How to Troubleshoot a Hydronic Boiler

If The Safety Switch Has Not Been Tripped

• 1

  Check your thermostat. Make sure that it is turned on, set to "heat" and that the setpoint is at least 5 degrees above the current room temperature. Also, check the batteries to make sure they are fresh.

• 2

  Ensure that all switches that power your boiler are on. This includes wall switches and switches on the oil or gas burner itself, as well as heating circuit fuses and breakers. Replace blown fuses or reset tripped breakers if necessary.

• 3

  Check the fuel level in your oil or LP gas tank to make sure your boiler has fuel. Your tank should have a gauge that shows the fuel level inside; if oil is below 1/8 full or the gas level is below 10 percent, you need more fuel.

• 4

  Inspect your boiler's burner, motor and blower fan for problems or damage. Broken parts may be replaced or repaired with the assistance of an HVAC professional.

If The Safety Switch Has Been Tripped

• 5

  Investigate the cause of the safety switch being tripped before you attempt to reset it. Make sure there is fuel in the tank, check the reset switch on the blower motor itself and examine the burner nozzle and electrodes to see whether they are dirty.

• 6

  Press and hold the reset button for three seconds and release it. The boiler should restart if it is getting electricity.

• 7

  Do not press the reset button more than once if it does not work the first time or if your boiler shuts down again. Continually hitting the reset button can flood the combustion chamber, leading to a potentially dangerous puffback. If pressing the reset button does not work, contact a technician to examine your heating system.