“Why should I waste my time on gas boiler cleanings?” You’ll often hear this question from homeowners who have not tried cleaning their boilers and are not aware of boiler maintenance. Oil and gas fired boilers deteriorate with constant use, so they need regular cleaning and maintenance. If you don’t do this, you’ll just be surprised that one day, it will not function as you expect, and you’ll have to spend a lot of time and money repairing it.

Why regular cleaning and servicing are required in boilers

• One reason is due to accumulation of soot produced from the combustion process that stains the heat exchanger surfaces.
• Another reason is the changes in air-to-fuel combustion ratio brought about by gradual component wear.
• Just like all heating appliances, gas boiler cleanings done by qualified technicians are necessary to make sure that your unit is operating safely and efficiently.
• The technician will not only clean your boiler, but also check it by performing a number of tests on the unit to see if it’s functioning properly.
• Regular cleaning and servicing of boiler makes its life longer, and ensures that it is working according to the specifications made by the manufacturer.
• Cleaning will not only prolong its life, but also reduce or eliminate the risk of a faulty unit that will lead to expensive repairs in the long run.
• If your heating unit is faulty or there is a lack of oxygen in the combustion process, it’s possible that poisonous Carbon Monoxide may be produced.

The danger of Carbon Monoxide in faulty boilers

Carbon Monoxide or CO2 is a poisonous gas that is a common cause of death from poisoning in the world. Half of fatalities from CO2 inhalation that result to choking and poisoning come from smoke. Many people worldwide die from this poisonous gas at home due to faults in domestic heating and other fossil fuel installations. This is the reason why regular gas boiler cleanings and inspection should be given a serious attention to avoid build up of carbon monoxide.

Remember that cleaning your boiler is not a DIY job considering the risks involved in doing it along with inspection. It’s highly recommended that you get a reputable company to do it for you. If you want to save money, you can look for a company that offers flat rate on materials and labor for gas boiler cleanings and maintenance.