As a homeowner with a boiler heating system, it is important to monitor your boiler and its pressure gauges. If a boiler loses or increases pressure, this is a sign there is a problem. Most boilers have a 1 through 2 bar gauge and for most boilers, the sweet spot for the pressure should be around 1.3 to 1.5. If the pressure gauge shows lower or higher than these settings, you have low or high pressure. Today, Absolute P&M Services would like to focus on high pressure in a boiler and what can cause it.
Pressure Increasing when Boiler is On
A boiler will maintain normal pressure settings when it is not running a heating cycle but it will increase pressure while it is on. This is normal. As a boiler creates heat the pressure will increase a little bit. Heat causes expansion through the boiler which will cause most increases in pressure. However, if you notice a large increase in pressure, that is cause for some alarm. If you boiler has major increases in pressure while running a heating cycle, it can be due to a number of different reasons, and most require a professional’s attention.
Why is the Pressure in My Boiler High?
A boiler will increase pressure and when it does, it can create a number of different problems. Often a boiler will not be able to create heat properly or efficiently. Additionally, high pressure can cause internal problems and larger component failure. With that in mind, it is important to seek HVAC assistance when the boiler pressure increases. Some of the causes behind higher pressure in a boiler are:
• Too Much Water – One of the more common causes for high pressure is when the boiler water has been overfilled. The error most often occurs when the boiler needs to be re-pressurized. To re-pressurize a boiler the filling loop is opened. If it is left open for too long the filling loop allows too much water into the boiler. If there is too much water in the boiler, you will need to equalize the pressure by bleeding out the radiator.
• Filling Loop Valve – Another cause behind high pressure may be with the filling loop valve. Sometimes the filling loop valve was closed improperly or is faulty. Sometimes the valve can become corroded and will not close fully or the seals have worn down. The filling loop valve will need to be checked and possibly replaced.
• Pressure Release Valve – The pressure release valve is responsible for maintaining the pressure balance in the boiler. When pressure becomes too high, it will release air within the boiler to reduce the pressure. If the pressure is building up inside a boiler, there may be a problem with the pressure release valve. If you see water leaking around the pressure release valve, it is a sign it will need to be replaced.
Boiler & Furnace Heating Maintenance, Repairs, Replacement & More in Santa Fe, Tomball, Sugar Land, Galveston, Austin & Greater Houston, Texas
These are some of the common problems that can result in high pressure in a boiler. Troubleshooting high pressure can take a bit of work and should be done by a licensed HVAC technician. If your boiler has high pressure or you find you need HVAC or plumbing services, contact Absolute P&M Services today.
