Boiler Maintenance Tips
Whilst pretty much every functional house in the UK will have one form of boiler or another, it’s fair to say that not all heating systems have been created equal. We don’t always take the best care of our boilers, not least because we can take these for granted over time. At the same time, it can be hard to spot any telltale signs of faults or weakness, at least without the trained eye of an accredited engineer. In this post, we’ll discuss three boiler maintenance tips that can help you optimise performance and safeguard any investment that you’ve made in your heating system.
Call us at 01903 740538 or 07871 725133 or email us at info@pipelineplumbingservices.co.uk for expert boiler care.
Top 6 Boiler Maintenance Tips
1. Have your Boiler Serviced Annually
Whilst some disregard the idea of annual boiler servicing, this is a simple and cost-effective measure that really helps to maintain your heating system. This requires a Gas Safe-registered engineer to attend your property once each year, in order to conduct a series of essential checks and tests that track the performance of your boiler. Most crucially, this also helps you to identify any faults or issues before they become too problematic, reducing the cost of future repairs and ensuring that your boiler continues to operate efficiently over time.
2. Invest in a Power Flushing Service
Next up is power flushing, which is another specialist service that can help to keep your boiler in top working order. This also requires the attention of an accredited engineer and ideally one that has experience of working with your specific type of boiler. A power flush uses robust cleansing agents to remove any sludge, rust and debris that has accumulated in your heating system over time, and it’s recommended that you should have this undertaken every five or 10 years on average. This will definitely help your heating system to operate more efficiently over time, which can also translate into significant efficiency savings.
3. Bleed your Radiators
Finally, we come to a simple maintenance measure that you can take on yourself, without the help of an accredited engineer! If you ever notice cold spots appearing on your radiators, the chances are that there’s trapped air somewhere in your heating system. Bleeding your radiators provides a simple way of releasing this air, enabling them to heat your home more efficiently whilst also reducing the pressure in the boiler unit.
4. Monitor Pressure
If the pressure of your boiler is too high or too low it affects how your central heating performs, so it’s worth checking it regularly. You can locate the pressure gauge on your boiler and note where the needle is - it should sit between 1 and 1.5. If it’s too high it may mean you need to bleed your radiators and if it’s too low it needs repressurising. You can do this yourself if you feel confident, by following the instructions in your boiler manual. However, if in doubt, simply contact a qualified heating engineer who can carry the task out for you.
5. Keep Vents Clear
Boilers need good ventilation to work properly, so if yours is in a cupboard be sure it isn’t surrounded by clutter! As tempting as it might be to store towels, coats or bags around your boiler, this prevents it from working properly and can cause it to overheat.
6. Address Strange Sounds or Smells Right Away
If your boiler is making odd sounds or smelling strangely, don't ignore it. Make an appointment with a specialist to look into and fix these problems.
7. Don’t leave your boiler off for long periods
While we’d never encourage wasting energy, leaving your boiler off through the entire summer can lead to it not switching back on easily once the weather turns cold and you need it again. Much like a car parked on your drive but not in use, turning your boiler over every few weeks will help keep it ticking over. You only need to turn it on for half an hour, which should be enough time for it to run and wake up your central heating system up from hibernation.
8. Keep the area around your boiler clean
The inside of your boiler will be cleaned by your Gas Safe registered heating engineer as part of your annual service, and it’s unsafe to attempt this yourself. However, simply dusting on top, underneath and around your boiler can help prevent dust sneaking inside where it can cause damage. Simply do this as part of your regular house dust and it will just take mere seconds.
Signs You Need a Boiler Maintenance
Uneven heating
If some rooms in your house are colder than others, it could be a sign that your boiler isn't working properly. Heating that fluctuates is an obvious sign that your boiler needs maintenance.
Strange Sounds
Strange noises from your boiler, such as banging, whistling, or gurgling, may indicate problems with trapped air, low water pressure, or component failure.
Increased Energy Bills
An inefficient boiler may be to blame for a sudden increase in your energy costs without a change in usage. This rise can mean that your boiler is using more energy and exerting more effort to heat your house.
Odd smells
Smells coming from your boiler that are strange or persistent may indicate leaks or other issues. These need to be looked at right away.
Visible Water Leaks or Moisture
These are unmistakable signs that there is a problem if there is any visible water leakage or moisture near the boiler. Leaks that are ignored can result in more damage and potentially dangerous situations.
To prevent problems from getting worse, it's critical to arrange for a professional boiler maintenance service as soon as you notice any of these symptoms.
FAQs about Boiler Maintenance
Why is routine boiler maintenance so important?
Your boiler will run more effectively with regular maintenance, which lowers the chance of malfunctions and lengthens the life of the appliance.
How frequently should my boiler be serviced?
It is advised to service your boiler once a year to maintain its optimal performance, efficiency, and safety.
What can I do for fundamental boiler maintenance?
Checking for leaks, ensuring sufficient ventilation, and maintaining a clear area around the boiler are among the fundamental duties.
Why should I choose a pro to maintain my boiler?
Professionals have the knowledge to carry out in-depth inspections, spot possible problems, and make the required adjustments to guarantee your boiler operates at peak efficiency.
What indications are there that my boiler needs maintenance?
Unusual noises, uneven heating, rising energy costs, or obvious leaks are signs that your boiler may need professional maintenance.
Contact a Plumbing and Heating Expert in Pulborough
At Pipeline Plumbing Services Ltd, we understand the importance of a functional boiler and have been managing installations and repairs in West Sussex, including Pulborough, Billingshurst, Storrington, Horsham and the surrounding areas.
Our Gas Safe-registered engineers have more than 38 years of industry experience combined, whilst we also take pride in the fact that a large proportion of our work represents repeat business. To find out more, why not shoot us an email to info@pipelineplumbingservices.co.uk? Or, call us on either 01903 740538 or 07871 725133 to discuss your project in further detail.
