How to operate a gas boiler in winter? How to avoid freezing the system? Is it worth it to turn off the equipment or not? So that there are no problems with the operation of the equipment at the end of the winter period, it must be properly prepared. We will tell you how to take care of the boiler.
Reasons for freezing equipment
Operational problems can occur in both atmospheric and turbocharged boilers.
Closed devices are additionally connected to electricity. Automation and a fan are powered from the network. The latter is installed above the combustion chamber and forcibly removes smoke through a coaxial chimney into the street. Coaxial construction consists of two pipes. One is supplied with combustion air, the other is smoke.
The steam that is contained in the products of combustion, falls into the condensate with a decrease in temperature. The liquid on the pipe and the terminal freezes, which leads to the blocking of the traction and drainage paths. In this case, the protection is activated, and the operation of the device stops. Can I turn off the device? It is recommended that you open the cap at the top of the housing. Then the technique will take air naturally.
You can not use the equipment in this form for a long time. As soon as the ice disappears, it melts, you need to close the plug. Otherwise, contaminants enter the system, which leads to wear of the product.
If freezing occurs frequently, then this method will not work. The output will be the installation of the Anti-Ice construction - this is a type of coaxial chimney flue.
What temperature should I set for normal operation? The optimum operating temperature at this time is indicated in the instructions for each model. It is best to adjust the thermostat to lower power (first to second mode), then you will avoid frequent on-offs that lead to the formation of condensate.
Open type devices are also subject to frost. Most often the chimney suffers. You can knock down ice and snow mechanically. At the same time, you will not avoid further freezing, therefore it is recommended to insulate the chimney.
How to prepare a boiler for winter
If you plan to use the device in the cold season, then:
- Before starting, inspect all connections and parts for integrity. Fill the system with water, check for leaks.
- Blow excess air out of the system. On closed models, check the pressure in the expansion tank. To do this, remove the plug and use a pressure gauge. Normal indicators are 0.9-1 Atm. In an open system, check the water level, turn on the make-up.
If you smell gas in the room, turn off the valves and immediately contact the gas service.
- You can check the gas pipeline for leaks by anointing the connections with soapy water. The appearance of bubbles indicates a leak.
- Inspect the shaft for blockages, damage. Check traction quality. To do this, bring the lit match to the control window. When the flame deviates to the side, there is traction. If it burns exactly - no. Clean the chimney.
- Remove and rinse the filters under running water.
- Remove dust and soot from the ignition unit (burners, jets, nozzles).
- The heat exchanger is also brushed off from soot.
- Clean the fan impeller.
If the boiler is in the country and you are going to turn it off for the winter, then:
- Take care of piping insulation. Especially those that are close to thin walls, the floor, in the attic.
- Insulate the membrane tanks.
- You can fill the heating system with a special "Antifreeze". It prevents freezing. But the way is expensive.
Only do not use antifreeze for this purposeas people on the forums recommend. It damages rubber gaskets and valves.
- Completely drain the circuit, blow out the pipes with air to turn off the device.
That's the right way to prepare for winter. We also recommend concluding a contract with gas companies for maintenance of equipment.