The prospect of being left without heat in the cool autumn and frosty winter period will not please anyone. If this happens, then in the best case, the room can return to a comfortable temperature within a few hours. After all, it takes time for the master to arrive when called.
To quickly resolve the problem, it would be a good idea to learn how to identify and eliminate the cause of operational irregularities yourself. You need to figure out why the gas boiler goes out and try to get rid of at least basic faults yourself. We'll tell you how to find them.
Of course, no one forces you to dismantle equipment or change a part yourself if you have neither the tools nor the training to do so. However, information about simple and affordable repair operations will come in handy. In addition, they will help monitor the actions of gas workers, not all of whom are quite experienced and competent.
Reasons for clocking
Clocking indicates the frequency of switching on of the device that provides heating of the thermal fluid. In the absence of external control devices connected to the equipment, most often the time interval between turning on the boiler does not exceed 10 minutes, and by default such indicators are only three minutes. Frequent switching on and off is not a recommended mode for operating a gas boiler.
In order to maximize the economical consumption of blue fuel, it is advisable to choose the option of continuous operation of equipment with compensation for heat losses. Among the main problems that provoke the clocking of the unit, the following can be noted:
- overheating of the device under high power conditions;
- insufficient gas supply pressure;
- incorrect installation of the thermostat;
- various pump breakdowns;
- filter clogging.
In small rooms, excessive gas consumption is common, so when choosing equipment it is very important to correctly calculate its technical indicators and basic operational characteristics. Among other things, the configuration parameters of different models often differ significantly, which requires a mandatory and very careful study of the instructions before configuring the equipment.
Let's look at the main reasons for the boiler constantly turning on and off.
What to do when a malfunction occurs?
Gas consumers should understand that they do not have the right, but the obligation, to repair their home or apartment equipment. Moreover, in a timely manner and with high quality.
And since frequent shutdown of the boiler is potentially a malfunction, this legal requirement cannot be ignored. Since for this, according to Art. 9.23 of the Administrative Code faces a fine.
Repairing any gas equipment is a responsible procedure, as it significantly affects safety. Therefore, you should not overestimate your capabilities or try to save money, risking the lives and health of people nearby, including relatives and friends.
The size is 1-2 thousand rubles. And, if suddenly the situation, through the fault of the user, becomes dangerous to the life and health of people or an accident occurs, then you will have to part with 10-30 thousand rubles (Article 9.23 of the Administrative Code).
It is easier and more reliable to contact the gas company with which the contract has been signed. And all the risks will fall on their shoulders. As well as responsibility for the timeliness and quality of repairs. And for violations the company will be held liable in accordance with Art. 9.23 Code of Administrative Offences. Where is it said that penalties can reach an impressive 200 thousand rubles
You should also remember that you should not take responsibility for yourself by trying to eliminate the cause of switching on/off yourself. Especially against the backdrop of the fact that problems with equipment inoperability must be resolved by specialists from companies with which the gas consumer has signed an agreement. And for ignoring such a rule, additional sanctions in the amount of 1-2 thousand rubles are threatened - this is also stated in Art. 9.23 Code of Administrative Offences.
Any repeated violation of the above norms will be the reason for punishment in the form of a fine, the amount of which will be 2-5 thousand. The basis for this is the corresponding norm in the above article of the Code of Administrative Offenses.
High boiler power
Operating a gas boiler at maximum power levels causes rapid heating, as well as pulsed operation of the unit. The heating level is determined by the modulation of the gas burner. When receiving a heated return, the boiler goes into standby mode, and as the return cools down, the boiler turns on again. Due to the high starting power of the boiler in the off-season, the problem of turning the gas boiler on and off occurs most often.
A room thermostat can solve the problem. In this case, regulation is carried out automatically. If the room temperature is reached, the thermostat will signal the boiler to turn off. The heating system cools down faster than the air temperature. Therefore, the boiler will turn on less often and work longer.
It is of no small importance to determine the optimal power of the equipment, taking into account the region of residence, the total area of the heated room and the degree of insulation of the building. Currently, condensing boilers used in low-temperature heating systems have proven themselves to be the best. This reliable option is characterized by heating the coolant in the return circuit within 60°C.
About company
, which owns the Ochag trademark, was founded in 1993. Location is Ulyanovsk. It produces gas equipment - more than six dozen modifications of boilers. The products attract domestic consumers with a loyal pricing policy. The average estimated cost of gas-powered devices is 14-17,000 rubles. All water heating equipment at the Ulyanovsk plant meets the European standard ISO 9001-2011. The manufacturer presents versions designed for heating housing of different sizes - from 70 to 1000 square meters. m.
