Damage to the boiler always seems to occur at the worst time when winter weather arrives. That’s usually because they have sat quietly all summer and then suddenly are required to work at full pelt when autumn and winter fall. Boiler problems can be troublesome and expensive, but there are a number of things you can do to safeguard this important investment. Prevention can save a lot of money and hassle, so here’s what a homeowner should do to prepare for the colder months:
One of the best ways to keep your boiler in top condition is to service it annually and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. A gas safety engineer can come and do this so you can rest easy that your boiler is functioning properly.
Pipe Insulation
By isolating your pipe, you will stop it from freezing when the temperature drops below zero. This helps prevent boiler condensate pipes from seizing during the winter months which is a major cause of boiler damage. Insulation for pipes is quite cheap and can be purchased at local DIY stores.
Take care of your central heating
Taking care of your central heating system as a whole is a great way to reduce the chance of suffering boiler damage. Should you require a new boiler, consider Boiler installation Bristol from www.greenerhomesgroup.co.uk/boiler-installations.html
Bleeding your radiator is a simple job that can help remove excess air trapped in it. If you notice that some of your radiators are warmer at the top than the bottom, then air is trapped in the system. You must release the air, as it’s a sign that your system is not working as efficiently as it should and means you’re wasting a lot of energy.
Radiator bleeding is an easy job. Make sure the heating is turned off before inserting the radiator lock into the slot on the valve. Turn the key counterclockwise around 45 degrees and you will hear the hiss of air. Prepare an old cloth or towel to catch dripping water. Re-lock the valve and the job is done.
Turn on the heater
Boilers that have not been used for months can be vulnerable to scrambling, so it’s always a good idea to turn on your heater occasionally just to keep the system active. During the summer, it is recommended that you run an occasional warm-up of about 15 minutes.
Boiler pressure
Over time, boilers can lose some pressure which causes them to run less efficiently. Look at the pressure gauge on your boiler to see if it might need to be refilled. You may need to read the manual or contact a boiler specialist.