As with the rest of your home, the HVAC, system and the water heater are prone to malfunction from time to time. One such problem is boiler kettling. This is a potentially dangerous situation that requires immediate homeowner attention.

What Is Boiler Kettling?

Kettling occurs when pressure builds up in the system’s heat exchanger. This is the part that heats the water as it flows through the system. Kettling takes place as hard water enters the system and leaves deposits in the pipes. This restricts flow much the same way clogged arteries restrict blood flow to the heart. The restricted flow causes heat to become trapped in the boiler; this is where the trouble starts.

Why Kettling Is Dangerous

Despite its name, a boiler doesn’t actually boil water. It heats it to temperatures below the boiling point before distribution throughout the home. The buildup of heat causes the water to evaporate into steam. The steam accumulating in the heat exchanger causes the entire boiler to rumble.

Some homeowners fear that this can cause the boiler to explode. Most modern systems have safety mechanisms that automatically shut the system off if the heat exceeds a set threshold. However, the safety mechanism itself isn’t 100% fail-proof and can malfunction.

Boiler Maintenance

A technician will need to access the heat exchanger and remove the accumulated mineral deposits. This will also include a checkup to rule out other potential causes for the kettling. To prevent the problem from recurring, consider installing a water softener or water treatment system.

We Prevent Boiler Kettling

Boiler and furnace maintenance are not DIY jobs and require professional repair. Leave the duty to All Points Heating. As the winter chill sets in, be sure your heater is in tip-top shape to prevent boiler kettling.

Furnace and Boiler Maintenance

Serving customers from Arlington to Renton and Bellevue to Shoreline, including Seattle, Redmond, Bothell, Edmonds, Lynnwood, Everett, Marysville, Mill Creek, Woodinville, Kirkland, Mercer Island and the surrounding area.

Customer wellness is a priority whether you run a restaurant, retail store, or other service industry. Fortunately, it’s not hard to improve public indoor air quality. Making some minor adjustments can make a major difference in the well-being of your customers and employees.

Revelations About Public Indoor Air Quality

In one study, commercial areas were found to have a significant level of volatile organic compounds and other microbiological contaminants. The study, entitled Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality in Retail Stores, focused mainly on the retail sector. However, we believe it applies across all industries.

The study revealed that contaminants can be reduced significantly by having ample ventilation and air filtration. Proper HVAC maintenance is necessary. Commercial HVAC and exhaust systems are required in some industries, particularly those that serve food, such as restaurants and pubs. Continue Reading →

An abrupt malfunction in your HVAC system can cause alarm. The issue may very well be with the air conditioning or heating unit itself. However, it could also be due to a faulty thermostat. Here’s how to identify common thermostat problems and how they inhibit optimal HVAC operation.

AC Won’t Start or Won’t Turn Off

If the furnace/AC won’t start at all, this may be due to a wiring defect within the thermostat. When the wiring is loose, the thermostat can’t read the room temperatures correctly and may fail to switch on the cooling or heating.

Bad wiring may also lead to the opposite problem, in which the HVAC units won’t switch off. It’s also possible the thermostat is improperly calibrated and sending the wrong instructions to the HVAC system.

Incorrect Temperatures

The room temperature may not match the reading on the thermostat. The issue can be as simple as the thermostat’s not being perfectly level. This can occur if you accidently bump it. Fix the issue by placing a carpenter’s level below it and adjusting the unit’s level. Continue Reading →

With summer just about over and the arrival of fall around the corner, you need to be sure your furnace is in working order. When the furnace switches on, you may find that it only runs for a few seconds before shutting off. One possible cause may be a dirty furnace flame sensor.

What Is a Furnace Flame Sensor?

The flame sensor is a thin metallic rod located on the burner assembly and in front of the pilot flame. The furnace flame sensor determines whether a flame is present when the gas is on. Without the sensor, the pilot light could go out, and the furnace could emit harmful gas.

The sensor acts as a safety device. When it detects that the flame isn’t on, it shuts down the entire unit to prevent dangerous gas emissions.

