If you are experiencing boiler kettling, you might be wondering what’s causing the problem. Grove Heating & Cooling takes a look at some of the most common causes of boiler kettling and gives more details about the problems it can cause for your boiler heating system.
Boiler kettling is a condition that can occur when certain issues impact a home’s boiler. Kettling can cause the boiler to shake, rattle and make loud noises that sound like rumbling, popping, boiling and even whistling. Many people think a boiler kettling noise is similar to the noise a tea kettle makes when it begins to boil, hence the name.
Boiler kettling can lead to serious damage to the heating unit and its components. Kettling may cause boiler pipes to burst, lead to steam emissions from the unit and even create dangerous electrical hazards in the home. In some cases, boiler kettling can even cause the boiler to explode.
If you hear boiler kettling sounds and think your boiler may be kettling, you should contact a qualified technician for service. This is a serious condition that should be fixed as soon as possible to avoid damage to your boiler.
Now we’ll explain some of the common reasons behind a kettling boiler, which include mineral and sediment buildup, leaks, a faulty thermostat and boiler pump problems.
Kettling is most often caused by a buildup of scale or sediment in the boiler. This can happen over time as the boiler water evaporates and the minerals are left behind. When this happens, the boiler must work harder to heat the water, which causes it to boil. The boiler kettles when it is turned on because the water can’t flow through the sediment and scale. This buildup restricts water flow around the boiler’s heat exchanger, causing pressure to build up. When this occurs, the components can overheat, generate steam and produce the classic kettling noise.
Leaking boiler systems are another common cause of boiler kettling. When water leaks from the boiler system, it can cause a whistling noise. In addition, leaks can also result in a loss of pressure, which can also lead to boiler kettling.
Leaks can occur anywhere in the system, including piping connections near and to the boiler as well as the radiators and radiator pipes throughout your home. Leaks are most commonly the result of poor installation work, over-pressurization or corrosion in an older boiler.
Boiler kettling can be caused by a faulty thermostat. This is often an issue that impacts older boilers, as the thermostat can wear out over time and fail to communicate properly with the boiler.
When the boiler thermostat is not working correctly, the boiler can overheat and produce kettling sounds. In addition to kettling noise, another symptom you might notice is your boiler cuts out when you have the heat on. Boiler overheating can damage the boiler and cause it to leak, creating further problems and kettling.
Problems with the boiler pump can also result in boiler kettling. The boiler pump is responsible for circulating the boiler’s water and exchanging heat with the boiler’s heat exchanger. If the boiler pump fails, the boiler will not be able to circulate the water, causing the boiler to overheat and eventually shut down. In some cases, the boiler may also release steam, which can cause a loud kettling noise.
Boiler kettling can result from a variety of problems with your boiler, so it’s important to get it fixed as soon as possible. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of boiler kettling, please contact Grove Heating & Cooling for boiler repair in Maryland. We have the experience and expertise to get your boiler up and running again in no time.
Replacing your home’s water heater is a big project, but it’s one that can significantly improve your quality of life. How do you know when to replace water heater equipment? Grove Heating & Cooling explains a few signs to keep in mind regarding water heater services.
Is it time to replace your home’s water heater? There are a few signs you can look for to decide whether or not a replacement is necessary. Here are some of the most common signs that indicate when to replace water heater systems.
If you’re thinking of replacing your hot water heater, one of the things you’ll want to consider is the age of your current unit. Tank hot water heaters typically last 8 to 12 years, while tankless units often last 20 to 30 years. The age of your unit can be a good indicator of when it’s time for a replacement.
Obviously, a tank water heater unit that’s been in service for 8 to 12 years is getting close to the end of its lifespan, so it’s time to start shopping for a new one. On the other hand, a unit that’s only 5 or 6 years old probably doesn’t need to be replaced just yet if age is the only concern.
Have you ever jumped in the shower only to be met with a stream of cold water? Or have you tried to fill up the tub only to find that the water never gets hot? If so, then you may need to replace your hot water heater. Most homes have a tank-style water heater, which uses gas or electricity to heat water and then stores it in a tank until it’s needed. Over time, the heating element can break down, the tank can rust, and sediment can build up, all of which can decrease hot water production.
