Water Boiler Temperature settings and circulator

Are there any model numbers on the Honeywell control?

If you can take pictures, it will help us help you. Free account at

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What you are describing is a 'triple aquastat', and it's probably an 8124 ? (is there a model number on it?)

The fact that you have a 'triple' leads me to ask:

Do you heat your domestic hot water with the boiler? or do you have a separate water heater?

The HIGH setting on your aquastat is the HIGH LIMIT control, and is the highest temp that the boiler will heat water to during a call for heat.

The LOW setting is the temperature that the boiler will keep itself warm at. This keeping warm is normally used for domestic hot water production.

The DIFF setting works ONLY with the LOW setting, and 20-25 is a good number for that.

Normally, the HIGH is going to be 180°F.

The LOW is 'usually' around 140-150 IF and only if you are heating your domestic water with the boiler. If you are not, then you have two choices. Either turn the LOW all the way down, (leave the DIFF at 20-25), OR change the aquastat to a different model that has only the HIGH setting.

What type of heat emitters are in the home? i.e. fin-tube baseboard, in-floor radiant, cast iron radiators, etc.

Before reading what I wrote below, note that I just re-read your first posting, and realize that you may not be describing what I initially thought you were. So, below the line may be all wrong. But the questions that I asked may still be valid, so answers would probably help.Are there any model numbers on the Honeywell control?If you can take pictures, it will help us help you. Free account at Image hosting, free photo sharing & video sharing at Photobucket , upload the pics there, place a link here for us to view the pics.----------the line----------------------------What you are describing is a 'triple aquastat', and it's probably an 8124 ? (is there a model number on it?)The fact that you have a 'triple' leads me to ask:Do you heat your domestic hot water with the boiler? or do you have a separate water heater?The HIGH setting on your aquastat is the HIGH LIMIT control, and is the highest temp that the boiler will heat water to during a call for heat.The LOW setting is the temperature that the boiler will keep itself warm at. This keeping warm is normally used for domestic hot water production.The DIFF setting works ONLY with the LOW setting, and 20-25 is a good number for that.Normally, the HIGH is going to be 180°F.The LOW is 'usually' around 140-150 IF and only if you are heating your domestic water with the boiler. If you are not, then you have two choices. Either turn the LOW all the way down, (leave the DIFF at 20-25), OR change the aquastat to a different model that has only the HIGH setting.What type of heat emitters are in the home? i.e. fin-tube baseboard, in-floor radiant, cast iron radiators, etc.

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Too much pressure in your boiler can lead to expensive repairs. Here’s what you need to know about managing boiler pressure.

Boilers can confuse those who aren’t used to them.

They often have more fiddly bits than you’d find with a different type of heater. There’s even a pressure gauge, and runaway boilers are almost a film fixture.

If you know what pressure your boiler needs to run, you’ll better understand if you have issues. So here’s a quick guide to boiler pressure.

Ideal Boiler Pressures

Your boiler can either go too low or too high on the pressure scale. Both can cause your boiler to not function properly and to shut down.

To find the optimal pressures, consult the manual that came with your boiler.

But if that’s lost, most boilers are so similar the pressure differential between them is relatively minor. In any event, the usual cold pressure of a boiler should sit at about 12psi (pounds per square inch).

Most pressure gauges display different-colored zones. If the needle sits much outside the green zone, particularly on the high side, you have a problem.

Pressure Change Range

Pressure will change when the unit fires up the heat. In most cases, it should rise to about 20 psi while its heating element operates.

That’s optimal at normal temperatures. Pressure changes of a few psi one way or the other can be brought about by atmospheric conditions.

Most boilers are safe up to around 30 psi, at which point seals can begin to fail. Modern boilers aren’t nearly as dangerous as early steam engines , but you can still damage them and require costly repairs.

Provided your boiler stays in the 12-30 psi range, you’re in no real danger. But take a closer look if you bump up against the higher end of that range.

PSI Range Exceptions

There are exceptions to the generally accepted pressure ranges if you live in a multi-story home. A two- or three-story home needs to run slightly higher at 15 or so psi for two floors while an 18 psi is required for three.

That’s why keeping equipment manuals is so important. Failing that, a professional can determine the optimal range of your boiler by its model number.

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For apartment buildings and other vertical applications, higher initial boiler pressures are required. But since the average person is unlikely to run into a commercial boiler, its pressure issues are always handled by professionals.

Immediate Action

While the occasional boiler explosion still occurs, modern boilers are remarkably good at not unleashing steam and shrapnel because pressures went a bit high.

For the most part, act quickly. Chances are you’re not in immediate danger. But it’s no harm to turn the system off until repairs are made. That’s less to avoid an explosion and more to limit further damage.

High-Pressure Shutdowns

High pressure can result from the boiler temperature being set too high. Higher pressures generally cause automatic shutdowns.

Modern boilers have built-in pressure release valves. These generally trip at 30 psi and release excess steam to bring the pressure back to normal.

It’ll also kick off the power to your boiler.

That can range from “inconvenient” to “aggravation” based on the time of year and your local climate. If yours goes off because of high pressure, power it down until a professional sees it.

On the other hand, if you’re in a normal temperature range but still have problems with exceptionally high pressures you’ll need to pick up the phone.

Low Pressure Issues

Low pressure will cause a boiler to have trouble reaching the right temperature. Ideally, the system will refill itself to 12 psi, but you can do it manually if the pump is down. That will keep the boiler operating until a technician arrives.

Low pressures are usually handled by repressurizing the boiler. You may still need an eventual fix, but the pump’s likely not working and you can buy some time with the simple procedure.

Professional Assistance

It’s important to know how your boiler pressure affects your system. The whole thing can seem complex, but what’s important thing is to make sure the gauge needle remains in the green.

Like all equipment, boilers eventually run into problems you’re not going to be able to repair at home. If you have trouble with any part of your boiler system, it might be best to call a pro.

Call (402) 731-2727 to set up an inspection today.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Home Hot Water Boiler.