiler room is clean.Make sure there is NO debris or
excessive dust or dirt and NO flammable fluids are stored
in the boiler room.
Verify that your
boiler gets adequate combustion air. Ensure all dampers are
clean, free from debris and are open. Adequate draft is necessary
to regulate
the
flow of air to and from the burner.
Verify that your
boiler exhaust system is open and clear to discharge combustion
gases out of the furnace into the atmosphere. Make sure that there
are no
leaks of combustion gases back into the boiler room. Any leak must
be repaired before operation of your boiler.
Verify that the
boiler furnace is free of debris and other material.
Open the boiler
vent valve or top try cock to vent air and fill the boiler with treated
water to its proper level.Check that the expansion tank is properly
filled.
Test all drains
and blow-offs to ensure they function properly.
Check the fuel
system thoroughly for leaks and ensure that all fuel filters and strainers
have been replaced. Check availability of fuel.
Make sure the flame
scanner or sensors are properly connected and functioning.
Check that all
fuel valves function as required.
Ensure that all
shut-off valves are leak tight. Perform leak tightness test if unsure.
(Specifically important for gas valves).
Ensure that all
valves in instrument lines function as required.
Verify that vent
valve on gas fired boilers is operating as required and that the vent
is not clogged.
Ensure that the
boiler is purged before ignition of the burner. NOTE:
Proper purging to clear the boiler of any fuel residues is of utmost
importance to prevent furnace explosions.
Check all instruments
and safety devices for proper setting. Ensure that the water pressure
regulator functions as required.
Ensure the re-circulation
pump works as required.
Start the burner
and keep it on low fire to warm the boiler slowly.
Test the proper
functioning of all boiler controls, i.e.
Pressure
Gauge
Low Water
Cut Off Devices, including its Manual Reset Button
Thermometers
Temperature
Controls, including its Manual Reset Button
Gauge Glass
Over Pressure
Relief Valve
Check that all
heating system isolation valves are functioning properly.
And don't forget: During temperature and pressure build up frequently walk around the
boiler checking for leaks, proper combustion and functioning. Keep equipment
maintenance records and use boiler room log sheets to record boiler operation.
How do I contact
the Boiler Safety Bureau if I have more questions? Where can I get a
copy of the law and the rules? The Boiler Safety Bureau is open from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
Monday through Friday except for legal holidays. Copies of the law and
the rules are available
at a moderate fee. The Chief Inspector and Bureau staff are eager to
help you maintain your compliance with the law and to be of service
to you. Our
telephone number is (919) 807-2760.