A water heater is an essential appliance in most homes, providing hot water for everything from cooking and cleaning to bathing and laundry. When a water heater starts to break down, it can be a major inconvenience. If your hot water heater needs frequent repairs, it’s probably best to replace your water heater. A new water heater will be more reliable and efficient and save you money in the long run. Plus, you’ll benefit from a new warranty term to protect your wallet in case certain repairs are required over the next few years.
A leaking water heater can certainly be a cause for concern. The good news is that not all leaks are created equal. If your water heater is leaking from a faulty pressure relief valve or loose connection, then hot water heater repair is likely an option. However, if the leak comes from cracks or corrosion in the tank itself, replacement is likely necessary as these leaks are signs of when to replace water heater units.
If your water heater is on its last legs, don’t wait for it to fail completely. Invest in a new one today and enjoy the many benefits it will bring. If you are noticing signs of a failing water heater, contact us for a quote on our new water heater installation services. Grove Heating & Cooling can help you find the perfect water heater replacement and get your home back up and running in no time.
While many of us take steps to protect ourselves from outdoor air pollution, what about the air inside our homes? Indoor air can be just as polluted – if not more so – than outdoor air. That’s where UV air purifiers come in. How do UV air purifiers work? Grove Heating & Cooling explains the details of these excellent indoor air quality devices.
A whole home UV light air purifier is a device that uses ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and viruses in the air. The ultraviolet light emitted by the purifier is powerful enough to destroy the DNA of these microorganisms, making them unable to reproduce. As a result, a whole home UV air purifier can effectively reduce the amount of harmful airborne contaminants in your home. In addition, UV light technology can also help to eliminate odors and improve air quality.
Most whole home UV air purifiers are relatively small and can be easily installed alongside your furnace or air conditioner. When used properly, a whole home UV air purifier can provide you with clean, fresh-smelling air and peace of mind.
A UV air purifier works by exposing the air to UV light, which kills or damages the bacteria and viruses in the air. This type of purifier is effective at treating a variety of organic indoor air pollutants, including mold, mildew, and dust mites.
Not sure if your home could benefit from a UV air purifier? Now that you know how UV air purifiers work, here are a few signs that it might be time to invest in an air purifier.
If you’ve noticed any of these signs, it might be time to invest in a UV air purifier. These devices can improve your family’s health and make your home more comfortable to live in.
UV air purifiers are a great way to improve the quality of the air in your home. UV air purifiers remove harmful particles from the air, but they also kill bacteria and viruses. If you’re interested in installing a UV air purifier in your home, contact us for a quote. We would be happy to help you get started on improving the air quality in your home.
Have you ever noticed water around your boiler heating system and asked, “Why is my boiler leaking?” In this blog post, Grove Heating & Cooling will walk you through the common causes of boiler leaks. Before you call us for boiler repair services, our team shares what to try yourself to fix the problem.
Boilers can leak for many reasons, but these causes tend to be the most common ones we see.
If you’ve noticed water around your boiler, it’s most likely coming from the pressure outlet pipe. This component is designed with no sealed fittings so the boiler can release extra pressure, which can produce some water outside of the system. All boilers have this component.
If you’re seeing a small amount of water dripping from the pressure outlet pipe, there’s no need to worry as this is normal. However, if you’re finding lots of water around the boiler, it may mean the pressure is too high inside the boiler. You can check the boiler’s pressure gauge to see if the needle is pointing to red or green. If the gauge is in the red, you need to bleed your boiler to lower the pressure.
As boilers are in use, their metal constantly is expanding and contracting as it goes from hot to cold. The perpetual expanding and contracting can cause the boiler’s fittings to loosen and leak. Another possible cause of loose joints in boilers is that the boiler is brand new. When a boiler is brand new, its fittings may be a little loose.
Loose fittings may be the reason behind a leaking boiler. If you think this might be the case with your boiler, the best course of action is to fix the problem as soon as possible. Start by examining all fittings. Dry everything off and then wait to see where water reappears. If your boiler pipes appear to be leaking, use a wrench to tighten fittings just a quarter turn and see if this solves the issue of your leak.
If the boiler leak persists, have your technician examine all joints and fittings to ensure they are snug. Taking care of this problem now will help to prevent more serious issues down the road.
