Here we go: it's time to turn on the heating. And all in all, you do it with pleasure: it's nice to come home and find that comfortable warmth that makes you forget the stress of daily commitments.
But you can only fully relax if you have performed regular maintenance on your system. During winter operation, in fact, wear damage and lack of smoke control can compromise the functioning of domestic boilers, with the risk of serious consequences for people and increased energy bills.
If you're wondering how often to check your boiler's smoke emissions, we can tell you that it’s a good rule to have your boiler cleaned and inspected at the start of the winter season, so annually (but the deadline may vary depending on the manufacturer’s guidelines). And it's advisable that maintenance is carried out by specialized personnel.
Only a thorough inspection by qualified operators is a guarantee of safety and peace of mind throughout the winter.
Boiler smoke control: a necessary step to keep systems in good shape for a long time
A specific step that should not be underestimated is the analysis of the boiler combustion process. Proper combustion not only improves the system’s performance, but also preserves its longevity, reduces its environmental impact, brings savings on bills, and, of course, protects the health of building occupants.
Given the hazardous nature of the substances involved in heating systems, periodic combustion checks are a fundamental practice that should not be neglected to safeguard against gas leaks, malfunctions, or breakdowns.
Boiler smoke analysis: the blue sticker
We are talking about the famous blue sticker, the efficiency test carried out to ensure the boiler's correct emissions and to determine if any interventions are necessary.
Compared to ordinary maintenance, the periodicity of the blue sticker is determined based on the system's power (every two years for systems up to 35KW) and the type of fuel used (with more frequent checks required for solid or liquid fuel systems compared to their methane or LPG counterparts).
Combustion analysis monitors various values related to the system's gaseous emissions, including draft, incomplete combustion, and, crucially, concentrations of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide. The toxicity of the substances involved makes such operations particularly delicate.
Smoke analysis is part of the mandatory checks for boilers.
Who can perform the boiler smoke test?
To carry out the mandatory boiler smoke control, the intervention of a specialized technician is required.
For the operators and technicians responsible for the inspections, it is important to be equipped with the appropriate measurement tools. In the context of safety and efficiency checks of boiler combustion, tools that meet the technical requirements of UNI 10389-1, UNI10389-2, UNI 10845, UNI 7129, and UNI 11137/2 standards must be used for system testing.
Combustion analyzers are an essential tool for professionals as part of their equipment for boiler smoke control. They work by extracting gas samples from pipes to calculate combustion efficiency and quantify any toxic emissions.
Boiler smoke test, an innovative tool: BostonX
To facilitate technicians' operations and improve the reliability of checks, Tecnocontrol presents BostonX, the analyzer capable of assessing the efficiency of 26 different solid, liquid, and gaseous fuels, simplifying the storage and consultation of results thanks to smart connectivity options.
Along with ease and convenience of use, BostonX offers highly accurate readings that can be viewed in real-time on your smartphone and its large color display. With the native app, it's possible to save and monitor data, transmit measurements directly to the company, or print the results via Bluetooth or USB connection.
Lastly, the long-lasting and easily replaceable digital sensors ensure time savings and less maintenance.
BostonX can be used on thermal systems of any size and allows the pre-filling of Annexes 1 and 1B, reducing possible errors. It is equipped with a lithium battery that ensures an autonomy of 4 to 6 hours, allowing the device to work for an entire day without recharging issues.
With BostonX, you can also count on a 4-year warranty, along with an extremely fast and widespread support service. In case of problems, our support service can respond quickly by collecting and returning the item on the same day for repairs or inspections.
Winter 2024/2025 news: BostonX now also performs the tightness test
To offer technicians an even more comprehensive and efficient service, the new version of BostonX now allows the pressure gauge to directly perform the tightness test of the gas system powering the boiler: the internal sensor can calibrate the boiler valve through the methane pressure values that pass through it.
Whenever maintenance is carried out, leaks can occur. Therefore, it’s always necessary to check that the system is in good condition. With BostonX, the technician has everything they need for an immediate and safe check at hand. Just connect BostonX to the KP400 kit of fittings and accessories, available separately.
If you're looking for a professional combustion analyzer that can facilitate your daily work with reliable and precise measurements, BostonX is definitely the product for you. Discover here all its innovative features.
Treat yourself to warm moments of relaxation
From November 4 to December 31, with the purchase of a BostonX, receive a complimentary soft and warm blanket in velvety fleece and sherpa (440 g/m²) with an elegant two-tone design.
With BostonX, elevate your work quality and enjoy winter relaxation.
