Your boiler is one of the most valuable and expensive appliances in your home. It is therefore understandable that you’d like to avoid any problems for as long as it is operational. By maintaining your boiler on a regular basis, you will be keeping it efficient and healthy in the long term. Here are six smart maintenance tips that will save you money.
Service the boiler every year
It’s advisable to have your boiler serviced on a yearly basis. This way, you can prevent breakdowns and maximize its lifespan. During servicing, it is very important to change the central heating inhibitor, the liquid that protects the boiler from corrosion. All this work must be professionally done by a Gas Safe engineer who is fully registered and certified. Call your local commercial boiler repair service now to make sure your boiler remains in good condition.
Check the pressure of the boiler
Another thing is to check the pressure. The boiler should be set at the correct pressure so that it is able to efficiently distribute hot water through the pipes in your house. In addition, the pressure gauge should be working normally as per the manufacturer’s instructions. If the boiler pressure is too high or too low, you can do the adjustments by yourself.
Bleed the boiler’s radiators
After a period of time, air can build up inside your boiler’s radiators. These air spaces can prevent the system from heating fully thereby leading to some cold patches. This problem can be solved if you bleed the radiators. It’s advisable to do this before the start of the cold season, to ensure your boiler is running smoothly when it’s needed the most.
Try balancing the radiators
When you balance the radiators, it means you are adjusting the valves to enable an even circulation of hot water to each radiator. Usually, the radiators that are very far from the boiler unit are cooler. Although it’s more complicated than bleeding, it is worthwhile since it helps the boiler heat the house efficiently. For bigger houses, it’s advisable to ask for assistance from an engineer.
Inspect for drips and leaks
Always ensure to check for drips or water leaks on the circulation pipes as recommended by experts. Leaks may come as a result of corroded pipes or if there is excessive pressure in the unit. If you discover worn out or damaged parts, consult a certified engineer. Normally, repairs would sort you out. However, a complete replacement of the boiler may also be considered.
Install lagging on your pipes
When it gets too cold, the circulation pipes can freeze over, leading to inefficient heating. Even worse, it can cause a boiler to malfunction. To prevent this, lag the pipes by covering them with insulating material. You can buy lagging insulation material from most DIY stores at an affordable cost. Furthermore, it’s easy to fix, since you simply need to wrap the circulation pipes.
Besides the aforementioned tips, keep in mind the following safety tip: Always make sure that your boiler flame is in a blue color. If it’s yellow or orange, it means there is a carbon monoxide leak and you should call a Gas Safe engineer right away. You can also prevent carbon monoxide poisoning by installing an alarm that will alert you if it detects a leak.
