Lochinvar maintenance varies significantly by product family. Combi boilers and condensing commercial need annual contractor service for warranty. SQUIRE indirect tanks and AWHP heat pumps need much less.
NOBLE / KNIGHT Combi Boilers
- Monthly: visual check on system pressure gauge (12-15 PSI cold)
- Quarterly: check condensate trap drainage; listen for unusual blower noise
- Annually (contractor): full annual service per annual service guide — heat exchanger brushing, combustion analysis, condensate trap, plate exchanger inspection
- Every 2-4 years (depending on water hardness): DHW plate exchanger descaling
- Every 5-8 years: ignition components inspection (electrode, flame sensor); replace if eroded
SQUIRE Indirect-Fired Tanks
Standard glass-lined (SIT)
- Annually: visual inspection of fittings, drain pan, T&P valve. Manual T&P test (lift lever, should discharge and stop)
- Every 4-5 years: anode rod inspection and replacement if >50% consumed
- Annual flush in hard water; every 2-3 years in soft water
- Aquastat verification: check setpoint and function at every annual boiler service
Stainless steel (SSU)
- Annually: same fitting and T&P inspection
- No anode rod — stainless tank doesn\'t need it
- Flush every 2-3 years regardless of hardness — sediment can still accumulate
- Coil inspection at 10+ years — pull aquastat and inspect for boiler-side scale
AWHP Heat Pump
- Monthly: vacuum air filter; visual condensate drain check
- Quarterly: wipe condensate pan; verify drain flow
- Annually: coil cleaning with foaming HVAC coil cleaner; mode review (Hybrid vs Heat Pump Only)
- Every 4-5 years: anode rod inspection (AWHP has standard anode); replace if needed
- Annual flush in hard water
EnergyRite Commercial
- Quarterly: burner visual; pilot inspection; vent inspection from outside (chimney clear)
- Semi-annually: tank flush (commercial use deposits sediment faster than residential)
- Annually (contractor): burner cleaning, combustion analysis (gas adjustment if drift), gas pressure verification, T&P valve test, anode rod inspection
- Every 3-5 years: commercial anode replacement; flush valve service
ARMOR Condensing Commercial
- Same as residential combi annual service but at commercial scale
- Annually (contractor): heat exchanger brushing, condensate neutralizer media replacement, combustion analysis, sensor verification, plate exchanger descaling if applicable, gas pressure
- Quarterly visual by facility maintenance — check vent termination, condensate drain, fault history on display
Maintenance log requirements
Keep a service log for warranty purposes:
- Date of service
- Contractor name and license number
- Tasks performed (use manufacturer service checklist)
- Combustion analyzer printout (combi and condensing commercial)
- Photos of any major findings
Bottom line
Combi and commercial condensing: annual contractor service is mandatory. Indirect tanks: basic maintenance at boiler service visits. Heat pump: filter and condensate are homeowner-level; annual coil clean recommended. Skipping maintenance on combi or commercial is the #1 cause of premature heat exchanger failure.