As your boiler ages, it’s common for the rubber seals installed throughout the boiler to harden and eventually break. Corrosion within the system can also cause these seals to wear out over time. Bad seals can cause your boiler to leak water, which not only wastes energy but can also lead to serious damage to your home.
If you have a leaky boiler, it’s important to call a professional to have the seals replaced. This is a fairly common reason for boiler leaks. In some cases, damaged seals can also be a sign that a newly installed boiler is operating at high-pressure levels. This problem can be easily fixed by a professional, so it’s important to get it checked out as soon as possible.
There are a number of reasons a boiler might spring a leak, but when you notice water around your unit, there are some things you can do to troubleshoot the issue yourself. If you cannot identify the reason behind why your boiler is leaking or suspect it’s due to an issue that requires professional attention, contact Grove Heating & Cooling to schedule an appointment for boiler repairs today.
As the summer season comes to a close, many homeowners are starting to think about getting their heat pumps ready for the coming colder weather. You may be wondering, “Do I need fall service on my heat pump?” Grove Heating & Cooling explains whether or not you need a fall tune up for your heat pump, as well as why heat pump service matters.
If you’re familiar with furnaces and air conditioners, you know they each require professional maintenance servicing once per year. Typically, the air conditioner is serviced in the spring, and the furnace receives service in the fall. Alternatively, heat pumps receive service twice per year.
This is because heat pumps do the job of both a heating system and an air conditioner – one system provides both heating and cooling for a home. Because these HVAC systems perform both functions, they need two tune ups each year, whereas furnaces and air conditioners only require one annual tune up each.
Once the weather gets colder, you’ll be relying on your heat pump to keep your home warm and comfortable. That’s why it’s important to have your heat pump serviced in the fall, before the really cold weather sets in.
While most people think of winter as the time to have their furnace or heat pump serviced, fall is actually the best time to have your heat pump checked by a professional. By having your system serviced in the fall, you can avoid many problems that might arise during the winter months.
As the temperature starts to change, it’s important to make sure your heat pump is ready for the new season. Just like any other piece of HVAC equipment, heat pumps need to be properly maintained in order to function properly. When you tune up your heat pump in the spring and fall, you’re helping to ensure that it will continue to operate efficiently and effectively.
When the temperature outside begins to cool, your heat pump has to work hard, providing heating to maintain the desired temperature inside your home. This can put a strain on the system, and if there are any issues with the heat pump going into the heating season, they will likely be magnified if you continue to use the heat pump without proper care.
During a heat pump tune up, a technician will clean the unit, inspect the components and controls, and identify any necessary repairs so they can be taken care of right away. This bi-annual servicing not only helps to prolong the life of your heat pump, but it can also save you money by ensuring that it’s running as efficiently as possible. Many repairs can be avoided during the cold season, and your home will stay more comfortable throughout the winter.
Don’t skip this important maintenance service in the fall, as heat pumps require bi-annual tune ups for best performance and longevity. Get your heat pump ready for winter, and call Grove Heating & Cooling today to schedule heat pump maintenance. Grove can handle all of your indoor air quality and HVAC system needs.
Most homeowners aren’t giving too much thought to their furnaces and heating equipment this time of year. Even though the temperatures are hot right now, before too long it will be time to turn on the heat indoors – is your furnace going to be ready? Signing up with an HVAC maintenance plan is one way to ensure it is! Grove Heating & Cooling explains what these plans include and the benefits of signing up.
When you join an HVAC maintenance plan from Grove Heating & Cooling, your membership covers your heating and cooling system routine maintenance needs throughout the year. Depending on the plan you choose, you can receive:
Soon, the weather will start to get colder and you’ll need your furnace to be up and running to keep your home warm. To make sure everything is working properly, it’s a good idea to have your furnace tuned up before winter starts. This way, you can avoid any unexpected issues or repairs that might come up.
While it may be warm now, it’s the perfect time to sign up for an HVAC maintenance program. Sign up in the summer and your coverage will already be in place to ready your heating equipment once it’s closer to winter.
What if there was a way that you could extend the life of your HVAC system, minimize the number of repair service calls you have to make, protect your comfort when temperatures drop, and possibly even save some money on your energy bills? An HVAC maintenance plan can make these benefits possible!
