How to maintain your boiler

If you want to save yourself a fortune in call out charges and insurance, learning how to maintain your boiler is a useful skill. Being boiler savvy means you’ll save on your energy costs, too. So what can you do to keep your boiler in tip-top condition all year round?

Image Credit

Check the pressure

Do this once a week to make sure your boiler isn’t losing pressure and working inefficiently. Topping up the pressure with water via the filling loop is easy – just refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Turn the heating on

Another quick fix is to turn your heating on for 10 – 15 minutes a couple of times during the summer months. That way you’ll keep the system ticking over so the boiler doesn’t seize up and cause problems later.

Image Credit

Get a service

Don’t leave it until the winter to get your boiler serviced. Early autumn is the perfect time for that boiler service Gloucester homeowners can rely on to keep their boiler running smoothly – try a company like http://www.hprservicesltd.com/gloucester-boilers/boiler-service-gloucester/ for excellent local service.

Bleed your radiators

Releasing the trapped air from your radiators means they work more efficiently and it’s simple to do. First, switch off the heating before inserting the radiator key or screwdriver into the bleed valve and give it a quarter turn to the left. You should hear the hiss of escaping air and you may see some water escape so have an old towel handy. Now check the boiler pressure and top up if necessary.

Warning signs

Check your boiler regularly for any signs that things aren’t working properly. The flame should be a strong blue so if it isn’t, call a Gas Safe engineer. Make sure vents and pipes are free of blockages. Black sooty marks and a clanking or gurgling noise from your boiler could also mean you have a problem.

Lag pipes

You lag your water pipes in the winter, but don’t forget the boiler condensate pipe. If this freezes your boiler will cut out as a safety measure, so insulate it to keep your boiler working efficiently all winter.

Be gas safe

Carbon monoxide is the silent killer, so make sure you install a monitor next to the boiler. Check it every month to make sure it’s working efficiently to keep you and your family safe all year round.