A replacement boiler can be an unexpected and unwelcome expense but if you carefully maintain your boiler whether new or not, you can extend its lifespan considerably.
Boiler care is something most people don’t really consider unless the worst happens and it packs up – normally in the middle of winter.
There are, however, a number of things a householder can do to maintain their boiler and avoid cold December showers.
Keep the Boiler Clean and Clutter-Free
When was the last time you dusted the boiler? Honestly?
Like everything else in the home, the boiler collects dust. It is perfectly safe for you to clean the outside of your boiler with a soft cloth to prevent a build-up of dust which could potentially get inside and cause problems.
Cleaning the inside, however, needs to be done by a Gas Safe engineer. Give our friendly team at CentraHeat a call to enquire about our boiler cleaning service.
The other thing you can do is ensure there is no junk and clutter surrounding the boiler.
Many boilers are housed in cupboards which are often the home of coats or linen. Remove anything from the boiler cupboard that potentially interferes with it.
It is important for the boiler cupboard to be well ventilated so if in doubt check with the boiler engineer.
Bleed your Radiators
Regularly bleeding the radiators can help both the radiators themselves and the boiler. Faulty radiators mean the boiler has to work harder, cutting efficiency and costing more.
This is a straightforward job and doesn’t need a qualified plumber or heating engineer. To do this, open the valve on the radiator and allow any trapped air to escape. This will enable the radiators to heat up fully.
It may also be a good idea to power flush your radiators every couple of years – this is essentially a deep clean of the radiators by flushing a cleaning chemical through the system. This flushes out any trapped dirt and debris and will ensure they function to full capability.
Boiler Pressure
Every couple of months it is also a good idea to check the boiler pressure to ensure it is maintaining an even pressure.
Most boilers should have a pressure of one bar. If the pressure gage is below this follow the instructions in the manual or call us at CentraHeat to top up the pressure.
If a boiler loses pressure it loses efficiency and has to work a lot harder to heat your home. This will obviously cost more in energy bills and will increase wear and tear on the boiler.
Annual Boiler Servicing
In addition to self-maintenance, your boiler should be serviced annually by a qualified engineer.
An annual service, like a car MOT, can spot any problems before they happen which can reduce the chance of your boiler breaking down.
And if the worst should happen, CentraHeat does have a 24/7 call-out to fix your boiler and get your heating and hot water running again.
