Keeping your boiler running smoothly keeps the house warm and helps cut the expense of money and energy at the same time. Boilers, in particular, are the centre for house heating during cold-weather periods. And maintaining these facilities serves to make them function efficiently for several decades.
Simple ways of preventing energy waste, avoiding sudden breakdowns, and extending the life of your boiler are available. Many households would get the opportunity to get a new energy-efficient boiler fitted for free under the ECO4 free boiler grants.
In this blog, we are going to take you through some very useful tips on how you can effectively operate and maintain your boiler.
- Have Your Boiler Serviced Every Year
Probably the most important thing you can do for your boiler is to have it serviced annually by a gas-safe engineer. This will keep it at peak performance, preventing breakdowns, and keep it within the manufacturer’s warranty, too.
The engineer will check all features of the system to ensure everything is safe and in good operating condition. Small problems that are detected early can be fixed before they become big, expensive issues.
- Bleed Your Radiators Annually
If your radiators aren’t heating up properly or are cold in spots, then some air may have been trapped inside them. Bleeding them releases the air trapped inside them and thereby increases their efficiency. This helps the boiler not to overwork beyond its capacity to warm your house.
You can bleed a bleeding radiator using a radiator bleed key from most hardware stores. Gently turn the valve to release the trapped air. You’ll hear a hissing sound of air leaving the radiator. Close it again once the water starts weighing the valve.
- Check the Boiler Pressure
Your boiler needs the right pressure to circulate the hot water around your pipes and radiators. Check the pressure gauge on your boiler, making sure it’s in the green zone. This is usually between 1 and 2 bars, depending on the user manual.
Generally speaking, if you find the pressure is too low or too high, you can often adjust it yourself. Just make sure that you do it correctly and safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Using a Central Heating Inhibitor
Over time, dirt, rust, and limescale build up in your radiators and pipes. These blockages make the boiler work much harder than it should. A central heating inhibitor is a chemical treatment that breaks down those nasties before they become sludge.
Added to your central heating system, this treatment will not only add to its efficiency but also save you from its costlier alternative further down the line. It’s the small step that does quite a bit for the boiler and radiators.
- Install a Magnetic Filter
A magnetic filter is a useful device that is installed on your heating system pipes. Inside your pipes, over time, sludge will build up made from rust, dirt, and debris. This can reduce your boiler’s efficiency and its life span. The sludge is caught in service by powerful magnets in a magnetic filter. This prevents it from passing into your boiler and causing damage.
- Power Flush Your System
If you take relatively good care of your boiler and use central heating inhibitors more or less regularly, you may not need to seek a power flush soon. On the other hand, if you have neglected your system during all those years, sludge buildup is more likely. And a power flush would help.
It will involve the task of a specialist machinery that cleans all the debris and sludge in your system. Thereby restoring it to its best working order. On average, one power flush should be done every five to six years. It really does keep everything efficiently running. A few signs indicating the need for one: reduced heating performance, cold spots in radiators, or a noisy boiler.
- Check the Boiler Flame is Blue
Your boiler’s flame should always burn bright blue. In other words, this means that a blue flame signifies the boiler is operating safely and efficiently. If you notice the flame turning orange or yellow, that is a sign of a problem and possibly even a carbon monoxide leak. In this case, just turn off the boiler and immediately contact a Gas Safe engineer to inspect and resolve any issues.
- Run Your Boiler During Summer
It’s tempting, but avoiding your boiler during these warmer months can actually cause problems. Inactivity can cause blockages or mechanical issues inside. So, this makes it less reliable once you do need it in winter.
The other thing to keep it running properly is to turn on your boiler for a little while, at least once a month during summer. This keeps the system active and prevents components from seizing up, saving you from costly breakdowns later on.
- Insulate Your Pipes
Frozen pipes during colder months are an issue many have to put up with. But this may turn into more serious problems if the pipe were to burst upon thawing. Insulate your pipes. It is an easy DIY fix that can really make quite a difference.
Lagging, or, as some say, pipe insulation, is a great way of helping the heat in and cold out. This would mainly apply in the areas of a home, such as the loft or garage. This is done to protect you from huge amounts of costly repairs and damages. Thus, it would keep your system running a little smoother. Well, it’s worth investing a little to make sure there is peace of mind and protection during winter.
- Ensure the Boiler is Well Ventilated
Your boiler requires plenty of space to work correctly. If it’s in a cupboard or surrounded by clutter, there has to be a distance of at least 700 mm between the boiler and the obstruction. That includes walls and items stored in the area.
Proper ventilation keeps your boiler working in a safe environment, reducing overheating. Moreover, a clear space makes it quite easier to spot any issue that may need attention.
- Watch Out for Warning Signs
In a few words, keeping an eye out for warning signs helps catch small problems before they become huge ones. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Leaking or dripping pipes
- Pilot light extinguished
- Whistling or banging sounds
- The boiler turns itself off
These can often be resolved by calling in a boiler repair service. However, if you ever get the smell of gas or begin to feel unwell for no apparent reason, it is time to leave the house immediately and contact emergency services. This could be a carbon monoxide leak, which is quite serious and requires immediate attention.
The Bottom Line
These maintenance tips would ensure your boiler works efficiently and safely and can stand the test of time. Regular checks and proactive care will not only ensure longevity for your system but also save you money meant for repairs and energy bills. Stay aware, keep your boiler in good shape, and when needed, seek professional help.
