Robbins Heating & Air Conditioning Blog

3 Common Reasons for Boiler Repair

November 10th, 2014

Boilers may operate in different ways than most other heating systems, and maintaining them requires specialized knowledge. Our team of boiler experts brings years of experience in boiler repair, maintenance, and installation, ensuring reliable and comprehensive solutions for both residential and industrial clients. We understand the importance of regular maintenance, thorough inspections, and prompt repairs to keep your system running safely and efficiently. Regular maintenance and inspections help identify issues early, including internal corrosion and safety hazards. We also offer to inspect your boiler as part of our services to ensure optimal performance and safety. Reliable boiler repair services are essential for maintaining comfort and safety in homes and businesses, especially during cold seasons when a functioning boiler is crucial for warmth and comfort. Regular maintenance helps maintain steady temperatures and lowers heating costs. As part of comprehensive HVAC solutions, we also address cooling needs to ensure year-round climate control.

They are still imperfect, however, and that results in their occasional need for repairs. Older boilers are more prone to frequent repairs and may eventually need to be replaced for improved efficiency and reliability. The cost of boiler repair and maintenance can vary depending on several factors, so understanding these costs is important for homeowners and businesses. Below, we’ll take a look at three of the most common reasons for boiler repair, and what can be done about it.

Introduction to Boiler Systems

A well-functioning boiler system is the backbone of efficient heating and hot water for both homes and businesses. These systems are made up of key components—including the boiler itself, a burner, and a series of controls—that work together to deliver reliable warmth and comfort throughout your property. Whether you rely on steam boilers, combi boilers, or hot water boilers, each boiler type offers unique advantages tailored to different heating needs and building requirements.

To keep your boiler system operating at its best, regular boiler maintenance is essential. Routine checks, cleaning, and timely repairs help prevent common boiler issues such as leaks, uneven heating, or loss of hot water. By investing in professional boiler repair services, homeowners and business owners can ensure their systems remain safe, efficient, and long-lasting.

When unexpected problems arise, having access to emergency boiler repairs is crucial. A reliable boiler service provider can deliver prompt assistance, minimizing downtime and restoring comfort quickly—especially during the coldest months. Whether you’re facing an emergency boiler breakdown or simply want to schedule routine maintenance, it’s important to contact experienced professionals who understand the complexities of modern boiler systems.

Understanding how your boiler system works and prioritizing regular maintenance not only helps prevent costly repairs but also improves energy efficiency and extends the life of your equipment. By partnering with trusted repair services, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your heating system is in expert hands, ready to provide efficient and dependable service whenever you need it.

The Importance of Boiler Safety

Boiler safety is essential for ensuring your heating system operates reliably and efficiently throughout the year. A malfunctioning boiler can pose serious risks, including gas leaks, carbon monoxide exposure, and even the potential for explosions. Technicians conduct initial safety checks for gas leaks or carbon monoxide emissions before starting repairs. That’s why it’s critical for homeowners and businesses to make sure their boiler system is functioning correctly and receives regular boiler maintenance from professional boiler repair services.

Routine maintenance and annual inspections are key to preventing emergency repairs and keeping your boiler running at peak performance. As part of routine maintenance, inspecting and testing safety valves is crucial to ensure safe and efficient boiler operation. Professional service technicians can identify and address minor boiler issues—such as mineral buildup, pilot light issues, or pressure problems—before they escalate into costly emergency boiler repairs. Regular maintenance not only helps avoid uneven heating and strange noises but also improves energy efficiency, which can lower your energy bills and extend the lifespan of your boiler.

When your boiler starts acting up, having access to reliable boiler services for prompt emergency repairs is extremely helpful, especially during the cold winter months. Companies specializing in chicago boiler repair and emergency boiler services are equipped to handle urgent situations, restoring heat and hot water quickly to keep your home or business comfortable and safe.

