Boiler Maintenance
Get ready for winter with our quick boiler maintenance check list.
Autumn is the perfect time to be thinking of your boiler’s maintenance, and its ability in providing you with warmth and hot water throughout the colder months.
Unmaintained boilers are prone to breakdowns, resulting in costly repairs. They can also become dangerous to your life.
So, check your boiler for safety and efficiency before winter arrives.
Annual Boiler Service
An annual gas boiler service is the best way to maintain the safety and efficiency of your boiler. A Gas Safe registered engineer will be able to advise you on any potential problems that may occur in the future. Having your boiler serviced annually also maintains your boilers warranty with the manufacturer.
Bleed Your Radiators
Bleeding your radiators helps to remove excess air within your central heating system. If you are noticing some of your radiators are not heating up straight away, it maybe due to too much air in your heating system.
Radiators with excess air in them are usually hot at the bottom and cold at the top.
Power Flush
Radiators that are hot at the top and not at the bottom usually have a build up of sludge within them. Sludge and debris prevents the radiator heating up effectively. Power flushing your central heating system will resolve this problem restoring your home with warmth.
Boiler Pressure
Pressurised central heating systems need to have the pressure checked regularly. The correct system pressure is between 1 and 1.5 bar. If your boilers pressure is too high or too low it will be less efficient and could cost you more in heating bills.
A Bright Blue Pilot Light
The colour of your boiler’s pilot light should always be bright blue. A flame that is yellow or orange could indicate that your boiler is faulty and potentially dangerous. It is important to call a gas engineer immediately to have your boiler checked.
Lagging
Insulating your central heating pipes with lagging is vital in preventing them from freezing during the winter months. Lagging will also increase energy efficiency and lowers heating bills.
Checking Your Boiler
It is important to regularly check your boiler. Ensure that your boiler is properly ventilated, by removing any household items that may be blocking the vents. The ventilation requirements for your boiler can be found in your manufacturer’s instructions.
Flue Accessibility
Regulations have changed and it is now law to ensure that the flue can be seen and joints inspected. For flues that are hidden in voids, access panels must be installed.
This new legislation is for safety, as joints can leak carbon monoxide. It is vital that they are checked correctly by a Gas Safe engineer.
Further Safety Precautions
For more protection against carbon monoxide poisoning we recommend having a carbon monoxide alarm installed in the room of your boiler.
If you are experiencing problems with your gas boiler call a registered Gas Safe engineer for help.