DIY Boiler Cleaning

Home heating during the winter is important in cold climates. Boilers heat water with the use of oil, gas, coal, wood or pellets. The hot water or steam then heats your home. Without the proper maintenance your boiler won't work as effectively as it should which could lead to a breakdown in the middle of the winter. Cleaning your boiler yearly will keep it working well all winter long.

Things You'll Need

• Vacuum
• Brush
• Cloth
• Filter
• Paintbrush
• Screwdriver

Instructions

1. Turn off the boiler and allow it to cool. Turn off the gas if it is a gas-powered boiler. Open the service door.

2. Clean out the combustion chamber if it is a wood, pellet or coal boiler. Brush all of the ash and soot into the ash pan and dispose of it properly -- for example, bury it outside.

3. Change the oil filter if it is an oil-powered boiler.

4. Vacuum off the boiler's motor and wipe it with a cloth. Vacuum and wipe off the draft regulator with a cloth on both sides to clean it.

5. Clean the room around the boiler. Vacuum and dust the room and remove anything that could be blocking airflow around the boiler.

6. Remove the covers from the thermostats in the rooms and brush them with the paintbrush to remove any dust.

References

• "How Your House Works: A Visual Guide to Understanding & Maintaining Your Home"; Charlie Wing; 2007
• Michigan State University Extension; Maintaining Conventional Residential Oil-Fired Heating Systems; Greg Tuttle and Susan Mireley; July 1988