Your boiler system is one of the most expensive investments that you make, so it is understandable that you would like to avoid replacing it for as long as possible. Regular maintenance is key to keeping your unit healthy and efficient in the long run. Remember, a faulty boiler is dangerous for you and your family.
Boiler Maintenance Tips
Here are our top some smart Boiler Repair maintenance tips that will save you both money and future headaches.
Annual boiler service
Getting your boiler serviced annually is the easiest and best way to increase its lifespan, prevent damages, and make sure it runs well. Professional servicing keeps the manufacturer’s warranty valid. A Gas Safe Registered engineer carries it out, checking that all components work properly.
Repressurise Your System
Once the boiler is running, check the pressure gauge to make sure it is within the manufacturer’s recommended values. Repressurise your boiler now and then to make sure it heats your home evenly and provides how water when needed. Work carefully to avoid damages and costly boiler repairs.
Bleed Your Radiators
Have you’ve noticed that your radiators are warm at the bottom and cold at the top? It means that there is trapped air inside, reducing their efficiency. Follow these simple steps to resolve the issue:
- Protect the carpet with plastic covers to prevent potential stains
- Put the key into the bleed valve and turn it anticlockwise, while holding an old cloth underneath to catch any droplets.
- The air comes out of the radiator under pressure, which creates a hissing noise.
- Once you release all the air, the hissing has to stop, and some water stars coming out. Use the cloth to soak up the water droplets.
- Turn the radiator key clockwise to close the valve.
Check the Ventilation
Keep any items and clutter away from your boiler to allow for sufficient ventilation. Letting your boiler breathe is essential for it to work safely, as it naturally gets warm while working.
And If it is housed in an airing cupboard or box, make sure there is an access panel so you can easily maintain it.
Balance the Radiators
Balancing the radiators means adjusting their valves to create an even distribution of heated water to each one. Often, the radiators that are the furthest from the boiler are cooler.
Lag Your Pipes
When it gets cold, your pipes might freeze over, and that makes your heating inefficient. Even worse, it causes a boiler breakdown. The best way to prevent this is to lag them.
Lagging is a type of insulation used on pipes. You can purchase ready-to-use lagging from any handyman store for a relatively low cost. Furthermore, it is easy to install, since you just have to wrap the pipes. Doing this saves you a lot of hassle down the road.
Check if the Flue is Accessible
According to government regulations, the boiler flue must be easily accessible. This is important, because cracks or loose joints may leak carbon monoxide. But If your flue goes into the ceiling, a Gas Safe engineer can install flue access panels for you.
Check the Flame
You should call a Gas Safe Registered engineer immediately if the flame of your boiler is yellow or orange. This is a sign that the boiler doesn’t burn the fuel completely, so there might be a carbon monoxide leak. The flame should normally be blue.
Inspect for Leaks and Drips
Be sure to check regularly for water leaks or drips around the boiler and the pipes. Corroded pipes are prone to leaking and are the first sign that your boiler might be due for a change.
Also, your boiler might leak if the pressure is too high, so monitor the pressure gauge as well. In any case, there is little you personally can do to fix a leak or a drip, other than calling an expert.
Call a Heating Engineer
We do not recommend that you attempt any work on your gas boiler since it is dangerous. Incorrect handling of gas pipes and appliances can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, fires, and explosions.