If you’re considering a new boiler installation, it’s important to work with experienced technicians who understand the unique requirements of different boiler types, including steam boilers, combi boilers, and hot water systems. Only certified personnel should handle gas-powered boiler repairs to ensure compliance with safety codes. Professional installation ensures your new boiler is sized correctly, installed safely, and set up for maximum efficiency. Several factors—such as boiler size, combustion system, and internal components—must be considered to provide efficient and reliable heating.

Understanding your specific boiler type and its maintenance needs can help you spot potential problems early. Whether you have an older boiler or a modern unit, being proactive about repairs and maintenance is the best way to prevent leaks, corrosion, and other common issues. Reliable boiler services can also assist with burner repairs, thermostat adjustments, and warranty support to keep your system functioning correctly.

In summary, prioritizing boiler safety through regular maintenance, prompt service, and professional assistance is the best way to protect your investment and ensure customer satisfaction. Don’t wait for an emergency—contact your go-to partner for professional boiler repair services to schedule your annual maintenance and keep your heating system running efficiently all season long.

Kettling

Over time, minerals in the water can build up in the heat exchanger of your boiler. After a few years, these minerals can form deposits large enough to actually restrict or even block the flow of water through your boiler’s heat exchanger. This causes a massive buildup in pressure, as the water evaporates and expands inside the heat exchanger. Kettling is often associated with pressure issues in the boiler system. The result is a rumbling sound, called “kettling.” Other unusual noises indicating potential boiler issues include banging, whistling, gurgling, and grinding. If left alone, this condition can cause extreme damage to your boiler. If your boiler is making this kind of noise, turn it off and call a professional immediately.

Normal operating pressure for a boiler is typically between 1 and 1.5 bar when cold, and low or high pressure can indicate a problem. Low boiler pressure is indicated by a gauge reading below 1 bar, which often requires repressurizing due to leaks. Common signs a boiler needs repair include unusual noises, pressure issues, strange smells, leaks or drips, inconsistent or no heat or hot water, a yellow or extinguishing pilot light, low pressure, and higher energy bills. Inconsistent water temperature is another key indicator of boiler problems, as maintaining proper temperature is essential for system performance and safety. Strange noises from a boiler can indicate underlying issues that may eventually require replacement.

Leaks and drips around the boiler indicate corrosion, mold risk, and potential damage, requiring immediate attention. A yellow pilot light indicates inefficient combustion or a carbon monoxide risk. A sudden spike in energy bills without increased usage suggests the boiler is working harder and is less efficient.

Pilot Light Won’t Stay On

If your pilot light won’t stay on, chances are you have a bad thermocouple. The thermocouple is a metal wire that acts as a sensor for the pilot light. When it senses the heat from the pilot light, it opens the gas valve to keep fueling the flame. A bad thermocouple has often lost the ability to sense the heat from the pilot light. As a result, the gas valve stays closed and smothers the flame.

Boiler Keeps Turning Off

If your boiler keeps turning itself off shortly after being turned on, it is likely that something in the system is triggering a safety measure. Usually, these measures trigger when the system is in danger of overheating or even exploding. Honestly, though, you’ll need an HVAC professional to determine the exact cause for you. The typical boiler repair process includes initial diagnostics, explanation of issues, component repairs or replacements, and safety testing. It is quite possible that your boiler is overheating or experiencing a pressure spike. It is equally possible, however, that a malfunctioning thermostat or blocked water line is the cause. Common boiler repairs can include cleaning components, replacing faulty parts, or recommending a full replacement for older boilers with frequent issues. Either way, it’s not something you should ignore.

If your boiler is old or has frequent issues, a technician may recommend replacement. After deciding to replace an old or faulty boiler, professional technicians will properly install the new unit to ensure safety and efficiency. Making informed decisions about boiler replacement involves considering the long-term plans for the property, and the decision to replace or repair a boiler impacts both functionality and budget.

If you are experiencing problems with your boiler, call Robbins Heating & Air Conditioning. We provide boiler repair services throughout Fountain, CO.

