Barrie winters are no joke. During extreme temperatures that drop to well below zero, your boiler has to work double time to keep your home warm and inviting. Cold snaps are, unfortunately, also when boiler breakdowns tend to occur — and often at the most inconvenient time.
With proper preparation and maintenance, most boiler failures during bitter cold weather are avoidable. In this blog, the heating professionals at Aire One Barrie offer helpful advice to keep your boiler running all winter long and prevent breakdowns.
Why Cold Snaps Cause Boiler Breakdowns
During extreme cold, your boiler:
- Runs longer and more frequently
- Experiences higher pressure and demand
- Freeze-prone pipes and components tend to be more susceptible
Any wear, low pressure, or hidden problem can turn into a catastrophic system failure in no time, which is why it’s all about preparation leading up to and on Barrie’s coldest days.
1. Schedule Annual Boiler Maintenance Before Winter
The best defence against a boiler breaking down is taking out professional annual maintenance.
An Aire One Barrie boiler tune-up will comprise:
- Inspecting and cleaning internal components
- Verifying pressures and safety interlocks
- Identifying worn or failing parts
- Ensuring efficient and safe operation
Early fall is the time to maintain your boiler so it’s ready for winter. 👉 Tip: Don’t wait for the first cold snap.
2. Keep Boiler Pressure at the Proper Level
Winter breakdowns can be triggered by low or, indeed, high boiler pressure.
What to check:
- The pressure gauge on most residential boilers should read between 1 and 2 bar.
- Too low a pressure could prevent heating.
- High pressure can cause damage to components.
If you keep experiencing dips and spikes in your water pressure, it’s a cue to call the professionals. Aire One Barrie can diagnose leaks, faulty valves, or problems with your expansion tank before they lead to failure.
3. Protect Pipes from Freezing
Frozen pipes are a significant problem during Barrie deep freezes and can freeze your boiler in an instant.
How to prevent frozen pipes:
- Insulate bare pipes in basements, garages, and crawl spaces
- Open the doors of cabinets to let warmth in and out.
- Keep the same temperature inside, day and night
- For extreme cold, never turn off the heat entirely
If pipes freeze, shut off the boiler and call a professional right away to minimize the risk of bursting and water damage.
4. Bleed Radiators to Improve Heat Flow
If you have baseboards in your home, trapped air can keep heat from circulating, making your boiler work harder.
Signs radiators need bleeding:
- Cold spots at the upper part of the radiator
- Gurgling or banging noises
- Uneven heating throughout your home
Bleeding the radiators will make your system more efficient, reduce strain on your boiler, and help ensure even warmth during a cold snap.
5. Pay Attention to Warning Signs
Your boiler has plenty of warning signs before it breaks down.
Watch for:
- Strange sounds (banging, whistling, or grinding)
- Inconsistent heating or slow warm-up
- Rising energy bills
- Error codes or warning lights
- Frequent system resets
A small leak left alone can result in a frigid midnight emergency repair callout. If you get a feeling that something is not right, Aire One Barrie suggests not ignoring it.
Trust Aire One Barrie for Reliable Boiler Service
At Aire One Barrie, we realize how vital an operational boiler is during the cold season in Ontario. Our experienced technicians provide:
- Preventative boiler maintenance
- Fast, reliable boiler repairs
- Emergency heating services
- Barrie home Professional advice for yourc
Whether you need help gearing up for winter or just emergency boiler support in the event of an unseasonable cold snap, we have your back.
Schedule Your Boiler Maintenance Today
Don’t get caught with a broken boiler this winter. Get in touch with Aire One Barrie now to book your professional boiler maintenance or repair and have peace of mind all winter.
Stay warm. Stay safe. Trust Aire One Barrie.
