Boilers are potentially volatile pieces of HVAC equipment that can cause serious problems if they malfunction. If you’ve noticed loud or unusual banging and rattling noises coming from your residential boiler, it’s important to take action.
This percussive knocking noise, known as kettling, could be caused by relatively minor issues that can be easily corrected by your HVAC professional. Here are some of the most common causes of a noisy boiler.
Air in the system: If air gets into your boiler system, it can cause banging noises in the pipes and radiators. This is caused by the pressure difference between the air pockets and the steam produced by your boiler. Bleed valves on the boiler can be opened to remove air and help restore proper internal pressures. If air continues to get into your system, the source will have to be found and repaired by an HVAC professional.
Mineral and scale deposits: In areas where hard water is common, mineral and scale deposits can easily build up on boiler tubes and internal components. These deposits increase the temperature required for heat exchange. They also create hot spots above the water’s boiling point, This can produce large amounts of air bubbles that produce kettling noises when they collapse in cooler water.
Water temperature too high: The water temperature inside a boiler is generally kept below the actual boiling point of water. However, if your thermostat is set too high, it can cause water to boil and produce banging noises. Make sure your thermostat is working properly, and replace it if needed.
Inadequate water supply or water pressure: If your boiler isn’t receiving enough water, the water it does receive may boil and cause kettling noises.
With more than 30 years of experience in the HVAC industry, Ace Hardware Home Services, Inc. is a leading supplier of heating and cooling services in Dayton and the neighboring communities. Contact us today for more information on the causes of a noisy boiler and for the professional repair and maintenance you need to fix your boiler problems.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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