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The Steps of a Professional Heating System Tune Up

November 3rd, 2014

Have you thought about the state of your heating system recently? Your heater works hard to keep you warm all winter long, which means parts may wear down and reduce the effectiveness and efficiency of your unit. You can prevent this from happening by scheduling a heating system tune-up from a skilled contractor every year. A heating system tune-up can help reduce your utility bills, extend the life of your equipment, and ensure that you need few repairs over the years. It can also improve the performance of your heating system. In this guide, we’ll go over the steps of professional heating maintenance so that you can feel confident that scheduling your next heating tune-up with an experienced technician is well worth the time.

Full Inspection

The first step of a heating system tune-up is a thorough inspection of all of the major and minor components. This includes starting the unit to check for proper ignition capabilities monitoring the flue draft and checking for any leaks, and measuring the voltage. Besides inspecting your issue for proper operation they will also look for any safety concerns. A cracked heat exchanger may leak carbon monoxide into the home, a health hazard you cannot afford to ignore. Technicians will check any safety controls as well and look for any signs of gas leaks.

Cleaning and Adjustment

Additionally, a heating system tune-up involves some cleaning and any adjustments that can be made on site. Technicians will lubricate all moving parts, adjust the thermostat if necessary, and tighten any electrical connections. Finally, they may also clean and adjust the burner assembly, blower components, ignition assembly, and may change or clean your furnace filter, although you should also change this yourself every 1-3 months.

At Robbins Heating & Air Conditioning, we offer a thorough precision tune-up annually or semi-annually for your heating system and air conditioner when you sign up for our Residential Energy Savings Agreement.

You’ll get a 15% discount on repairs and many other great benefits for your unit when you join. For a thorough heating system tune up in Fountain, CO, give us a call!

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Why It’s Good to Change Filters Regularly

October 27th, 2014

If you have a furnace in your home to provide winter warmth—and chances are high that you do; furnaces are the most common form of home heating system—one of its essential components is the air filter. The air filter is there to protect the inside components of the furnace cabinet from debris that can come in through the return vents. If your furnace shares the same cabinet with the air conditioning system, the same filter will work to protect both.

It’s important that you change the air filter on a regular basis (or clean it regularly if your furnace uses a permanent filter). During the winter, when the furnace will run frequently, you should change out the filter once a month. At other times of the year when the comfort system isn’t working as often, you should change it every two or three months. Doing this is an important part of keeping a furnace running efficiently and effectively, and it will help you avoid unnecessary repairs in the future.

You will still need to schedule annual maintenance for your furnace from professionals, however. Call Robbins Heating & Air Conditioning, where we have more than 40 years servicing furnaces in Colorado Springs, CO.

The benefits of changing the furnace filter regularly

It only takes about a month of regular operation for a furnace filter to trap enough debris inside it that it will start reducing the airflow into the cabinet. This will become a serious problem for the furnace, because it will force it to work harder to circulate air. The strain will cause an increase in your heating bills, and it will also mean a reduction in the airflow from the vents. You will start to notice a drop in comfort as this happens, so you will end up paying more money to receive less comfort.

Worse, a clogged air filter can start allowing debris inside the furnace cabinet. Dust and dirt in a furnace will damage components such as the blower motor and spread grime over the burner or the pilot light, causing them to fail. If dust develops inside the furnace, the stress on the motors will eventually cause them to burn out and require replacement. In some extreme cases, a furnace filter can become so clogged that it actually collapses and falls into the furnace, causing a large amount of damage. We hope you never allow your furnace to reach this level of congestion!

Changing the furnace filter is one of the few maintenance tasks for your heater that you can do on your own. For the rest, you must contact technicians.

Robbins Heating & Air Conditioning offers a Residential Energy Savings Agreement for furnaces in Colorado Springs, CO that will give your heating system the tune-up and cleaning it needs.