Weak gas pressure
The level of fuel pressure in the gas line undergoes significant changes at different times of the year. With the onset of winter, as a rule, the maximum number of users is connected to the centralized gas pipeline, so the pressure in the system decreases to a minimum. In this case, the burner without modulation continues to function, but the operation of the device is noticeably reduced. Today, various flame modulation options are used:
- hydraulic type - direct relationship between flow and constant temperature;
- electronic type – indirect relationship based on a temperature sensor;
- ionization type - current in a closed circuit with a signal to the control unit.
At low gas pressure, the boiler may turn off and turn on again due to the fact that the system is not warmed up. But most often today, gas boilers simply go into error states and do not work until you reset it.
How to solve?
If the pump is working properly, but there is no heat in the house due to significant gas consumption, then you need to clean the heat exchanger. The procedure is performed only by specialists who use special liquids of high acidity.
Incorrect errors on the screen
The boiler went out for some reason, and a code appeared on the display. Naturally, the first thought is to look at the instruction manual, but what to do if such a code is not there?
Incorrectly installed thermostat
In practice, two types of thermostats are used: built-in and remote type. The first option does not involve transfer. Remote models require proper installation. The installation should be carried out in the fastest cooling room, which allows the heating system to operate normally. Installation prohibited:
- in basements;
- near window and door openings;
- next to household appliances;
- very close to the surface of the ceiling, floor;
- under direct exposure to sunlight.
- Installation in kitchens is not recommended
Particular attention is paid to proper connection in accordance with the circuits recommended by the manufacturers, in accordance with the technical characteristics of the device.
The filter is clogged
When the filter system is clogged, the filling of the system with coolant decreases, resulting in too rapid heating of the small volume of water inside the boiler. The boiler turns off and waits for the system to cool down. Then it turns on again, realizing that the return line is still cool. The thermal fluid supplied to the heating system through public pipelines is capable of carrying a huge amount of dirt and all kinds of impurities. Therefore, a water strainer must be installed in front of the circulation pump.
This mesh-type device most effectively retains various mechanical contaminants. The lack of complete protection causes contaminants to enter the pump and cause rotor failure. Filters must be cleaned periodically. For this purpose, the valves that are located in front of the filter and behind it are closed, after which the plug above the liner is unscrewed using a key. The filter mesh is washed with running water and carefully installed in its original place.
Designations
When designating heating devices, a letter abbreviation is used. Each letter contains certain information:
- K – boiler.
- G – gas burner equipment is included.
- T – can be used as solid fuel.
- C – steel.
- M – installation of heating elements and an expanded firebox is provided.
- B – there is a water heater.
Knowing the meanings of the letters, the user can decipher the basic information about the proposed options using the abbreviation.
Narrowing of pipe diameters
As a rule, blockages cause narrowing of the lumen in the pipeline system. When the riser is clogged, there is an increase in the resistance of sections of the heating system and a reduction in the flow rate of the circulating coolant. After identifying the blockage, hydraulic, pneumatic flushing or cleaning is used to narrow the diameter of the pipes.
Before performing this procedure, leaks are checked, disassembled and cleaned. Hydraulic flushing involves creating a high flow rate of water through the pipeline system. The used liquid with contaminants is discharged into the drain. In order to increase speed, pumping equipment of network, circulation or other types is used.
Pipeline cleaning is carried out in cases where it is impossible to remove the blockage using standard flushing. For this purpose, the clogged narrowed section of the pipeline is turned off, after which the coolant is drained. To clean disconnected pipes, a thick and fairly elastic wire with a fixed brush is used. At the final stage of getting rid of pipes from narrowings, the heating system is assembled in the reverse order.
Price range
The average prices of Ochag boilers are in the conventional range of 12-20 thousand rubles. Before purchasing, you should clarify what additional devices and accessories will be needed for the normal operation of the boiler itself and the entire system as a whole.
In addition, you will need to conclude a warranty agreement in order to be able to urgently restore the system’s functionality.
The pump is not working well
Users of gas boilers sometimes encounter various problems with the operation of the pumping unit. Such equipment stops pumping water if the rotor fails or a significant amount of air has accumulated in the internal part. To prevent such a breakdown, it is necessary to unscrew the nut from the unit and drain the water, after which the axle is forced to rotate using a flat screwdriver.
