A smoothly functioning boiler efficiently heats water and circulates it throughout your house. When it works well, your room will be comfortable. But, have you noticed issues like cold spots and strange noises? It indicates the presence of trapped air inside the heating unit. In other words, the automatic air vent has started malfunctioning, causing a decline in performance. So, what are the common signs of replacing an automatic air vent of your boiler? You have to spot the issues early and replace the damaged part.
Reasons for using an automatic air vent for a boiler
AAVs for your boiler provide a range of benefits-
- Air pockets prevent proper circulation of hot water, causing inadequate heating. With a well-designed AAV, you can avoid this boiler issue.
- Trapped air causes strange sounds in pipes that can be controlled with AAV.
- The vent eliminates airlocks and promotes consistency in heat production.
- Air can cause metal parts to corrode and lead to premature failure. So, avoid corrosion issues with a properly functioning AAV.
- Another function of AAV is the continuous release of the accumulated air.
Top signs your boiler needs a new automatic air vent
An air vent is a small component that facilitates the release of excess air from the system. However, the problem arises when the unit fails to work. Check the signs that indicate the need for replacing the automatic air vent.
Gurgling noise
When you run the boiler, you may hear an odd noise coming from it. Hissing and bubbling sounds indicate accumulated air passing through the system.
However, a normal functioning air vent silently releases the air. Thus, noise is a clear indicator of a functional issue with the component.
Cold spots
Touch the top of the radiator to know if it feels cold. But, you may find the bottom warm to the touch. These are signs of trapped air that prevent a consistent distribution of air.
You can temporarily fix the manual bleeding problems. In contrast, recurring cold spots indicate a serious problem in your automatic air vent. Replace the component to promote the release of air.
Inconsistent boiler pressure
The rise or fall in boiler pressure occurs due to air buildup. You will find pressure accumulating over time. Pay attention to the pressure gauge to determine the underlying issue with the boiler automatic air vent.
Radiators need frequent bleeding
Do you need to bleed the radiators frequently? This is a sign of severe issue with the automatic air vents, which fail to manage the task. A worn-out or blocked vent means radiators need regular bleeding.
Low heating efficiency
Your boiler needs to work harder when air obstructs water flow. It can result in-
- Higher energy bills
- Longer warm-up times
- Uneven heating
In other words, a faulty air vent silently drains your boiler’s efficiency.
Visible corrosion and leaks
When the internal float mechanism fails, water starts dripping from the air vent. You will notice moisture signs near the vent. Do not overlook this issue to avoid further damage to your heating unit.
Besides, mineral crust or corrosion signs can be noticed around the air vent. In most cases, continuous water leakage leads to corrosion problems.
Boiler lockouts
Many modern boilers automatically get turned off when they detect pressure or circulation issues. They also show error codes related to the flow or pressure. These signs indicate the trace of trapped air in the automatic air vent.
How to choose a new automatic air vent for your boiler
Before buying a new air vent for a boiler, focus on a few important factors.
- System type- Do you have a steam-based or a closed-loop hydronic system? Select the vent based on the type of boiler.
- Connection and size- The pipe thread and size are crucial factors in purchasing an air vent.
- Location- For most boilers, the vent is located at the highest point where it collects air.
- Material quality- Stainless steel and brass are the best materials for sediment-prone systems. In contrast, plastics cannot manage high heat efficiently.
- Float dimension- Larger floats can easily open the valve and are perfect for boilers with glycol.
- Ease of cleaning- Choose ones that can be disassembled to remove clogs.
Conclusion
An automatic air vent is a small unit, but its function allows the boiler to run smoothly. Like other components, this part shows warning signs after a certain period. Defects in the air vent can cause higher energy costs and reduced comfort. So, replace the component without delay and feel comfortable year-round.