Making sure your HVAC system is regularly serviced and maintained can save you a lot of money and headache down the line. By signing up for a service contract, you can rest assured knowing that your AC will be in good hands. Regular tune ups help to keep your air conditioning and heating systems running smoothly.
Regular HVAC maintenance is also great for catching any small problems with your equipment before they have a chance to turn into big (and expensive) ones. Repairs can be made while the problem is minor so they don’t pose a risk to your furnace or cooling unit once you start to use it. With this care, your heating and cooling systems are less likely to break down or suffer performance problems while in use, so you don’t lose time without the essential heating and cooling you need.
Why take the chance of your HVAC system breaking down when you need it most? Investing in a service contract makes good sense for peace of mind and budget purposes.
Additionally, the regular maintenance provided by an HVAC maintenance plan can improve your system’s energy efficiency. When your furnace or air conditioner runs at peak efficiency levels, it’s running reliably so that your home stays comfortable no matter the temperatures outside. While you enjoy the stress-free comfort your HVAC system provides, you’ll also save money on utility bills as your furnace or air conditioner won’t require as much electricity or natural gas to keep your home at the ideal temperature.
An HVAC maintenance plan is a perfect tool to preserve functionality, boost energy efficiency, and protect your furnace throughout this year’s heating season. Grove Heating & Cooling offers a number of different options to meet your needs and fully care for your home’s comfort systems. Contact us to join an HVAC maintenance plan today!
Many homeowners don’t realize something is wrong with their home’s furnace until there are obvious signs and symptoms present. Since a cracked heat exchanger is one of the most serious problems your natural gas furnace can have, it’s important to know what to look for. The heating professionals at Grove Heating & Cooling explain the signs of a cracked heat exchanger so you know when to call for help regarding this important furnace issue.
A furnace heat exchanger is an important part of a furnace. It helps to transfer heat from the furnace to the air in your home. Heat generated by combusting fuel is normally contained within the furnace’s heat exchanger as heat energy is transferred to the home’s air, and these byproducts of combustion eventually exit the system and the home through the flue.
The combustion process produces many byproducts, one of which is carbon monoxide. A cracked heat exchanger can be dangerous because it can allow carbon monoxide to mix with the home’s air supply. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause serious health problems, even death.
There are a handful of distinct and common signs of a cracked heat exchanger in your furnace. The signs and symptoms all homeowners need to be mindful of include:
The first sign of a problem with your heating system is the color of the furnace flame. You can easily decipher whether you need to call for repair or not by just looking at the flame color. If it is a normal blue, then there’s nothing wrong and no need to panic, but if its flame is yellow, then there’s a problem in your furnace.
A yellow flame is one of the signs of a cracked or damaged heat exchanger, but it can also indicate dirty burners. If the furnace produces a flickering yellow flame, it’s likely that the problem within your furnace is on the serious side and needs immediate professional attention.
Carbon builds up inside the furnace system, often as a result of incomplete fuel combustion, creating more soot than normal within the unit. Faulty burners in your HVAC system can cause an excess of soot in the furnace, most commonly due to inadequate maintenance or pilot light issues. However, cracked heat exchangers can also result in increased soot levels.
If you notice an unpleasant smell coming from your heating system, it could be one of the signs of a cracked heat exchanger. These fumes typically smell similar to formaldehyde. The fumes are highly toxic and can be very dangerous if inhaled.
Your furnace works hard to keep your home comfortable all winter long. But like any machine, it will eventually start to show signs of wear and tear. If you notice external components beginning to degrade, it’s likely that the internal components are also starting to experience some wear and tear. This damage is often one of the signs of a cracked heat exchanger.
Stress cracks are generated by the cyclical expansion and contraction of the components as their metals heat up and cool down. Corrosion can impact various components when they are exposed to chloride fumes or moisture in the system.
If you’re noticing any of the signs of a cracked heat exchanger, it’s important to call a professional right away. A cracked heat exchanger can be dangerous, and can quickly lead to furnace failure.
At Grove Heating & Cooling, we offer furnace repair and replacement services in Maryland. We can help you inspect your furnace for signs of a cracked heat exchanger and provide the best course of action for repairing or replacing your furnace. If you notice any of the signs of a cracked heat exchanger in your furnace, call us today to schedule an appointment for furnace repairs.
