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Troubleshooting
5 Troubleshooting
28 of 36
When troubleshooting any heating system, it is always a good idea to
establish a set routine to follow. By following a consistent routine, many
hours of potential headaches can be avoided. Below is an example of a
sequence that can be used when diagnosing or troubleshooting problems
in a hydronic heating system.
Establish the problem. Get as much information from the customer as
possible about the problem. Is there too much heat, not enough heat, or
no heat? Is the problem only in one particular zone or area of the building
or does the problem affect the entire system? Is this a consistent problem
or only intermittent? How long has the problem existed? This information
is critical in diagnosing the problem.
Understand the sequence of operation of the system. If a particular zone
is not receiving enough heat, which circulators or valves in the system
must operate in order to deliver heat to the affected zone? If the zone
is receiving too much heat, which pumps, valves, or check valves must
operate in order to stop the delivery of heat?
Press the Test button on the control and follow the control through the
test sequence as described in the Testing section. Pause the control as
necessary to ensure that the correct device is operating as it should.
Sketch the piping of the system. This is a relatively simple step that
tends to be overlooked; however, it can often save hours of time in
troubleshooting a system. Note flow directions in the system paying close
attention to the location of circulator pumps, check valves, pressure
bypass valves, and mixing valves. Ensure correct flow direction on all
circulator pumps. This is also a very useful step if additional assistance is
required.
Document the control for future reference. Before making any
adjustments to the control, note all of the items that the control is
currently displaying. This includes items such as error messages, current
temperatures and settings, and which devices should be operating as
indicated by the LCD. This information is an essential step if additional
assistance is required to diagnose the problem.
Isolate the problem between the control and the system. Now that the
sequence of operation is known and the system is sketched, is the
control operating the proper circulator pumps and valves at the correct
times? Is the control receiving the correct signals from the system as to
when it should be operating? Are the proper items selected in the menus
of the control for the device that is to be operated?
IM-HC 561174 1120 Basic Heating Control
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