Why does a gas boiler often turn on and off: causes of malfunctions and ways to eliminate them

As cold weather approaches, people become dependent on heating systems. After all, heat, or rather, its absence, significantly affects the comfort of living and even the state of health. And when, instead of enjoying the comfort, you have to deal with why the gas boiler often turns off and on, this causes a lot of negativity. Isn't that right?

But it is possible to solve the problem that has arisen quickly and without significant financial costs. And in some situations, the user himself will be able to restore the equipment to working capacity.

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. Because for this, according to Art. 9.23 Code of Administrative Offenses 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 solved by specialists from companies with which the gas consumer agreement signed. 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.

Reasons for frequent boiler switching on/off

If a gas boiler is unstable, there must be a reason for this. And repairs must always begin with its identification. To do this you need to call a specialist.

But in some cases, you will be able to identify the cause yourself, since there is nothing fantastic in identifying a malfunction. Most of them have external manifestations, which means that it is possible to identify the problem visually. That is, all you need to do is inspect the gas boiler and the equipment working with it.

Modern gas boilers are structurally complex equipment, so there are many reasons for turning them on/off unnaturally often. But most of them are typical, which helps to quickly identify and eliminate almost any malfunction

You should understand that there are quite a few types of gas boiler breakdowns, but they are all divided into just a few categories. Which greatly simplifies the task.

Types of failure include:

• clocking;
• failures, breakdowns of automation;
• low gas pressure;
• incorrect operation of ventilation and smoke removal systems;
• unstable operation of the electrical network.

And then we will go into detail about how the listed reasons are identified and eliminated.

Reason #1 - clocking

Frequent switching on of a gas boiler is a classic sign of its excessive power, the reserve of which is much higher than necessary. And the more overkill, the more often startup/shutdown cycles occur.

Reasons that lead to clocking:

• incorrect settings of the boiler electronics;
• improper installation and operation of radiators. For example, malfunctions are caused by narrowing of channels, their clogging, kinks, distortions, which lead to a decrease in efficiency. The negative consequences of shortcomings can only be mitigated by eliminating them;
• error when determining the power of a gas boiler upon purchase.

If a frequent on/off sequence is detected. The first thing to do is to make adjustments to the boiler operating mode. You can do this yourself in a matter of minutes, since all you need to do is go to the service menu of the unit and reduce its power.

This is possible because modern boilers have a minimum and maximum specified value, as well as an operating range.

The clocking of a gas boiler, which is caused by incorrect settings, is one of those causes of unstable operation that can be eliminated by the user himself. Why do you need to find out the access code (from the seller, in a specialized service) to the service menu and, after entering there, use the “minus” and “plus” buttons to set the optimal power value

But it should be understood that the described adjustment of the power of gas heating equipment is mostly fine tuning. Therefore, it can change the specified characteristic by only a few percent (usually within 3-8%). And such figures indicate that when exceeding boiler power values a higher value will make the setting useless.

The cause of this problem is the wrong choice of equipment. This happens when unprepared buyers pay attention to anything, including the power of a gas boiler, which is considered the main indicator, but forget to compare it with the total thermal power of the radiators.

Clock is a problem that is extremely easy to identify, since the on/off cycle is regular and frequent. but it won’t bring much joy. And the reason is that instability is often caused by gross errors in determining the operating characteristics of heating equipment. The situation is aggravated by the fact that the causes must be eliminated quickly, since increased wear of the equipment occurs during clocking. In addition, unsteady operating conditions lead to increased gas consumption, for which you have to pay

And when there is a significant difference between the two indicated indicators, significant problems begin.

Which can be solved:

1. Boiler replacement.
2. Increasing the thermal power of radiators. For example, by increasing their number.

An important feature of clocking due to a significant difference in power indicators occurs only immediately after purchasing and starting a gas unit or replacing radiators.

If such procedures have not been carried out, then you should look for another cause of the malfunction.

Reason No. 2 - automation breakdowns

In this case, human factor or wear and tear of individual elements leads to problems. Often these problems arise due to poor quality commissioning work. For example, this is exactly what happens when the installation of a circulation pump into the system. As a result, the circulation of the coolant becomes unstable, as a result of which the liquid in the heat exchanger will overheat.

