GOLD CGa Gas-Fired Water Boiler
28 Part Number 550-110-593/1099
Start-up — preparation6a

Determine if water treatment is needed

Verify water chemistry
Consult local water treatment companies for unusually hard water areas (above 7 grains
hardness) or low pH water conditions (below 7.0). Boiler water pH of 7.0 to 8.5 is recommended.

Check for gas leaks

Eliminate all system leaks. Continual fresh makeup water will reduce boiler life. Minerals can
build up in sections, reducing heat transfer, overheating cast iron, and causing section failure.
Do not use petroleum-based cleaning or sealing compounds in boiler system. Severe damage
to boiler will occur, resulting in substantial property damage.
Propane boilers only— Your propane supplier mixes an odorant with the propane to make
its presence detectable. In some instances, the odorant can fade and the gas may no longer have
an odor.
• Propane gas can accumulate at floor level. Smell near the floor for the gas odorant or any
unusual odor. If you suspect a leak, do not attempt to light the pilot.
• Use caution when attempting to light the propane pilot. This should be done by a qualified
service technician, particularly if pilot outages are common.
• Periodically check the odorant level of your gas.
• Inspect boiler and system at least yearly to make sure all gas piping is leak-tight.
• Consult your propane supplier regarding installation of a gas leak detector. There are some
products on the market intended for this purpose. Your supplier may be able to suggest an
appropriate device.
Before starting the boiler, and during initial operation, smell near the floor and around the
boiler for gas odorant or any unusual odor. Do not proceed with start-up if there is any indication
of a gas leak. Repair any leak at once.
Freeze protection (when used)
Use antifreeze made especially for hydronic systems. Inhibited propylene glycol is recommended.
Do not use ethylene glycol, automotive or undiluted antifreeze. Severe personal injury or
death can result.
1. Determine antifreeze quantityaccording to system water content. Boiler water content is
listed on page 67. Remember to include expansion tank water content.
2. Follow antifreeze manufacturer's instructions.
3. A 50% solution of propylene glycol/water provides maximum protection to about -30 °F.
4. Local codes may require back flow preventer or actual disconnect from city water supply.
5. When using antifreeze in a system with automatic fill, install a water meter to monitor
water makeup. Glycol will leak before the water begins to leak, causing glycol level to drop.
Added water will dilute the antifreeze, reducing the freeze protection level.