3 Common FAQs About Low Boiler Pressure
A boiler warms your home by heating water and circulating it to the terminal units such as radiators and water faucets. Since boilers need to operate within a set range of pressure, the boiler will exhibit an error code to indicate the problem if the pressure is lower than this range. Additionally, you can use a pressure gauge to tell whether there is low or high pressure. Consulting a heating services provider whenever your boiler has low pressure will ensure you stay warm during the cold weather. Below are some common FAQs about low boiler pressure.
What Is Low Boiler Pressure
Boiler pressure is the pressure of hot water flowing in your enclosed heating system. When the boiler heats the system water, an expansion vessel absorbs pressure fluctuations due to increasing and decreasing water pressure and temperature. The boiler's pressure needs to be optimum for effective circulation of the hot water. Striking a balance of water and air in the unit will create a stable pressure. If the level of water falls, the pressure drops, causing your system to consume more energy trying to heat your home.
Causes of Low Boiler Pressure
If your pipes sustain a water leak, the water pressure will fall. This is because the pipes degrade over time, forming cracks that allow water to escape the system. Additionally, parts of a boiler deteriorate with age and usage, causing them to corrode, loosen, and dislodge. This results in the boiler leaking causing the system to lose pressure. A clear indication of a water leak is wet patches or puddles of water near the radiators or underneath the boiler and paint discoloration in the pipes.
If you have a cold radiator at the top but warm at the bottom, you will need to release air that is entrapped inside to let the water circulate effectively. Bleeding the radiator causes the pressure to decrease as air is released out of the system.
What Is Ideal Boiler Pressure
Most boilers are designed to operate between one and two bars. However, since different boilers have different limits, it is advisable you check the boiler's manual to find its optimum range. Moreover, modern boilers use a screen on their front panel, which exhibits an error code whenever the pressure exceeds or falls below the set limit. It is imperative you check the manual to determine the error code corresponding to low boiler pressure.
Low boiler pressure could make the boiler's efficiency decrease. This may cause your energy expenses to skyrocket as the boiler works harder to heat up and circulate the water. Therefore, you should hire a heating service if you notice the pressure decreasing to determine the cause of the low pressure and make the necessary repairs.