As a top-notch HVAC company in Colorado Springs, Polar Bear Mechanical is here to ensure every component of your HVAC system is working correctly. So whether your water is as chilly as the ice-covered water in the Arctic or your boiler isn’t turning on, we have the resources necessary to address and correct all of your HVAC concerns.
One common HVAC problem that customers come to us with is a noisy boiler. Understandably, people become concerned when their boilers make banging noises while operating. While it’s normal for boilers to make a small amount of noise while running, certain noises could hint at a bigger problem. If your boiler is making deafening noises, it’s important to contact an HVAC expert for boiler repair as soon as possible. If left unchecked, the issue could snowball into a more extensive, more expensive repair.
What Is Kettling?
Kettling is when your boiler makes banging noises. Kettling is often caused by a buildup of debris and limescale within your boiler system. Over time, the buildup prohibits water from flowing properly, which reduces your boiler’s ability to work correctly. When debris is abundant, your boiler begins to malfunction, and usually, its heat exchanger will become hotter than wanted. When water comes into contact with the overheated heat exchanger, steam bubbles form. The steam bubbles then travel to cooler water and create a banging or popping noise when the two elements come in contact.
Boiler Noises
It’s important to schedule regular boiler maintenance appointments so that an HVAC professional has the opportunity to check that the noises your boiler is making are normal. For example, if your boiler sits in an open space, then you’ve probably heard it make some noises while operating. Consider putting your boiler in a boiler cupboard away from your home or business to minimize excessive boiler noise. Some examples of normal and abnormal boiler noises include:
- My boiler makes a humming noise.
- Boilers operate by circulating hot water throughout your system. Because of this water flow, it’s normal to hear a soft humming noise when your boiler is operating, including while you’re washing the dishes or using your heater. If the noise becomes unusually loud, it could be a sign that your heat pump is operating too fast. Try setting it to a lower speed to slow down the heat pump and reduce the humming noise.
- My boiler makes a tapping sound.
- One of the most common noises people run into is a tapping or clicking noise coming from their boilers. If you hear this, it usually signifies that your boiler is struggling to ignite.
- There’s a whistling sound.
- If your boiler produces a whistling noise, then air may be trapped in the system. If you hear a whistling noise, you want to contact an HVAC professional immediately because it means that air is somehow getting into your boiler system. After investigating the issue, a boiler technician will bleed your system to extract any trapped air.
Reduce Boiler Noise
A simple first step to reduce the noise coming from your boiler is to remove any debris buildup from inside your boiler. Not only is this buildup causing your boiler to work harder than it needs to, but it’s also causing your utility bills to increase. Depending on the amount of buildup and the type of boiler you have, an HVAC technician may power flush your boiler. The HVAC technician will connect your heating system to a machine that uses water and chemicals to remove any debris stuck inside your boiler during this process.
Magnetic Filters
If your boiler is kettling because debris keeps accumulating in the system, then you may want to consider installing a magnetic filter. For best results, you should install a magnetic filter after your boiler system has been power flushed. The magnet in the filter will attract any loose materials before they have the chance to pass through the rest of your central heating system. This helps prevent a buildup of debris and reduces the chance of disruptive boiler noises.
Polar Bear Mechanical Is Here To Keep Your Boiler In Tip-Top Shape
Polar Bear Mechanical is passionate about providing excellent boiler repair services to the residents and business owners of Colorado Springs. Whether you have an emergency boiler situation or you’ve heard a couple of questionable noises, our team of HVAC experts is ready to run diagnostics on your boiler. If we identify any boiler issues, we’ll walk you through them and explain our repair suggestions. To learn more about our boiler services and tips to keep your boiler in prime condition, make sure to contact us today!