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Why it’s good to Have Annual Maintenance on Your Heating System

October 15th, 2014

Most people tend to neglect the maintenance of their heating system until it begins to show signs of a problem. This is pretty easy to understand. When you only use something part of the year, you probably don’t think too much about it as long as it works properly. This kind of attitude can actually lead to a great many problems, however. Let’s take a look at how annual maintenance can actually save you lots of money and frustration.

Preventative Maintenance

Problems that arise in your heating system can almost always be prevented or at least mitigated by regular maintenance. An extremely serious problem, like a cracked heat exchanger, can be caused by something as simple as a dirty air filter. Regular maintenance checks can catch things like bad air filters before they have the chance to cause any serious damage, saving you a great deal of money in the process. It is far easier and cheaper to replace a disposable part than it is to replace something central to the operation of the heater.

Timing

Regular maintenance can ensure that your heating system is in the best condition it can be when you need it most. The best time to have your heating system checked is during the fall season, right before the winter season when the demand for heat is highest. By scheduling your annual maintenance to take place every fall, you are making sure that your heating system is up to the challenge of increased operation for the next several months. After all, the very last thing you want is for your heating system to break down in the middle of winter. Demand for HVAC repair tends to spike during this season, so you may even find yourself without heat for several days before your local technician can get to you.

If you haven’t scheduled your annual heating maintenance yet, contact Robbins Heating & Air Conditioning. We conduct heating maintenance throughout Colorado Springs.

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Signs of Poor Indoor Air Quality

October 8th, 2014

When it comes to living comfortably in your home, your mind may automatically go towards the temperature. However, this is only a part of the overall picture in terms of comfort. In order to live truly comfortably, you must not only maintain comfortable temperatures but great indoor air quality as well. To ensure that this is the case, you may need to work with a trained indoor air quality specialist, such as the ones on the Robbins Heating & Air Conditioning team. Of course, before doing so, you must first realize that there is a problem with your indoor air quality in Colorado Springs, CO to begin with. Here are a few warning signs to keep an eye out for which may suggest the need for our quality indoor air quality products and services.

First of all, any increase in or aggravation of allergy and asthma symptoms among residents in your home are is a major red flag that your indoor air quality may be subpar. There are a lot of different factors at play here, and homes with pets or those in proximity to major roadways will likely have higher concentrations of airborne pollutants. Regardless of your situation, a good air filtration system or electronic air purifier may be necessary in order to boost your air quality to appropriate levels.

If you find that your skin is very dry and itchy, or if you have frequent sore throats and bloody noses, you may be up against issues with low humidity levels. You must have the right amount of humidity in your home if you hope to live comfortably, or else your body will feel the effects of drying out. Additionally, low humidity levels can lead to splitting wooden fixtures, chipping paint, and other problems. A whole-house humidifier is a great way to add the right amount of humidity back to the air.

No matter if your air is too dry or if biological pollutants have infiltrated your home, you need to improve the quality of the air that you breathe.

We spend a lot of time indoors, so your comfort and your health depend upon great indoor air quality in Colorado Springs, CO. Call Robbins Heating & Air Conditioning to learn more. 

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Is a Heat Pump Right for You?

October 1st, 2014

Keeping your home comfortable throughout the year is a priority that you share with homeowners everywhere. The trouble that some homeowners encounter when it comes time to invest in new heating and air conditioning equipment is the simple fact that there are so many different options out there to choose from. If you want to ensure that your system is a perfect fit for your home and comfort preferences, call the pros at Robbins Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ll ensure that you find the right HVAC system for your needs. You may just find that a heat pump in Colorado Springs, CO is just what you’ve been looking for.

There are a lot of great heating and cooling systems on the market, but a heat pump can offer certain benefits that others do not. For starters, heat pumps are able to both heat and cool your home, allowing for year round comfort in one convenient package. This is possible thanks to the unique design of the heat pump, which features a reversing valve. This allows the system to reverse its refrigerant cycle, providing cooling in the summer and heating during the winter season.

