As spring comes around and it begins to feel warmer, it can be easy to forget about your boiler. However, making time to check up on your boiler over the summer months will help you avoid any expensive breakdowns once you’re relying on your central heating to keep warm and cosy. Looking after your boiler doesn’t have to break your bank, either; knowing what signs to keep an eye out for will help you maintain your heating, with no issues.
Bleed your radiators regularly
One of the best things you can do for your boiler’s health is to bleed your radiators on a seasonal basis. This is a simple DIY job you should be able to carry out yourself, without any specialist equipment. Over time, build-up of dirt and sludge in your system can cause the air in your radiators to become trapped, meaning they won’t get fully hot, and might feel cold to the touch. Bleeding your radiators helps release the pressure caused by this build-up, keeping your radiators warm, and your boiler healthy.
Keep an eye on your boiler pressure
The majority of homeowners in the UK now own a combi-boiler, that takes water directly from the mains. The pressure of your combi boiler should be between 1 and 1.5, to ensure hot water can make its way around your radiators efficiently and effectively. Most modern boilers now have pressure gauges in plain sight, so you can easily tell if your boiler pressure is too low or high. Getting into the habit of checking your boiler pressure will help you avoid your hot water suddenly running out, or your radiators feeling cold.
Run your boiler monthly
The sun finally shining means you can turn your radiators off, and embrace the natural warmth. However, even on the hottest weeks, it’s still important to let your boiler run for a few minutes each month. As well as giving you an idea of how well your boiler is running, this keeps your central heating system ticking over, just in time for when you really need it.
Know how to spot the warning signs
When your heating isn’t running as often, it can be tricky to tell whether anything is wrong. However, even on days when you switch your boiler on for just a few minutes, try to keep an eye out for any unusual noises. If you can hear your pipes gurgling or rattling, it could be a sign that your boiler isn’t running to its full potential. Similarly, if you can feel cold spots on your radiators, or it seems as if there are different levels of heat coming from the radiators around your house, there might be an issue with how water travels around your pipes.
Consider your pipes
As well as checking up on your boiler itself, it’s also a good idea to pay attention to your central heating system as a whole. Both your internal and external heating pipes can cause considerable damage if they’re not looked after. To prevent your pipes from freezing or overheating, make sure the area around your boiler is kept free of clutter, and insulate any pipes that lead outside. This job is a cheap fix, too; you should be able to buy insulation inexpensively at your local DIY store.
Book in for annual servicing
It might seem like an unnecessary expense when your boiler’s running smoothly, but just as you’d book your car in for an MOT, it’s important to have your boiler serviced regularly. Rather than waiting for an issue to come up, annual servicing will give you peace of mind that when the cold nights do come back, you’ll be ready to snuggle up warm without any problems. Many boiler providers offer this service as part of their product, too, so you can plan your annual check-up easily and simply.
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored blog post.
