If your home is heated with a gas or oil fired boiler, it can be a major inconvenience when it breaks down. If it’s a very cold day, it won’t be long before the interior temperature of your home drops rapidly.
There are several reasons why boilers fail. The circulating pump is a common culprit. If this stops, the boiler will cycle on and off quickly but hot water will not circulate throughout your home. A safety mechanism in the boiler will prevent it from continually overheating the system; this is why you’ll hear the flame start and shut off.