Your boiler is an important home appliance that needs to function properly to keep your family warm as the temperature heads south. Caring for your boiler ensures maximum efficiency and prevents wastage of energy. Here are four tips that will help you keep your boiler running well year on year and also control your energy and repair bills.
Don’t miss the yearly service
Nick Presley from First4Plumbing.co.uk says that because we are so dependent on the heat and the hot water we get from our boilers, they should be serviced regularly to ensure there are no problems. To keep your boiler in top shape and prevent expensive repairs, have it serviced at least once every year.
A qualified engineer will not only give the machine a thorough cleaning, but they should also be able to examine the boiler for efficiency, identify any worn parts and foresee potential issues that could stall the boiler. Timely inspection at the onset of autumn will ensure your boiler performs trouble-free until the end of winter.
Keep an eye out for common radiator problems
When you first use your boiler, you may notice some issues with the radiators. For example, if the radiator valve has been inadvertently painted, you may have trouble turning it. Another common issue is the radiator heating up partially only at the top or the bottom. This could be caused by air trapped in the radiator or sludge that has accumulated in the machine over time. Both of these problems can be easily fixed by a technician.
If the radiator does not heat up at all and you can’t figure why it’s best to call an engineer to avoid an accident or damage to the boiler.
Ensure proper pressure levels and check the overflow pipe
As the boiler starts running, keep an eye on the pressure gauge to ensure the right pressure levels. Low pressure should be corrected with a refill, which is best left to an expert if you’ve never done it before. This is because incorrect refilling can damage the boiler’s pressure release valve.
In addition, go outside your building and examine the overflow pipe for dripping water, which is a sign that one of the boiler components, usually the pressure release valve, is not working properly. Don’t ignore this problem or it could further damage the boiler.
Inspect the boiler for proper ventilation
Boilers need proper ventilation to function effectively. If your boiler is placed in a small space surrounded by household items, make room by decluttering the space around the boiler. Without adequate ventilation, your boiler is at risk of malfunction or total breakdown, which can be costly to fix and a big inconvenience in the middle of winter.
Like any other machine, your boiler needs regular care to work efficiently without needing component replacement or repairs. If there is a problem, resist the urge to repair your boiler on your own. Call for a registered and qualified engineer to fix the problem, particularly if you have young children at home.