Concerns: The Swansons of Glenview were worried about the safety of their son in his new basement bedroom; particularly the the carbon monoxide levels of the water heater and boiler. Before cleaning the thirty-year old boiler, I used a combustion gas analyzer to calculate system efficiency.
Black & grey spots on dirty boiler indicates serious problem
Investigation: The combustion gas analyzer also calculates carbon monoxide levels. It determined that the efficiency was less than 50% and the boiler was producing unsafe levels of carbon monoxide, almost 1000 parts per million (maximum safe level is 400 parts per million). If there ever was a problem with the chimney drafting improperly, the current carbon monoxide level could poison a person in a matter of hours.
Solutions: I installed a safety switch on the water heater that would shut it down if the gases didn’t vent. I cleaned and calibrated the boiler and retested it with the combustion gas analyzer. It calculated that the efficiency is 75% (very good for a thirty year old boiler) and the carbon monoxide level is down to 5 parts per million.
Benefits: The Swanson’s are confident that their water heater and boiler will not give their son (or them) carbon monoxide poisoning. The improved boiler efficiency will lower their gas bills.
“I hired Tom Kenna from Kenna Heat Cool Solutions to review my existing boiler and hot water heating system. We discussed my concerns about efficiency and the safety of my 30-year old equipment. After completing a complete diagnostic, I was given a computer printout that proved how inefficiently my equipment was operating. Once Tom made several adjustments and performed a thorough cleaning, another diagnostic test was run, and I was pleased with such a great increase in efficiency. Also, his solutions to address my safety concerns were completed through various electrical interlocking devices, which has put my mind at ease. I will continue to have Tom maintain my equipment to assure many more years of operation and highly recommend his services.” Bob Swanson, March 27, 2013
