Boiler burner control technology has evolved considerably in the digital age. And rightly so – if the burner is the heart of the system, the burner control system is the brain.
The burner control serves three basic purposes: 1) It controls the supply of fuel according to the boiler’s load; 2) it controls the air supply according to the fuel consumption; and 3) it will shut off the burners in case of an emergency.
But even with advances in burner control technology, routine maintenance is important. Air temperature in a boiler room may change dramatically from day to night and from season to season, leading to changes in combustion efficiencies.
Routine maintenance of your burner control system will:
- Prevent breakdowns/downtime
- Maintain the highest level of efficiency
- Ensure safe operation
- Reduce emissions
- In HVAC applications, optimize the comfort level in your building
Annual maintenance is the minimum standard. At AB&M we recommend quarterly or monthly system assessments. Whether you’re doing the maintenance yourself or hiring the experienced pros at AB&M, here’s a checklist that keeps the burner control system operating at its maximum level:
- Inspect and clean the heat exchanger, igniter, atomizer, electrodes, and other components, if applicable
- Check pressures, vacuum readings, safety controls, and limits
- Measure, O2, CO2 levels and exhaust temperatures
- Tighten electrical connections
- Check start-up burner operation
- Minimize air leakage to ensure optimal combustion
- Perform a combustion efficiency test and make follow-up adjustments as needed
Another sometimes overlooked aspect to the boiler burner control system is using a controller that works with both primary and back-up fuel sources. There are many off-the-shelf component options available to meet such requirements.
To be certain your boiler’s burner control system is operating properly, contact us by calling 800-235-5377 or through our website at www.AmericanBoilerMech.com.