As colder weather is now upon us and winter is in full swing, most of us have now switched on our central heating system to warm our homes. Autumn and winter are when we rely on our boilers the most, so naturally, it’s also when our boilers work the hardest! Read on for our top tips to make sure your heating system stays in good working order.
Check your heating regularly
Even if you don’t feel the need to have your heating system on regularly, it’s beneficial to switch it on for short periods from time to time to check everything is working correctly. Keeping your heating off for long periods of time during warm weather means then when you do switch your heating on, your boiler has to work harder to warm up. No one wants nasty surprises when they need the warmth the most!
Check your pressure
Your boiler can lose pressure over time which may have a negative impact on its efficiency. Topping up your system pressure is a quick and easy job; you can find instructions on how to do this on manufacturers YouTube channels. You can also find instructions in the manufacturer’s installation manuals and if you are unsure, ask a Gas Safe Registered heating engineer for help.
Get your boiler serviced annually
Getting your boiler serviced regularly is essential when it comes to keeping it in great working condition. If you haven’t had your boiler serviced yet this year, book an appointment with a Gas Safe Registered engineer today. Your engineer will clean all the parts and components in your boiler and check that they are all in good working order. An annual service is also usually required to maintain your boiler’s warranty.
Bleed your radiators
Radiators that are a cooler temperature at the bottom than the top indicate that they have air trapped inside them and need bleeding. Radiators that need bleeding prevent your heating system from running at optimum efficiency and put extra strain on your system. Signs your radiator needs bleeding include a cooler temperature at the bottom as mentioned above, but also a gurgling sound when you turn the heating on is also a tell-tale sign. You can find helpful videos on how to bleed a radiator online, or you can ask a Gas Safe Registered engineer to help.
Warning signs
A key way to keep your heating system healthy is to regularly check your boiler for leaks, cracks, clunking noises or black, sooty marks. These signs may indicate your boiler needs to be checked by a Gas Safe Registered engineer. It’s also important to check outside your home to ensure any external vents, flues and airbricks are not being blocked by debris.
Blue flame
The flame in your boiler should be a strong, clear blue colour. If it appears yellow or smoky, there could be something wrong and you should call a Gas Safe Registered heating engineer immediately.
Insulate your pipes
During the cold winter months, the external condensate pipe on your boiler may freeze and stop your boiler from working. This can be prevented by using pipe insulation or keeping the heating on a constantly low setting when it’s very cold. If your condensate pipe does freeze, you can defrost it by pouring tepid water over it. Many boiler manufacturers also have videos showing you the best way to do this.
Carbon monoxide safety
As with all gas-burning appliances, boilers can produce carbon monoxide, a dangerous gas that is colourless and odourless. If you think your boiler may be faulty it should be checked by a Gas Safe Registered heating engineer as it may be producing carbon monoxide. Every home should have a carbon monoxide monitor.
Maintaining a healthy heating system
Keeping your heating system healthy, particularly over winter will help keep your home safe and warm. Regular maintenance will also make for a more cost-effective heating system as your system will be running more efficiently. Here at B&R Heating, we offer a range of services tailored to keeping your home warm and safe. Get in touch with our dedicated team to see how we can help you today.
