There is a natural occurrence that can be very detrimental to your hot water system, and it is called overheating. This phenomenon occurs when the system’s heating elements, the pump, itself, reaches its maximum temperature and begins to generate excess heat. This overheating can significantly damage components of your hot water system, especially those components that take a beating in operations. So how do you prevent overheating?
Causes
First, you need to understand what causes hot water system overheating. Overheating is most often caused by pumps that are operating at their maximum capacity. The pump cannot operate at these high capacities for any length of time without eventually getting over-worked and burning out. Because of this, your hot water system overheats because the pump cannot keep up. You should consider having your pumps serviced and checked regularly to ensure that they are operating at maximum capacity and will not overheat.
Another cause of hot water system overheating is when the water itself is not reaching the necessary temperature. For example, if you have an ice dam on your system, then it will be impossible to even begin to use it. Ice dams happen when the water in a cold storage reservoir is not at the proper temperature and pressure to even come into the system. If the ice dam doesn’t get broken, it could take weeks, months, or even years for the water to enter your heating system and start heating. This type of situation is rarely an accident – it is an intentional action on the part of the homeowner.
You may also find that the hot water system overheating occurs when the supply is shut off at the wrong time. Sometimes the supply to your heating and cooling unit can become disconnected from the main breaker box. It’s not uncommon for the system to stay operational for hours or even days while the power is turned off. While this often saves money on your monthly utility bill, it can also cause overheating problems. To prevent hot water system overheating due to disconnection, never turn off the supply to your heating and cooling unit without first making sure the power to the units has gone off. If you are using a thermostat to monitor when the power is turned off, check the back of the thermostat to make sure it’s not shutting off the supply by mistake.
What To Do
When hot water system overheating occurs, you need to take action quickly. Preventing overheating in the first place with regular maintenance is the best way to avoid potential damage to your heating and cooling equipment. By scheduling regular furnace inspections and maintenance visits, you can help prevent overheating by addressing potential problems as early as possible. Of course, if you have a leak or some other issue that causes the hot water system overheating, you’ll need to address those issues before you can prevent any serious damage from taking place.
If you do find that you’re experiencing hot water system overheating issues, you should have the issue fixed right away. Avoid putting off the problem by scheduling maintenance visits whenever you notice a significant increase in your utility bills. Make sure your gas, propane, and electrical accounts are current. It’s also a good idea to consider purchasing an additional heat exchanger and use it at the main heater when possible. This will help prevent hot water system overheating problems by improving the circulation of air in the area.
Prevention
Preventing hot water system overheating is not difficult if you keep your equipment, appliances, and home clean. Regularly check the burners and burner tubes for any wear, discolourations, or signs of corrosion. If you find anything out of the ordinary, address it right away. Don’t wait until it has a chance to spread before you act.
Finally, another way to prevent hot water system overheating is to always be aware of the potential threats to your home. For example, improper maintenance of gas or propane lines, poor installation practices, leaks, and problems with your system could all lead to dangerous conditions. It’s a good idea to keep a close eye on your gas and electric accounts as well. By doing so, you’ll avoid any costly service calls and keep your home safe.