Your thermostat and air conditioning system work together to keep your Maryland home comfortable all summer long. If your thermostat isn’t working right, chances are you’re going to experience some discomfort this season. Grove Heating & Cooling explains the bad thermostat symptoms you need to watch out for, as well as your options to resolve thermostat problems.
If you notice cooling problems in the home, you may also notice one or more of these thermostat issues:
The primary purpose a thermostat serves is to communicate to your cooling equipment. In the summer, it relays messages to the air conditioner or heat pump to reduce the temperature inside the home. If your cooling unit isn’t responding to temperature signals from the thermostat, it’s likely that your thermostat is having an issue.
Short cycling is among the most common reasons thermostats are replaced. Short cycling can occur when the thermostat shuts off the cooling system before it should, and fails to complete a full cooling cycle.
The wiring in your thermostat may be damaged, disrupting the connection between the cooling unit and its controls. Call an expert to identify if wiring problems are the issue at fault and make repairs if possible. The thermostat may need to be replaced if it is no longer communicating with the home’s HVAC equipment.
A properly calibrated thermostat will make sure that your indoor spaces do not get too cold or hot. Improper temperature readings are one of the faulty thermostat symptoms you need to be aware of.
To determine if the temperature is accurate, test the reading of the thermostat using an indoor thermometer. If the readings on your thermostat are not correct, the thermostat’s sensor may be failing. The cause could be due to age, the need for calibration, or other defects.
A failing thermostat can thwart all efforts to lower household cooling costs. An unexpectedly high electric bill may be the first sign you have of a failing thermostat. If the thermostat isn’t properly measuring the temperature, it is likely to result in your cooling unit working too hard. The more frequently the system runs per hour, the greater its power consumption.
A defective thermostat is typically unable to maintain the temperature settings you input. It can change temperature settings with no prior warning or misread temperatures, causing the cooling system to produce temperatures higher or lower than you like.
You can lower the thermostat setting to test it and observe the results. If the same issue occurs, contact a technician to investigate. There could be a loose connection, or the thermostat may be in need of replacement.
Once you have adjusted temperatures, the thermostat should immediately react to the changes and send appropriate signals to instruct your cooling system. In most cases, you’ll hear a clicking noise when you adjust the settings, and your HVAC system starts almost immediately. If the HVAC system isn’t turning on when you change the thermostat settings, chances are it requires replacement.
Some thermostat issues have easy fixes and a simple repair can restore the thermostat’s function. Severe thermostat problems may require that a new unit be installed.
Homeowners have many options to choose from when selecting a new thermostat:
Smart thermostats can be programmed but they don’t require it. When you use them, these thermostats will learn your preferred temperatures and household schedule. The thermostat automatically switches between settings that are energy efficient and in line with your preferences. You can also control a smart thermostat remotely, which is an incredibly handy feature to have.
Programmable thermostats are programmable and automatically adjust cooling system operation to achieve the desired temperature over the course of the day. Program desired temperature setpoints based on your preferences and when the home will be occupied.
If you notice any bad thermostat symptoms this summer, don’t waste time calling Grove Heating & Cooling. Our team will inspect your thermostat, perform repairs if possible, or install a new thermostat that provides precision control over your cooling system.
The summer heat can be oppressive, but with the right cooling equipment, you can keep your home or office cool and comfortable. In this post, we’ll introduce you to some of the most common types of cooling equipment we install to help Maryland homeowners stay cool in summer.
Grove Heating & Cooling installs several different types of cooling systems. Your cooling system options include central air conditioners, air source heat pumps, geothermal heat pumps, and ductless mini split systems. Keep reading to learn more about each type of HVAC unit.
A central air conditioner is a split HVAC system, meaning it has indoor and outdoor equipment. The indoor equipment is the air handler or furnace, while the outdoor equipment is called the condensing unit.
An air conditioning unit doesn’t actually chill the air by adding some sort of coolness to help you stay cool in summer. Instead, it removes heat from the air and transfers it outside. The cold air is then circulated back into your home’s living areas via ducts.
