Too many homeowners forget about their boilers. While the boiler continually provides heat and hot water, the general approach is out of sight, out of mind”. However, your boiler will soon make its presence known if it fails or breaks down in some way. By regularly looking after your boiler, you avoid expensive disasters, having to find a boiler buying guide for new boilers, and you save money on your heating bill. Fortunately, looking after your boiler is easy with these tips.
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Check out the tips below
1. Have your Boiler Inspected Annually
The best way to look after boilers is to schedule a professional inspection once a year. Professionals can ensure that your boiler is in perfect working order and perform any tasks like cleaning that will bring it up to the highest operating standards. When it comes to choosing an appointment time, try and book your inspection a few months before winter starts. Getting the inspection finished before the colder months gives you plenty of time to deal with any issues. However, boiler technicians are busiest in the autumn so you may want to think about booking your inspection even further in advance. You can check out LS1 Boilers for a great range of professional services. An interesting alternative might be https://iheat.co.uk. Take your time to check and compare. It’s never too late to make informed and accurate decisions.
2. Lubricate any Moving Parts
Anything that moves in your boiler will wear out over time. You can avoid part failure by lubricating the fans, pumps and anything else that makes a repetitive motion. If you are unsure about how to lubricate these items or about DIY home improvement in general, ask a professional for help. Lubrication will not only make the parts of your boiler last longer, but it also makes them work more efficiently and help keep your central heating costs down.
3. Bleed your Radiators
When your central heating is on, check the radiators for warmth. If the bottom of the radiator is colder than the top, you have trapped air. Trapped air means your boiler works harder to heat the room and costs you money. Bleeding a radiator means turning all of the heating off and then inserting a key into the radiator bleed valve. Turn the key counter-clockwise until you hear a hissing sound which typically occurs after a quarter-rotation. Once the hissing stops and water starts to drip, you can close the valve and remove the key. Finish the bleeding process by double-checking your boiler’s pressure to see if it need more water.
4. Check the Pressure
Speaking of your boiler’s pressure, you should regularly check it to see if your boiler is operating efficiently. As your boiler loses pressure, it runs less efficiently. If the pressure drops too low, then it can severely damage your boiler. Check your boiler’s manual for information about the recommended pressure and where its pressure gauge is located. You must check your boiler’s pressure before winter begins since that is when you will need it most, and when it is most vulnerable to failure.
5. Clean your Boiler
Your boiler should be regularly cleaned both outside and inside. Your boiler needs ventilation and air to operate correctly, which is why you must keep the space around it free of clutter. Too many coats, shoes and other items are a potential fire hazard and will obstruct your access for performing other maintenance tasks. As your boiler works, dirt builds up on its insides. The air vent hamper and flues should be regularly cleaned to ensure they are working properly and if you have hard water, you will need to descale your boiler too. During summer, you should consider draining your boiler’s water entirely and then refilling it to help with the cleaning process.
6. Turn on the Heat from Time to Time
You may forget about your boiler entirely during the summer months but if you do not use it, your boiler may seize up. All you have to do is turn on your heating at least once every one to two months for about 10 to 15 minutes. This keeps your boiler working and lets you catch any potential problems well in advance.
Keeping your boiler in the best condition requires regular work, but it is preferable to dealing with a catastrophic breakdown and choosing new boilers mid-winter. A professional must service your boiler once a year, otherwise you will be blindsided by a preventable fault. Sometimes, you will find out that your old boiler is failing and the best option is to replace it. Companies like LS1 Boilers have a great selection of new boilers and you can find out more about replacing your boiler, as well as a boiler buying guide by clicking the link. Replacing your boiler is no nad thing and may actually be a home improvement in the long run. The cost of a new boiler is always a mystery. That’s why our resources will help you best because we have the best search team. Find new boiler costs here.