Signs of a Dirty Flame Sensor

The flame sensor can become corroded due to carbon buildup from the flame. This can cause the sensor to fail. If the burner light goes out within seconds of switching on the unit, this is a telltale sign of a dirty sensor. If you see soot clearly covering the sensor, then it’s time for a cleaning. Continue Reading →

We are moving towards the end of the summer. Nevertheless, now is a better time than ever for a backyard barbecue. Break out your barbecue grill and explore these summer barbecue theme ideas. Make the most of outdoor living during this time of year.

1. All American Barbecue

Even though we’re past the 4^th of July, American pride never goes out of style. Adorn your property with red, white, and blue decorations. Scatter miniature American flags over the lawn and bunting over the deck railings. For the grub, serve American-style foods, such as hamburgers, hotdogs, chicken wings, and apple pie.

2. Beach Barbecue

You don’t have to live near the coast to have a beach barbecue. Decorate the table with little seashells and starfish. You can also fill a clear vase with sand for use as a table centerpiece. If kids are in attendance, create a sandpit play area complete with plastic buckets and shovels. For food, serve grilled seafood and tropical fruits such as pineapple and papaya. Continue Reading →

Properly functioning commercial refrigeration is crucial for any business that stores perishable goods. This is especially critical in the warmest time of year. A broken system can result in spoiled goods totaling thousands of dollars. It goes without saying that summer commercial refrigerator maintenance is vital.

Why Summer Commercial Refrigerator Maintenance Matters

During cooler months, lower ambient temperatures keep storage items cool even if the fridge has minor issues. Unfortunately, this benefit goes out the window in the summer months. This is why pre-summer and summer maintenance is the best prevention. It reduces chances of requiring a last-minute emergency repair. Continue Reading →

Summer is here along with the scorching heat. For homes, this means ramping up the air conditioner. Most homeowners, though, also fear drastically higher utility bills. The good news is you can keep the cost to a minimum by following some simple summer HVAC tips.

1. Change the Filter

Changing the air filter is one of the few acceptable summer air conditioning maintenance practices for DIYers. If the AC uses a disposable filter, change it at least once a month. Change it more often if you have pets or are a smoker. Too much dust restricts the flow of cool air.

2. Use a Programmable Thermostat

Manage your HVAC with smart technology. Customize your summer air conditioning schedule even when you’re not at home. If nobody’s home, use your mobile device to switch off the AC. Alternatively, turn it down and let the indoor temperature rise a bit. Continue Reading →

Spring is the season for sunshine and blooming flowers. Unfortunately, allergies are part of the seasonal package. Do you know how humid your home’s interior is? We ask because a strong correlation exists between humidity and allergies. Reducing humidity can help reduce the sniffles.

How Does Humidity Increase Allergic Reactions?

Moisture in the air acts as a filter that traps dust, pollen, and other allergens. It also creates the breeding ground for mold and even helps dust mites thrive.

While often not as humid as summer, humidity does increase in spring after a dry winter. People also begin to spend more time outside and end up tracking dirt and debris into the home.

What Is the Ideal Humidity Level?

The ideal humidity is 45% moisture level in the air. Aim for a level between 30% and 60%. You do not want to go below 30%; lower is not better. Low humidity causes symptoms such as dry skin, chapped lips, itchy throat, and static electricity. 

How to Establish Balanced Humidity

We suggest an annual checkup of your air and water system. For businesses, we recommend an inspection of the commercial HVAC system. These systems naturally remove some moisture. However, this may not be enough on high humidity days or if the system is operating below peak efficiency. 

Another option is installing a whole-house dehumidifier. This will make a noticeable difference for asthmatics. For everyone else, at least consider a portable dehumidifier for personal bedrooms and offices.

For bathrooms and kitchens, which have exceptionally high humidity, consider installing exhaust fans.

We Help Eliminate Humidity and Allergies

Our air quality systems ensure indoor air filtration for respiratory safety. Give All Points Heating a call if anyone in the household has allergen sensitivities. Humidity and allergies have a direct connection in your living environment.

Indoor Humidity Control 

Serving customers from Arlington to Renton and Bellevue to Shoreline, including Seattle, Redmond, Bothell, Edmonds, Lynnwood, Everett, Marysville, Mill Creek, Woodinville, Kirkland, Mercer Island and the surrounding area.