This will become a signal for the automation to turn off the boiler, which can be repeated with varying frequencies. At the same time, most of the coolant remains insufficiently warm.

In this case, you most likely cannot do without a master. But initially, if normal ignition occurs followed by a quick shutdown, but the water in the system is not warm enough, then you can try to start the pump yourself, since it may not work correctly not only due to breakdown, but also if air locks occur, and simply due to jamming.

Oddly enough, the human factor often leads to failures and breakdowns of electronics. For example, an impractical approach on the part of buyers, their desire to save on quality and equipment.As well as negligence and low level of training of the performers who installed and adjusted the boiler or the equipment working with it

To do this, arm yourself with a screwdriver and unscrew the special screw on the unit body. As a result, the system will de-air itself. If this does not help, then use the same screwdriver to carefully turn the blades. If the outcome is positive, the pump’s functionality will be restored.

If the above procedures do not help, then you should definitely call a specialist.

Often the reason for the unnaturally frequent switching on of a gas boiler is a breakdown or absence of an external temperature sensor. As a result, the boiler automation is guided by a similar coolant indicator, which can make the operation of the entire system less stable and more costly.

U turbocharged boilers Fan problems often occur. Which is associated with wear and tear of rubbing structural elements, their breakdowns, and clogging of air channels. As a result, there is a lack of oxygen for gas combustion, which leads to flame extinction. After this, the automation turns off the boiler, but since it remains conditionally serviceable, starts will be repeated, as well as shutdowns.

Reason #3 - low gas pressure

Perhaps this is the most dangerous reason for the unstable operation of a gas boiler. Its essence is that low gas pressure not only provokes frequent boiler shutdowns, but is often accompanied by a leak of this fuel, which can cause an explosion or fire.

Low gas pressure is often the result of a gas leak, and this is dangerous. After all, even a 5 percent concentration of fuel in a room can lead to an explosion.Therefore, any gas consumer is obliged to know how to eliminate danger and use them to prevent consequences

You can verify that the cause of low pressure is a leak by a specific and unpleasant odor.

In this case, the operation of all gas equipment should be suspended until the problem is resolved, which should be done by a specialist.

You can identify the location of the leak yourself by using soap suds. The soap solution should be applied to the joints. Where the seal is broken, the soap solution will form bubbles.

In some cases, a decrease in gas pressure can occur without leakage. A similar thing happens when the meter breaks down or the filter gets clogged.

A reason such as a breakdown of the meter is usually easily identified, since hissing and extraneous sounds are emitted from its body, and the readings change jerkily.

Having identified a gas leak, each consumer is obliged to shut off the gas supply to the equipment. Open the windows and notify the Ministry of Emergency Situations or gas workers, which should be done only after leaving the premises. If necessary, it is necessary to organize evacuation. Until the danger is eliminated, the use of electrical appliances is prohibited, as they can cause an explosion.

However, carry out meter replacement you don't need to do it yourself. This can lead to unpleasant consequences, which may include a fine for unauthorized connection to gas pipelines (Art. 7.19 Code of Administrative Offenses). As a result, you will have to pay a fine, the amount of which can reach about 30 thousand rubles.

Reason No. 4 - incorrect ventilation operation

In this situation, problems with the operating mode of the gas boiler occur due to reasons such as chemical or mechanical underburning.

So, in the first case, not enough air is supplied to the boiler burner. It is not enough to burn gas. The situation is aggravated by the fact that a significant amount of soot is formed as a result of ineffective gas oxidation. Which covers all internal surfaces of the boiler.

In advanced cases, this leads to burner nozzles and pipe channels becoming clogged, resulting in attenuation.

In many cases, routine cleaning of surfaces from combustion products will help restore the boiler to working capacity. It is better to do this before the start of each heating season, or even several times throughout it.

At the same time, too much traction leads to mechanical underburning. The main sign of which is that the gas simply does not have time to burn. This causes the flame to die out and the locking system to activate.

The photo shows a structural element of the smoke removal system clogged with soot. In such a situation, combustion products cannot be effectively removed from the boiler combustion chamber. Therefore, a critical lack of air occurs and the flame begins to die out. What does the electronics react to by turning off the boiler?

Reducing the area of ​​the chimney will allow combustion to return to stability, which is done using a device such as gate. It is a damper installed in the outlet channel of the smoke removal system.

