21/09/2022
We thought we would share with you 8 simple boiler maintenance tips for you to consider, especially coming up to the winter months, these are simple checks you can carry out and think about to help make sure your boiler is working as efficiently as possible before the cold months hit…
1. Boiler servicing
All boiler manufacturers strongly advise this annually as it helps to keep your boiler working as efficiently and safe as possible, it be a preventative for breakdowns, maximise its lifespan, keep heating bills lower and secures its protection of the manufacturer's warranty. Please note: boiler service MUST be carried out by a Gas safe registered engineer.
2. Boiler pressure
Checking the boiler pressure is something you are able to do yourself. The boiler pressure allows the circulation of hot water around the pipes and radiators in your home, therefore for this to be working efficiently, the boiler needs to be set at the right pressure. This is very easy to check - just look at the pressure gauge and check its working at the correct level according to the manufacture’s instructions, which, this tends to be between 1 & 2 bar. If for some reason the boiler pressure isn’t correct if you give us a call, we can arrange for one of our engineers to advise you on what to do next.
3. Bleeding your radiators
Bleeding the radiators is simply releasing the built-up air. Over time air can build up and become trapped in your radiators creating air pockets, this can prevent the radiators from heating up fully and may create potential cold patches. Bleeding the radiators, should be a very quick and easy job. To bleed the radiator, use the key or a flat screwdriver and turn anticlockwise to open the bleed valve, and clockwise to close the valve. Remember to hold an old cloth or jug under the bleed valve to catch any escaping water. Most radiators are very easy to bleed however, if you’re having any trouble feel free to contact us. Please do not forget to top your system pressure up after bleeding (if required).
4. Balance the radiators
If the radiators which are furthest away from the boiler are cooler than those near the boiler this is an indicator that they may need to be balanced. Balancing radiators is not as straightforward as bleeding them therefore one of our engineers will need to attend. Balancing radiators helps the system to heat more evenly throughout the home allowing heating to be more efficient. Please contact us for more information.
5. Boiler ventilation
Boilers require plenty of space so that they are well ventilated, be sure to check where the boiler is housed isn't too cluttered, for example: Coats are not hung over it or towels stacked up against it. Boilers can be housed in a cupboard as long as there is a minimum gap as per manufacturers instructions.
6. Dripping from the external pipe
The external pipe from the boiler is called the overflow pipe, if you notice it is dripping water this may suggest that the boiler is not operating properly and the pressure release valve may need attention.
7. Lag your pipes
Before the freezing weather of winter, it's a good to lag your external pipes. It's really easy and cheap to do as you can buy ready-to-use lagging from a DIY shop. The lagging prevents the pipes from freezing in the winter months which could save you the hassle and expense of a boiler breakdown when you need your heating most of all.
8. Never try to repair a gas boiler yourself
If you think your gas boiler may need a repair, please feel free contact us as soon as you discover the fault. We can then advise and arrange for an engineer to attend and fix the fault quickly if necessary! Gas pipes and appliances can be very dangerous if not handled correctly which can have lethal consequences including fires, explosions, and carbon monoxide poisoning, therefore please do not try to fix it yourself! Only allow a gas safe registered engineer to attend the issue.