Air source heat pumps are a type of central cooling split system. They typically include an indoor air handler and outdoor heat pump unit, connected by refrigerant lines.
How do they work? Air source heat pumps cool in the same manner as central air conditioners. The main difference between central air conditioners and heat pumps is that a heat pump also has the ability to heat the home, while air conditioners only cool it.
Geothermal systems use a type of heat pump that transfers heat between the indoor air and the ground or a water source. The components include the geothermal heat pump (usually installed inside the home), the ground loop, and a distribution system consisting of either ducts or radiant water pipes. The ground loop is a special component composed of fluid-filled pipes placed below ground on the property.
Geothermal heat pumps can extract heat from the ground and use it to help you stay cool in summer. This can be a more efficient option than traditional air conditioning systems and other cooling options, and it can also save you money on your energy bills. Geothermal systems can also be used for home heating.
Ductless cooling systems, also called ductless mini splits, use a different setup than most other cooling systems. One outdoor unit connects to multiple indoor units. The air conditioner or heat pump sits outside and connects to air handlers installed throughout the home. This setup allows for individual control of cooling in various areas of the home, making them very energy efficient.
Summertime is hot, and no one wants to be uncomfortable in their own home. Luckily, there are a variety of HVAC systems to choose from, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. If you’re looking for ways to stay cool in summer, contact Grove Heating & Cooling to discuss your options and find the perfect cooling solution for you! A Grove HVAC technician will be happy to assist you.
Many homeowners don’t know what air conditioner short cycling is, but they may see the signs of it during summer days. Short cycling signals a problem with your cooling equipment, which leads to higher energy bills, unreliable comfort control, and even equipment damage. Grove Heating & Cooling explains what air conditioner short cycling can do to your home, what causes it, and how to fix these system issues.
Air conditioner short cycling can cause many problems inside your home and with your cooling system. If you experience short cycling, you’ll probably notice symptoms such as:
Many system issues can be behind air conditioner short cycling. Take a look at the most common causes of this HVAC system problem and what needs to be done to correct these malfunctions or flaws.
When air filters become dirty, they make it harder for your HVAC system to circulate cool air throughout the air conditioning unit as well as the home. A dirty air filter can cause the compressor and fan motor to overheat prematurely, which will force the air conditioner to shut down its cooling cycle early for safety.
If you experience air conditioner short cycling, the filter is a good starting point in your search for solutions. Check the air filter to see if it has become filled with contaminants – replace it if it is no longer in usable condition. With a new filter in place, see how your air conditioner runs – if the short cycling doesn’t stop, move on to troubleshoot other possible problems.
If the evaporator coil is covered in ice, it is unable to extract heat from air circulating through the air conditioner. The frozen coil will cause the system to work harder and use more energy to accomplish its task, ultimately leading to overheating and air conditioner short cycling.
Remove the access panel on your indoor cooling equipment to inspect the coils. If you see ice on the coils, shut down your air conditioner and allow the coils to thaw. You may choose to set the system fan to ON in order to keep warm air flowing over the icy coils, which can help them thaw faster. A dirty or clogged air filter can cause coils to freeze, so also check the filter while the coils thaw and replace it if needed. Once coils are thawed, turn the air conditioner back on – if it continues to short cycle, call your HVAC company for repairs.
Your air conditioner requires a certain refrigerant charge to operate correctly. If refrigerant escapes the system through a leak, the cooling unit will consume more energy and overwork. This causes the system to overheat and shut down prematurely.
Refrigerant leaks causing air conditioner short cycling must be handled by an HVAC professional. If you suspect your system has a refrigerant leak, call for repairs.
A system that isn’t properly sized for the home is another common cause of air conditioner short cycling. When air conditioners are too large for the space, they cool the home too fast. This results in the cooling cycle ending before the appropriate length of time, causing more starts and stops which wear out parts of the unit.
The only solution for this cause of AC unit short cycling is to replace your cooling unit. Make sure you get the right size by working with a qualified HVAC professional to replace your air conditioner.
If you experience air conditioner short cycling this summer, don’t allow this problem to continue without attention or you will pay the price. Call Grove Heating & Cooling to schedule air conditioner repairs today.
2142 Priest Bridge Ct. Suite 6, Crofton, MD 21114