Another great benefit of the heat pump is the incredible energy efficiency with which these systems operate. During the cooling cycle, a heat pump acts just like a traditional split central air conditioner. This means that it will pull in air from throughout the house, remove the heat, and recirculate that cool air to the farthest reaches of your home. During the winter, though, the heat pump actually makes use of ambient heat in the air outside. By utilizing this existing heat, even when the temperature outside is cold, your heat pump can heat your home with exceptional efficiency levels. In some cases, extreme cold may inhibit the heating operation of a heat pump, though, so make sure that you discuss the pros and cons with a trained professional.

If you think that installing a heat pump in Colorado Springs, CO is the right move for you, give Robbins Heating & Air Conditioning a call today.

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Keep Your Heating System and Your Family Safe with a Pre-Season Maintenance Visit

September 24th, 2014

If your home uses a natural-gas powered furnace or boiler to provide warmth during the winter, it is very important to schedule regular maintenance service from professionals before you start using it for the season. Maintenance will not only help your furnace or boiler work at its most energy-efficient throughout the winter and avoid unnecessary repair calls, it will also catch any spots where the heater is developing malfunctions that could lead to unsafe conditions, such as leaking carbon monoxide.

At Robbins Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc., we want your family to stay both warm and safe during the coming cold season in Colorado Springs, CO and the surrounding areas. We provide the maintenance services you need to make certain your natural gas-powered heater works without presenting danger to anyone in your household.

Why do I need maintenance to keep my furnace or boiler safe?

We don’t want to panic you: today’s manufacturers of gas-powered heating systems design them so they offer few safety hazards. As long as you keep up with annual pre-season maintenance for your heater, it should present no greater danger than an electrical heating system.

However, maintenance is essential to find where gas leaks could occur. The most important part of a furnace to have a technician check is the heat exchanger. This is a clamshell-shaped component that collects the high-temperature combustion gas from the burner and the transfers the heat from its metal walls to air from the blower moves past it. As the heat exchanger expands and contracts, it can start to crack—especially if the furnace is venting poorly and allowing corrosion to develop along the metal. A cracked heat exchanger will allow carbon monoxide exhaust to escape, and this will pose danger from both toxic fumes and combustion. Because carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, it is difficult to detect. Keep your furnace up to date with maintenance checks so that you will have few worries about escaping carbon monoxide. Technicians will replace cracked heat exchangers to maintain the furnace’s safe operation.

Your gas-powered boiler also requires maintenance checks to see that there are no leaks along the gas line or blockages that might also lead to the escape of carbon monoxide. Please keep in mind that you should never attempt to search for CO leaks on your own or attempt any DIY repairs. Only professionals should work on natural gas lines: if you suspect a gas leak or a faulty heating system, shut down the gas and call for trained technicians immediately.

When you contact us for maintenance on your furnace or boiler, we will send over a technician with the best training and experience to make sure that your heating system will keep you and your family safe and warm for another winter season in Colorado Springs.

Robbins Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. has taken care of gas-powered heaters since 1970. Call us today for an appointment.

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Choosing the Right Air Purifier

September 24th, 2014

You may think that pollution is only a problem when you are out and about the town. The fact is, though, that the air in your home may be just as, if not more, polluted than that in your backyard. Depending on a number of different factors, your indoor air quality may be far from what we’d consider ideal. The good news is that Robbins Heating & Air Conditioning has the air purification products that you need to breathe the clean, pure air that you deserve. The better news is that we also have the information you need to ensure that you use the right air purifier in Colorado Springs, CO for the job. Only with the right tools can you right the wrongs done to your air quality by different pollutants.

One of the simplest ways in which to clean up the air in your home is with an air filtration system. Mechanical air filters, such as the one in your HVAC system, trap pollutants in the air as it passes through a fibrous material. In many instances, though, such air filters are just not enough to truly improve the quality of the air that you breathe in your house. In such instances, more sophisticated air purifiers may be necessary.

