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October 17, 2007
Fire up the boiler?
It's such a predictable October thread, but we're new owners of a 4 story townhouse and we're looking for the right way to awaken our 150,000 BTU gas boiler from its summer slumber.
A plumber is perhaps in order, as our knowledge of these devices is very limited, but some have said that service contracts are the way to go, and I'd love a recommendation for that route if anyone out there is satisfied with the maintenance the receive from a plumbing / heating company.
Or, does anyone else feel like this is superfluous, and a one-time visit from a solid plumber is the way to go?
Many thanks.
Comments
IMHM,service contracts are such a scam... just have a licensed plumber come in and chek out your system for the winter season.
Posted by: bren at October 17, 2007 8:01 PM
I am too nervous about ever having a company service the boiler after a friend's formerly perfectly functioning boiler conveniently broke right after her service company visited and tried to talk her into buying a new boiler. It's a scam. The minor bit of servicing the boiler needs can be done by your regular plumber you trust.
Posted by: guest at October 17, 2007 8:13 PM
pardon the typos! :) "IMHO" and "check out your system"...
Posted by: bren at October 17, 2007 8:13 PM
I'm such a goof at all this and a new owner as well - I opted for calling the previous oil provider from the previous owner just to get me through the winter - gives me time to learn (and be taken advantage of for a few cold months!)
When I first moved in a few weeks ago, the hot water went and a recommended plumber did not show up as expected - so I called the fuel company that serivced the building for the past few decades and they said I needed a new pump for $200 or so - I paid it- but learned I may have just needed to press the red button - because after the pump was replaced nothing changed - lesson learned!
Nonetheless - not sure which way to go - but anyone who gives you advice to have a few bucked stocked away to service new home ownership (especially a brownstone) is not a soothsayer - they actually may have an idea or experience!
So to the point, I have no advice, except keep warm and obtain hot water!
Posted by: guest at October 17, 2007 10:45 PM
We had a Keyspan service contract the first year after we moved in. This was after the regular Keyspan guy came in for someting else and when he looked at our boiler, disconnected it from the gas supply because he said it was carbonized! The guy under the maintenance contract came and looked at it (after we had bought the contract) and said nothing was wrong and hooked the boiler up again!
Since then we have not had anymore contracts. If something goes wrong, we plan to call a plumber or get a new high-efficiency boiler (if the boiler is shot). We've done research on which one we'd like.
Posted by: guest at October 18, 2007 8:49 AM
Make sure all your switches are on and you'll be good to go!
I was embarrassed last year - my boiler didn't start after the second or third day of cold weather. Called a repairman who came right over. He looked at it for a few minutes, couldn't get it going then said "something's not right." There was an additional on/off switch in the tenants stairs down to the basement. I flipped it and the heat came on instantly.
Unless you have reason to think there's a problem, don't worry. Try turning your thermostat way up right now and seeing if the heat will come on. If it does, what's the problem?
Posted by: guest at October 18, 2007 10:17 AM
A gas boiler requires a lot less maintenance than a an oil one; a service contract seems unnecessary. I would have a plumber check out your boiler for your own peace of mind, and also to establish a relationship with a plumber (if you haven't already) who could help if something did go wrong with the boiler during the winter.
The plumber can also tell you what else may need to be done, like getting your chimney swept.
John Hlad has been our plumber for years and I highly recommend him. Others are fond of Gateway. I don't think you could go wrong with either of them. Good luck.
Posted by: tinarina at October 18, 2007 12:36 PM
Our first fall we used the company the previous owner had used to service the boiler. For about $150 the emptied a little water out and turned it on. Yipee.
Later in the season, we were having some problems with some radiators not heating appropriately and had Gateway come out and assess the system. We also decided to have them service the boiler. They seemed much more thorough - took out the heating elements and cleaned them, etc. Although they've made some suggestions, they've never pressured or said something has to be changed.
Posted by: Heatherie at October 18, 2007 1:07 PM
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