Pump in a gas boiler
Free-standing equipment requires compliance with installation rules. It is advisable to install the pump before the gas boiler, which will extend the life of the heating system. This rule is due to the presence of high temperature conditions at the boiler outlet, which can cause damage to the device. Of course, the design characteristics of the circulation pump must also be taken into account, as well as the need to mount a filter or sump directly in front of the pump.
Kinds
The Ochag company produces different structural types of boilers:
- Floor-standing . They do not require any special installation as they can be placed directly on the floor. This expands installation options compared to wall-mounted models.
- Wall mounted . They require hanging installation on strong, preferably load-bearing walls. Temporary or plasterboard partitions are not suitable for this. The specifics of the installation require reducing the weight and reducing the size of the boiler, which affects power and performance.
- Parapet . They can be used both as part of a heating circuit and as an independent heat source.
By functionality:
- Single-circuit . Designed only to supply the heating circuit with hot coolant.
- Dual-circuit . Capable of simultaneous heating of coolant and preparation of hot water (DHW) for domestic needs.
By type of combustion chamber:
- Atmospheric (open) . Smoke removal occurs through a common house chimney using a stove-type draft, and combustion air is taken directly from the room.
- Turbocharged (closed) . Smoke removal and air supply are carried out by a special turbocharging fan. Possible only on energy-dependent models, but independent ones can also be modified using an external turbo nozzle.
There are many design options for Ochag boilers; the user can choose the most suitable option for his or her purposes.
Drawing conclusions
The frequency of turning on and off the burner of a gas heating boiler is a very variable and very individual value, directly dependent on a large number of factors. Manufacturers guarantee that the boiler will provide the specified temperature range, regardless of whether the burner is turned on or off. At the same time, the intensity of fuel combustion helps prevent its overconsumption due to clocking.
The operating mode of the gas boiler is selected strictly in accordance with the time of year and the required thermal index in the room. To avoid very frequent switching on and off of equipment, you need to determine the correct location for installing the thermostat, stabilize temperature intervals, as well as adjust the gas burner and resolve the issue with the thermal capacity of the heating circuit.
Reasons for the attenuation of turbocharged gas boilers with a closed combustion chamber
Turbocharged models of gas boilers have additional equipment, so in addition to the above-mentioned problems, there may be other difficulties with them:
- ice formation inside and outside the chimney;
- malfunction of the built-in air blower.
Despite the fact that such devices have a complex design, all manipulations with checking traction, pressure, contacts, etc. are still relevant.
Icing of the cap or chimney pipes
If a gas boiler goes out mainly in cold weather, then perhaps its chimney opening is blocked by an ice mass. This happens for two reasons:
- accumulation of condensate on the walls of the air duct;
- snow sticking to the outside of the chimney.
The first situation is typical for convection boilers, usually with a coaxial chimney. In them, hot exhaust gases, when cooled outside, form condensate, which settles in the pipes. Therefore, when the thermostat turns off the heating after reaching the set temperature, all this moisture freezes. Over time, plugs form, blocking access to air.
As a rule, the problem can be determined visually: the surface of the pipe begins to get wet, and the wall at the level of the ice becomes covered with frost on the outside.
It’s not always possible to simply knock off the ice, so it’s worth buying a disposable construction torch with a can in advance so that you can use it to defrost the air duct. When it warms up, the boiler will be ready for operation again, but to prevent this from happening again, it is recommended to insulate the pipes.
The second situation arises when installing a coaxial pipe or cornice-type caps: the desire to protect the chimney from precipitation is understandable, but using them for gas equipment, as mentioned earlier, is extremely undesirable. Instead, it is recommended to use open tapering attachments on the headband.
It is impossible to knock off the ice crust from the top or remove it like ice - it tightly covers the entire structure. Therefore, the outer part of the chimney will have to be dismantled and placed in hot water until completely defrosted. The boiler can function without this part, but it must be monitored at all times.
Fan or turbine malfunction
When the igniter suddenly goes out in a unit with a built-in supercharger, you should listen to its operation: the turbocharging system or fan should emit a measured hum, so if extraneous noise appears (creaking, crackling, whistling) or the sound comes out intermittently, you should think about their malfunction.
If they stop making any sounds, the breakdown is obvious: the automation does not allow the safety valve to open and the igniter does not light up at all.
You can try to repair broken equipment, but, as practice shows, it is difficult to repair. In any case, the work should only be performed by specialists, because without the necessary skills, all manipulations with the supercharger are associated with a high risk of carbon monoxide entering the room.