An electronic air purifier, for instance, can pull air into an ionization chamber, where the pollutants in that air are given an electric charge. An oppositely charged collector plate will trap these pollutants on its surface, and the plate is removed for easy cleaning. While this is very effective for the removal of airborne pollutants in your home, it is not an appropriate method for dealing with biological pollutants.

Viruses, mold, bacteria, and other biological pollutants cannot simply be filtered out of the air. Even if they are trapped in a filter, they can continue to thrive and to reproduce. A UV air purifier, on the other hand, will render these pollutants unable to do so, using small amounts of UV radiation in order to destroy them.

To guarantee that you are using the right air purifier in Colorado Springs, CO, call the experts at Robbins Heating & Air Conditioning today.

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Why is Air Conditioning Maintenance Necessary?

September 17th, 2014

Nobody wants to sweat out the heat of summer in discomfort, least of all in their own home. That is why a great air conditioning system is such a necessity. However, even the best air conditioning system will fail to impress if you do not also schedule routine air conditioning maintenance in Colorado Springs, CO. The benefits of AC maintenance are many, but it is vital that you schedule this service with a skilled, trained professional. That is why we suggest that you contact the experts at Robbins Heating & Air Conditioning. We are happy to ensure that your air conditioning system is in the best working condition possible.

As your air conditioner works away in an effort to cool your home, it is going to incur some general wear and tear. During a routine maintenance service, your HVAC technician can thoroughly inspect and tune up your air conditioner to ensure that this wear and tear does not lead to costly, unnecessary problems down the road. If even minor issues with your system are ignored, the integrity of the system as a whole may be compromised. Routine maintenance is the best way to guarantee that each and every component in your HVAC system is in great working condition.

Not only does professional air conditioning maintenance protect the condition of your AC, but it can also protect the status of your cooling budget. The more energy that your air conditioner has to use in order to attain and maintain target temperatures throughout the house, the more that it is going to cost in order to do so. This means that, should even one part of your system not be pulling its weight, you may wind up paying more money than you should have to to cool your home, and oftentimes with subpar results. Eventually, you may wind up facing breakdowns due to problems that maintenance could have avoided.

We have everything that we need to help you get the best performance possible from your AC. Contact us today to get started.

To schedule your air conditioning maintenance in Colorado Springs, CO, just call upon the technicians on the Robbins Heating & Air Conditioning team.

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Why Use a Whole-House Humidifier?

September 10th, 2014

Living in this area, we don’t have to deal with the issues that an oversaturation of humidity can lead to. However, the fact is that there is a certain amount of humidity which must be present in the air in order for it to be comfortable. Having too little humidity is really no better than having too much, so many homeowners find themselves heading to the hardware store to purchase portable humidifiers. When it comes to adding the right amount of humidity to the air throughout your home, though, there is really no substitute for the effectiveness and efficiency of a whole-house humidifier.

If you think the air in your home is too dry, give the Colorado Springs, CO humidifier pros at Robbins Heating & Air Conditioning a call.

Humid air holds heat more effectively than very dry air does. This means that trying to heat your home effectively during the winter when it is very dry therein can be difficult. Not only can this put unnecessary strain on your HVAC system, it can result in high energy costs. We believe that you deserve better than to pay more money for a lousy performance from your air conditioning system, so give us a call to schedule your whole-house humidifier installation today.

In addition to making it difficult to heat your home sufficiently, very dry air can have a direct impact on your comfort in other ways. If the air is very dry in your home, it only makes sense that your skin will start to dry out as well. This can make it itchy and flaky. You may also find that your throat is often sore or that you get frequent nosebleeds. With the installation of a whole—house humidifier, you can resolve such annoying problems.

A whole-house humidifier in Colorado Springs, CO is a great way in which to make your home a more comfortable place to live. Just remember that these devices are installed directly into HVAC systems. That means that you must schedule your whole-house humidifier installation, replacement, repair, and regular maintenance with a skilled, trained professional. In order to do so, just call upon the technicians at Robbins Heating & Air Conditioning.

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