If the specified device is not provided or is faulty, then such a deficiency should be eliminated. And this is when using modern sandwich chimneys It's not difficult to do.

In difficult cases, it will be necessary to change the design of ventilation and smoke removal systems.

Difficult climatic conditions often lead to problems with gas combustion, and, consequently, with stability.

Which can be:

• strong wind;
• negative temperatures;
• precipitation.

So, in a strong wind, the draft can significantly deteriorate, which will lead to underburning and possible shutdown of the gas boiler.

At subzero temperatures, ice freezes on internal surfaces smoke removal systems, which leads to instability of traction or its complete absence. In this case, the negative consequences can be eliminated by removing ice.

What can be done:

• mechanically, that is, simply chipping off the resulting ice;
• heating the chimney duct. For example, using a disposable gas cylinder.

To reduce the consequences of ice freezing, you should not use a head (umbrella).

If an increased cycle of turning the boiler on/off is noticed, and ice is found on the chimney (as in the photo), then we can assume that the problem has been identified. Since the internal channel is usually in the same situation

Precipitation leads to a decrease in traction, as well as a decrease in its stability. Negative consequences in each of the listed cases eliminate themselves after the situation normalizes. But, you should remember that you can reduce the likelihood of their occurrence by changing the design of the smoke removal system. This is expensive, but will increase the safety of using gas equipment.

Often, attenuation occurs due to reverse thrust. The cause of which is improper ventilation of the room where the boiler is installed.

Namely:

• lack of special channels for air exchange at the bottom of the doors, throughout the entire building;
• tightness of the premises, which occurs thanks to the use of modern windows and doors.

And also the occurrence of reverse draft indicates excess draft in the smoke removal system.

All of the above leads to the fact that the resulting air flow simply extinguishes the flame, after which the automation turns off the boiler. After subsequent switching on, the situation may repeat due to the subsequent formation of reverse draft.

In this case, negative consequences can be eliminated by creating proper ventilation in the building, as well as by installing a deflector on the chimney.

Reason No. 5 - instability of the electrical network

Often the reason for the boiler turning off/on is a voltage drop in the electric current in the system. Since when the set critical values ​​are reached, the electronics will shut down the unit.

Instability in the electrical network is a frequent cause of incorrect cycling of gas boilers. And the worst thing is that it is difficult for an untrained user to identify the cause of the problem. At the same time, it should be remembered that problems with electricity often accumulate for a long time, but the longer this happens, the more negative the result can be

And when the voltage returns to normal, the automation will independently generate a command signal to resume heating. This is convenient, but can create additional problems.

The reason is that in many cases, users may not even realize that there is a breakdown for a long time. Or ignore it, since from the outside everything usually looks not as problematic as it really is.

After all, if there is an unstable voltage, the electronics may fail at any time. The repair is expensive, and in some cases it will not be possible to carry it out promptly due to the fact that you will have to wait for the delivery of the spare part.

In addition, all other electrical equipment located in the room is at risk of breakdown. And the most important thing is that such a malfunction as voltage surges is a direct threat to the life and health of users.

Therefore, the performance of the gas boiler must be monitored regularly. And if a problem is identified, immediately begin to fix it, and not talk about how often the gas boiler in use should be turned off. In this case, repairs must be carried out by a specialist.

In many cases, frequent switching on/off of the boiler indicates this. that the user is not paying enough attention to it. Thus, routine and periodic preventative maintenance, which is the main way to prevent problems, is not carried out or is carried out untimely.

It will help to avoid breakdown of the gas boiler due to voltage instability Voltage regulator.

It must be of adequate power and reliable. That is, you should not purchase a device that costs a penny, especially from an unknown manufacturer.

Conclusion and useful video on the topic

The video explains what clocking is, how such a negative phenomenon occurs, and also outlines ways to combat it:

The following video describes the situation with boiler attenuation in strong winds:

Frequent repetition of off/on cycles of any modern gas boiler directly indicates its unstable operation.And therefore, there is a malfunction or incorrect setting, which causes accelerated wear of the equipment. Therefore, having identified a problem, you should immediately begin to eliminate it.

Have you ever encountered interruptions in the operation of your gas boiler? What exactly was the problem you faced and how did you manage to overcome your situation? Please share your experience with our readers in the comments section.