My boiler is only six years old.
I’ve been diligent about replacing air filters & scheduling professional tune-ups every fall.
I spent extra for a top-of-the-line heating component that features a 96% SEER, adaptable-speed technology & an ENERGY STAR rating. I was not blissful when I had complaints about the operation last winter. I first noticed that certain rooms in the cabin were significantly warmer than others. I gradually became aware that the boiler was running for much longer cycles & struggling to manage demand. There was an abundance of dust circulating in the air & an unpleasant smell coming from the vents. I hired the same company who handles the service of the boiler for repairs. When I explained my complications with the operation of the boiler, he immediately suspected the ductwork as the problem. A testing of the duct system revealed that approximately twenty-five percent of the heated air was leaking out through cracks at the seams & small holes. Because the maximum amount of heated air was failing to reach the intended destination, the boiler was working much harder & failing to achieve ideal comfort. These same imperfections in the ductwork were drawing in unconditioned air & spreading allergens throughout the house. I was a bit distraught that the duct sealing process would involve chopping holes in the walls & ceilings. The majority of the pipes are entirely concealed. The Heating & A/C serviceman explained that they utilize an innovative procedure that treats the flaws from the inside… He began by closing off all of the supply & return registers. He then pumped highly pressurized air into the system. The air contains polymer particles that are non-toxic yet adhesive. As the air leaked out through the holes & cracks, the particles clung to the edges & each other to create an airslender seal. The entire process was guided by a computer program that then verified the results.