General Information Question
#1
10-13-06, 07:37 PM
General Information Question
I purchased my first house during the summer and it has a gas boiler that is probably 20 years old. We had it serviced over the summer, but tonight was the first time that I turned the thermostat up and the unit turned on. The boiler is located in our basement and I can hear the circulator pump cycling on and off every few minutes. Is this something that will always turn on and off every few minutes or is just because it is the first time the unit has been run this season? Once the unit is being run more regularly, will there be less need to circulate the water and accordingly, less need for the unit to run?
Also, while not a very strong smell, I defintely could notice a new smell in the basement. When I think about it, I am not sure how there couldn't be some sort of oder coming from the boiler as a result of the unit running, but I was wondering if the smell could be stronger because it was the first time the boiler has been operated this season. We recently had the boiler flue relined, so the unit should be venting properly. Also, what pressure should the circutor pump show, or better yet, at what pressure should I be worried?
Any general information and comments are greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Also, while not a very strong smell, I defintely could notice a new smell in the basement. When I think about it, I am not sure how there couldn't be some sort of oder coming from the boiler as a result of the unit running, but I was wondering if the smell could be stronger because it was the first time the boiler has been operated this season. We recently had the boiler flue relined, so the unit should be venting properly. Also, what pressure should the circutor pump show, or better yet, at what pressure should I be worried?
Any general information and comments are greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Last edited by jjobev; 10-13-06 at 07:48 PM.
#2
10-13-06, 09:19 PM
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smells/pressure
Unfamiliar odors related to a heating system should be checked out by a pro.
Systems normally operate between 10 & 20 psig. Outside of that range, would warrant investigation.
Systems normally operate between 10 & 20 psig. Outside of that range, would warrant investigation.
#3
10-14-06, 07:46 AM
Two Needles on the pressure guage
What is the second needle for on the circulator pump's pressure guage? I have one big one that is around 18 and then another narrow one that is around 100. Am I only concerned with the big needle? Sorry if this is a novice question, but I'm a novice in this area.
#4
10-14-06, 09:03 AM
That 18 should show the psi in the boiler. That other needle should be just a fixed needle thats is set to how high the Psi should go. Dont know how it got set at 100 ???? 18 sounds right there
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#6
10-14-06, 05:44 PM
How long does the circulator pump run
How long does the circulator pump normally run? When is it necessary for it to run. I understand that it is responsible for circulating the water, but what triggers the need for it to be on or off? Does it run for longer the first time the unit is turned on or is it on whenever the thermostat triggers the boiler? Again, sorry for the basic questions.
#7
10-14-06, 05:59 PM
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Circulator
The circulator is actually controled by the thermostat. Unless the boiler has a circulator low limit control, the circulator will run any time there is a call for heat, whether the burner fires or not.
