If you’ve chosen to keep a boiler in your home, then you’re already likely aware of its basic benefits, such as providing on-demand hot water and its ability to provide heat with fewer moving parts compared to an HVAC system, which can require costly annual maintenance and is more likely to need repairs. A boiler can also be a superior option to a furnace, many of which are so old that getting the parts for them when they do break down is challenging or outright impossible.
There are some other great benefits of owning a boiler as well, such as potential energy savings when you’re able to measure its annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE). Boilers are also simple to repair since the circular pump is the only moving mechanical part. The boiler simply heats water, converts it into steam, and sends it through pipes to provide heat to your home instead of requiring a fan, an air filter, and additional parts required in other heating systems.
Of course, like any heating system, a boiler isn’t perfect. One of the more common issues with them is that they can continue to run even when the timer is off. This can be a nuisance for homeowners, both because of the noise it makes and the fact that it uses up more energy. If you live somewhere with particularly brutal winters, such as North Canton, OH, you likely spend enough on heating as it is without this extra trouble. Here are some potential reasons your boiler in North Canton, OH, won’t shut off: thermostat issues, malfunctioning valves, issues with electrical wiring, and other abnormalities. Let’s take a deeper dive into each of these causes and what you can do about them.
Faulty Thermostat
An issue with your thermostat can cause any heating system to malfunction, and your boiler is no different. One of the potential problems a thermostat can cause is short cycling, which is when your heating system shuts off too soon, and your home can’t reach the proper temperature.
Generally, your thermostat temperature will determine when your boiler turns on and off. When it senses that the temperature is below your chosen setting, it will start the heating process, and ideally, the boiler will shut off when the desired temperature is reached. In some cases, a faulty thermostat may fail to signal that the boiler needs to shut off, and you’ll be left with it running indefinitely. You can test your system for this issue by turning your thermostat down and back up again. Otherwise, you can try resetting the system by turning it off and on again. If this makes no difference, you’ll need to contact a technician.
Valve Issues
Microswitches in valves are what regulate the water flow in your boiler. Many of these switches on and off at regular intervals, but they may become jammed over time. If this happens, hot water can keep running through your system even when it’s supposed to be turned off. It isn’t really recommended to try and repair these microswitches yourself, so it’s a good idea to call a technician or plumber to investigate.
Wiring Problems
Faulty electrical wiring can be another reason why your boiler won’t shut off even when the timer is off. There is a whole host of reasons why you shouldn’t attempt electrical repairs yourself, not least of which is that it’s extremely unsafe, but there are some tests you can try.
Once you’ve ruled out power issues, you can turn off the circuit breaker and look for any blown fuses or other obvious signs of damage. You can also take this time to ensure that electricity is going to your thermostat. If you’ve corrected these issues and are still experiencing problems, then you’ll need to call an electrician. Never attempt to rewire your house or adjust electrical wiring by yourself. It’s not only dangerous, but it may also cause you to fail a safety inspection.
