Boilers can be pesky appliances, especially when they’ve been left untouched for half the year. As autumn has well and truly arrived, now is the time to prioritise your boiler care. If you don’t, you risk your boiler breaking down at the peak of winter, right when you need it the most!
To give yourself peace of mind that your boiler will last the winter, here’s an easy-to-follow boiler care plan. Stick to it, and you don’t have to worry about any disasters like having no hot water on a cold winter evening.
If you think your boiler is too far gone for a boiler care plan though, why not opt for a new one? BOXT offer boiler replacement and installation across the UK – if you order your boiler before 3pm, you can even have it installed as soon as the next day!
Here are some top tips for looking after your boiler and keeping it healthy for winter.
1. Annual boiler service
The first place to start is making sure your boiler is booked in for an annual service. What does this involve? Your local engineer will take the cover off your boiler and check each-and-every aspect of your heating system, to identify any problems that may have cropped up over summer.
While some minor boiler issues can occasionally be resolved without professional assistance, regular boiler services are essential for identifying hidden problems early, preventing costly breakdowns, and maintaining safe, efficient operation. Routine servicing not only improves performance but also helps extend the lifespan of your boiler and provides peace of mind as colder weather approaches.
2. Pipe insulation
This next tip is easy to do yourself, and relatively cheap too! Head to your nearest DIY store to pick up some lagging to place around any exposed pipes. For those unsure about proper installation or looking for professional advice, services like those provided by Heatsafe Heating (visit their website at heatsafeheatingltd.co.uk) can help ensure your insulation is fitted effectively for maximum efficiency. This simple idea can prevent your pipes from freezing over in the height of winter and save you money by preventing heat from being lost as your water makes the journey to radiators or taps.
3. Boiler pressure
“Keeping an eye on your boiler pressure should be a key component of every boiler care plan. If too high or low, boiler pressure can wreak havoc for your heating system. Keep a lid on it though, and your boiler should last you many years.” Says the team from BoilerJuice US.
Check your pressure gauge regularly to make sure it displays a normal level. When your boiler is active it should display around 2 bars, and when turned off, 1 to 1.5 means there is nothing to worry about.
Your boiler needs pressure to function efficiently and heat your home. So, if your pressure is consistently too low, it will need re-pressurising. You can do this yourself using the filling loop that comes with your boiler or leave it to a trained engineer to be on the safe side.
If your pressure is too high, your radiators may need bleeding, or a valve may have come loose somewhere on your boiler. Either way, checking your boiler pressure every now and then is an easy enough job to do.
4. Test
Another step in your boiler care plan should be to test your boiler is functioning, before the cold creeps in. We’re all guilty of completely forgetting about our boiler altogether until we come to need it. This can, of course, present all kinds of problems.
Get into the routine of testing your boiler once a month by switching it on for short periods. This way, you can fix any pressing issues before winter comes around. Have a feel around your radiators whilst doing so – if there are any cold patches you will probably need to flush your system.
5. System flush
Finally, it’s a good idea to include a semi-regular system flush in your boiler care plan. Flushes get rid of all the gunk, grime, and sludge that builds up around the bottom of your radiators over time. Sludge can prevent hot water from flowing freely, making your system far less efficient and costing you serious money on energy bills. Book in for a full system flush around autumn time to make sure your heating system is all set to protect you from the elements!